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Learning Experiences
University & Professional Schools

Internship & Fellowship Programs

The MFAH internship and fellowship program provides specialized training and career readiness for undergraduate and graduate students, fostering the next generation of museum professionals and active community partners. Interns and fellows gain firsthand experience working on one or more meaningful projects under the guidance of staff mentors. Interns and fellows also have the opportunity to gain a broader understanding of diverse museum careers through regular professional-development presentations and outings.

Summer Internship & Fellowship Opportunities

The MFAH offers a range of summer internship and fellowship opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students. Detailed job descriptions and application instructions can be found on the Museum’s Opportunities for Internships and Fellowships page. Summer internships and fellowships span 10 weeks, from early June to late August. Programs run Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, with a one-hour lunch break. Unless specified otherwise in the job description, these opportunities are expected to be conducted in person.

Internships & Fellowships FAQ

Do I need to be a full-time student to apply?

No. The MFAH accepts both part-time and full-time students.

Are housing and commuting accommodations provided?

Housing assistance and accommodations are not offered. Resources to assist with commuting, such as METRO cards, are offered through the human resources department.

Are accessibility accommodations provided?

Yes. The MFAH can arrange any necessary accommodations.

Can I apply if I’ve recently graduated college?

After graduating, you may apply for an internship or fellowship as long as it is within a year of your graduation. Recent graduates are welcome to explore and pursue these opportunities to further enhance their skills and contribute to the Museum.

Can I re-apply if I’ve previously worked as an intern or a fellow at the MFAH?

Yes. If you meet the requirements for the position listed in the job description, you are welcome and encouraged to apply.

What types of positions are offered?

Fellowship and internship opportunities vary each summer, depending on which departmental areas can facilitate an engaging experience. Internships are typically offered in various curatorial areas; learning and interpretation; library and archives; conservation; and other Museum departments.

When are intern and fellow positions posted?

Positions are typically posted in late winter or early spring. Candidates are usually selected and notified by April.

What should I expect after submitting my application?

Once applications are successfully submitted, they are promptly reviewed and forwarded to the appropriate supervisor. Although internship positions are highly competitive, all qualifying candidates are carefully considered. Applicants selected for an interview receive additional communication regarding the status of their application.

Please note

  • Rejection letters are not sent to candidates who are not being considered.
  • Applications and résumés sent to the intern inbox are typically not considered or reviewed. To ensure that your application is properly reviewed, apply through the designated application portal.

 

 
 
Email for Questions
[email protected]
 
 

Equal Opportunities for All

At the MFAH, we believe that diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusivity are fundamental to our organization. We welcome all applicants whose experience and interest has prepared them to consider this opportunity and support our organizational commitment to workplace diversity, inclusion, and excellence. Our commitment to our policy and practice of nondiscrimination represents more than good intentions. It provides for selections and decisions that are made without regard to race, creed, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law or any other reason unrelated to your ability to join and contribute to our organization and support our mission to provide a museum experience for all.
 
The MFAH is equally committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals interested in opportunities with the organization. As part of this commitment, we want to ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation needed to 1) participate in the application process or 2) the interview process; 3) perform essential functions; and/or 4) participate in the benefits and privileges of an opportunity with the MFAH. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please email [email protected] to contact the human resources department.
All Learning and Interpretation programs at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, receive generous support from H-E-B; Sempra Foundation; the Brown Foundation, Inc.; the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo; the Joe Barnhart Foundation; the Cockrell Family Fund; the CFP Foundation; the William E. and Natoma Pyle Harvey Charitable Trust; the Texas Commission on the Arts; the Claire & Theodore Morse Foundation; the Junior League of Houston, Inc.; and additional generous donors.
 
Endowment funds are provided by the Louise Jarrett Moran Bequest; Caroline Wiess Law; Windgate Foundation; the William Randolph Hearst Foundation; Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff; the National Endowment for the Humanities; the Fondren Foundation; BMC Software, Inc.; the Wallace Foundation; the Neal Myers and Ken Black Children’s Art Fund; the Eleanor and Frank Freed Foundation; Medha and Shashank Karve; Virginia and Ira Jackson; Jesse H. Jones II; the CFP Foundation; the Favrot Fund; gifts in memory of John Wynne; Neiman Marcus Youth Arts Education; gifts in memory of Peter Lotz; and gifts in honor of Beth Schneider.