Internships and Fellowships
Students interested in experiential learning and insight into museum professions can consider applying for an internship or fellowship at the Ackland.
We offer opportunities for undergraduates and graduate students from UNC-Chapel Hill and other colleges and universities.
Ackland internships and fellowships are one to two academic terms in duration (Fall, Spring, and Summer). Students typically work in one of the Museum’s departments, focusing principally on a project designed to join Museum priorities with students’ interests. Students also participate in smaller-scale projects and routine aspects of museum work, as well as a series of special sessions just for interns and fellows that introduce them to current projects at the Ackland.
Contact us for more information about our internship and fellowship program, or about specific positions listed below.
Please note that we do not currently offer internship positions for high school students.
For Graduate Students
Paid Internships
Information about paid internships for graduate students, in art history and in other disciplines, is posted at the end of every Fall semester.
Field Experiences
Graduate students in the School of Information and Library Science may arrange to work with Ackland staff members on projects that fulfill their field experience requirements.
For Undergraduate Students
Fall, Spring, and Summer Internships
Each semester, the Museum invites undergraduate students – from Carolina and from other colleges and universities – to apply for internships, either as volunteers or for academic credit. Undergraduate interns work between 7 and 20 hours per week in one of several Museum departments. Application deadlines are typically in February for summer internships, March for fall internships, and October for spring internships.
Available Internships
Public Programs, Families at the Museum: Assist with planning and execution of the Ackland’s public programs for children and family audiences, including Art Adventures and Ackland F.A.M. (Families at the Museum) programs and resources. Applicants should have experience working with children and the ability to work occasional weekends when programs occur. Preference will be given to students who are available during both the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters.
Public Programs, 2nd Friday ArtWalk: Assist with planning and execution of the Ackland’s evening public programs offered on the second Friday of the month, as part of Chapel Hill and Carrboro’s 2nd Friday ArtWalk. Applicants must be available on second Fridays during the academic calendar. Preference will be given to students who are available during both the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters.
To apply, submit a letter of interest and a resume or CV as a single PDF, and a current transcript (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) to acklandlearn@unc.edu by 8 am on March 27, 2023. Questions can also be direct to acklandlearn@unc.edu. Selected applicants will be contacted for interviews.