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 Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (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.
All summer internships and fellowships span 10 weeks, running from early June to late August. Hours are Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break. Unless specified otherwise in the job description, these opportunities are expected to be conducted in-person.
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 apply if I’ve recently graduated college?
After graduating, you have the opportunity to apply for an internship or fellowship as long as it has been within a year since your graduation. We welcome recent graduates to explore and pursue these opportunities to further enhance their skills and contribute to our organization.
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.
What should I expect after submitting my application?
Thank you for your interest in our internship opportunities. Once applications are successfully submitted, they are promptly reviewed and forwarded to the appropriate supervisor for consideration. While our internship positions are highly competitive, we carefully consider all qualifying candidates. Applicants selected for an interview will receive additional communication regarding the status of their application. Please note that we do not send out rejection letters to candidates who are not being considered.
Questions? interns@mfah.org
Professional Opportunities: Gallery Educator Program
The Gallery Educator Program (The GEP) invites current graduate and undergraduate students from Texas Southern University and the University of Houston to participate. This program provides training in Object-Based Learning and In-Gallery facilitation, empowering gallery educators to engage with students K-12 across Houston.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with staff mentors and teachers to design and implement multidisciplinary lesson plans and guided learning experiences.
- Facilitate in-gallery discussions and activities aimed at enhancing students' academic development and fostering a deeper connection with art.
- Innovate methods for engaging diverse student audiences, including K-12 within the gallery
Qualifications
- Current enrollment as a graduate or undergraduate student at Texas Southern University or the University of Houston.
- Strong interest in teaching, art, art education, working with K-12 students
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
- Commitment to collaborative work and continuous learning in a museum setting.
- Proven track record of reliability and dependability in previous roles.
- Excellent time management and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
Benefits
- Training in Object-Based Learning
- Opportunity to collaborate with experienced staff mentors and educators in the field.
- Hands-on experience in developing educational programs and resources.
For more information, please contact interns@mfah.org.
Gallery Educator Program FAQs
Do I need to be a full-time student to apply?
No, we accept both part-time and full-time graduate and 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? interns@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.