Photography | Montana State University

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 25-4012.00

Skills

SpeakingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningWritingCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingActive LearningJudgment and Decision Making

Knowledge

English LanguageHistory and ArcheologyFine ArtsAdministration and ManagementSociology and Anthropology

Abilities

Oral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionOral ExpressionWritten ExpressionDeductive ReasoningNear VisionInductive ReasoningCategory FlexibilitySpeech ClarityProblem Sensitivity

Tasks

Plan and organize the acquisition, storage, and exhibition of collections and related materials, inc
Develop and maintain an institution's registration, cataloging, and basic record-keeping systems, us
Plan and conduct special research projects in area of interest or expertise.

Technology

Document management softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareDesktop publishing softwareOperating system softwareData base user interface and query software

Tools

Claw hammersDesktop computersDigital camerasDigitizersHandheld digital thermometersLaptop computersLight metersMat cuttersPaint brushesPersonal computersPower drillsPrecision knivesPrecision levelsPrecision rulersScanners

Work Values

IndependenceAchievementWorking ConditionsRecognitionRelationshipsSupport

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium25-4012.00	Curators	title_inference	—	—	—

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: proficient (Level 3)(based on Bachelor's Degree)

Acquisition and exhibition strategy — plan, organize, and oversee the full lifecycle of collection acquisitions, storage systems, and public exhibitions, including theme development and installation, operating autonomously across an institution's program.
Institutional registration systems — architect and continuously improve enterprise-level cataloging and record-keeping databases to meet archival standards and scholarly access requirements.
Independent research — design and conduct original, peer-reviewed research projects in a specialized discipline, producing journal articles and conference presentations that advance the field.
Complex object authentication — independently examine, test, and authenticate objects of uncertain provenance using historical, scientific, and comparative methodologies in high-stakes acquisition contexts.
Collection transaction authority — negotiate and authorize purchases, sales, exchanges, and long-term loans of significant collection items, applying legal, ethical, and financial judgment.
Environmental stewardship — evaluate institutional premises for climate, lighting, and pest control adequacy, commissioning expert interventions and documenting compliance with preservation standards.
Grant and publication leadership — write, review, and finalize grant proposals, journal submissions, and institutional reports as primary author, ensuring scholarly rigor and funding alignment.
Systems analysis — evaluate the effectiveness of collection management, exhibition delivery, and public engagement systems, recommending and implementing institutional improvements.
Instructional facilitation — design and deliver training programs for staff, interns, and fellows on curatorial methods, collection standards, and research practices.
Stakeholder communication — present complex curatorial and scholarly findings clearly to diverse audiences—trustees, scholars, educators, and the general public—through oral and written channels.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.