Internships

Career preparation begins now, and the SMU Art History program connects students with a robust selection of internship opportunities. Art History students enjoy unusually close proximity to world-class institutions such as the Kimbell Art Museum, Amon Carter Museum, Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas Museum of Art, the renowned Meadows Museum and more. The SMU campus is located only five miles from downtown Dallas, home to the country’s largest arts district.

Interning at an art museum, art gallery, auction house, archive, or other arts-related institution is a powerful way to jump-start your career in Art History. SMU Art History can help you find the arts internship that is right for you. Art History majors and minors can earn course credit for completing a museum internship, some of which (such as the DMA-SMU summer internship) are available exclusively to SMU Art History students.

Pre-professional career training and real-world work experience in the museum field is also available on campus, whether through curating an exhibition as part of the Art Gallery Practicum (ARHS 4305) or leading tours of the Meadows Museum to elementary school students as part of the Art Museum Teaching Practicum (ARHS 4303).

First steps:

  • Meet with the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Art History Department to learn about current internship openings in the DFW area and beyond
  • Make a Meadows Career Success Appointment (https://www.smu.edu/meadows/alumni/students) to update your career materials (resume, LinkedIn profile, etc.), learn from a networking tutorial, and be matched with a Meadows Mentor, a successful SMU Meadows alum willing to provide industry-specific career guidance.
  • Make an appointment at the Hegi Family Career Development Center and view current internship postings on Handshake: https://www.smu.edu/studentaffairs/hegi-career-center/career-development

Several SMU Art History majors, minors, and graduate students have recently held internships at:

  • Dallas Museum of Art, including the special DMA-SMU paid summer internship
  • Hawn Art Gallery, Hamon Arts Library
  • Nasher Sculpture Center
  • Amon Carter Museum of American Art
  • Heritage Auctions
  • ArtStar
  • The Warehouse
  • Dallas Art Fair
  • Several other art galleries, auction houses, and art advisory firms