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 broad understanding of diverse museum careers through regular professional-development presentations and outings.
Summer Internship & Fellowship Opportunities
The MFAH provides a variety of summer internship and fellowship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Job descriptions and application instructions are linked on this page at the beginning of every spring semester.
All summer internships and fellowships are 10 weeks long, from early June to late August. Hours are Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with an hour lunch break. Internships and fellowships are presumed to be fully in-person unless otherwise noted in the job description.
Summer Internship & Fellowships FAQs
Do I need to be a full-time student to apply?
No, we accept 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, please inform us and we can arrange any necessary accommodations.
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’re welcome and encouraged to apply.
Questions? interns@mfah.org
Undergraduate Professional Opportunities: Gallery Educator Program
The Gallery Educator Program is a function of the School Tour Program that fosters learning environments for HISD students. Throughout each academic semester, gallery educators work with staff mentors and teachers to design multidisciplinary lesson plans and guided learning experiences that enrich a student’s academic development and deepen their connection with art. The program functions on a multi-visit model where educators facilitate at least three new lesson plans for each student’s visit throughout the semester.
The Gallery Educator Program is open to current undergraduate students, part-time or full-time, who attend Texas Southern University and the University of Houston main campus. See more details about the job description here.
The application opens at the beginning of every academic semester. Applications for the start of the fall semester will be due at the end of March, and at the beginning of October for the start of the spring semester. As this program continues on a semester-to-semester basis, applications are reviewed as needed.
Gallery Educator Program FAQs
Do I need to be a full-time student to apply?
No, we accept both part-time and full-time undergraduate students from both institutions.
What is the program schedule?
Group training schedules and tours are determined by individuals’ school availability (classes, clubs, other work commitments).
Are accessibility accommodations provided?
Yes, please inform us and we can arrange any necessary accommodations.
Can this opportunity go towards academic credit?
Yes, but earning academic credit must be arranged outside of the Museum between the applicant and the professor/academic department.
Questions? Contact Faith Hillis at fhillis@mfah.org
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 contact the human resources department: HR@mfah.org
Other Opportunities
In addition to internships and fellowships, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, offers numerous volunteer opportunities. Learn more about volunteering.
The Summer Internship Program at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, receives generous funding from the the Lubrizol Foundation and gifts in honor of Beth Schneider
All Learning and Interpretation programs at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, receive endowment funds provided by 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; Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Ballard; Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Tate; the Eleanor and Frank Freed Foundation; Virginia and Ira Jackson; the Favrot Fund; CFP Foundation; Neiman Marcus Youth Arts Education; gifts in memory of John Wynne; and gifts in honor of Beth Schneider.