Yes, all internships are paid. Please see Pay Rates for more information.

MFA Pathways internships are available for either undergraduate or graduate students who have completed their first year of college (including community college) and will be enrolled in a corresponding degree program/process during the internship period. Candidates who have completed a bachelor’s degree are not eligible to apply for an undergraduate internship. In clearly specified situations, internships are available to recent graduates. Read each description carefully for specific criteria on who may apply.

Each internship carries additional, department-specific, qualifying criteria; read each description carefully. The opportunities offered each semester are determined by the expected work flow of the various departments and vary from term to term.

Yes, international students who are eligible/approved for CPT/OPT work for pay in the United States are eligible for the MFA Pathways internships. Applicants must submit a copy of the published description to their visa administrators for approval before applying.

During the interview, international students must indicate that you will be applying to receive CPT/OPT credit.

Once offered an internship, candidates must immediately provide the MFA with any agreement documentation required by the CPT/OPT sponsor. All CPT/OPT approvals must be completed before orientation as candidates must present proof of work eligibility, as directed by Human Resources, at the time of orientation. (Note: the MFA does not sponsor visas for internships.)

Yes. Before applying, you must (1) provide a copy of the internship description to your advisor for approval, and; (2) make all appropriate arrangements with your school to receive credit.

During your interview, you must indicate that you will be applying to receive credit from your institution.

Once offered the internship, you must immediately provide any agreement documentation required by the school to the MFA for appropriate approval and signatures.

Undergraduate-level internships run for one semester. Graduate-level internships usually run for two semesters. Specific descriptions have detailed information on length; read each description carefully.

Applications are reviewed—and hiring decisions are made—on a rolling basis each period, so apply early. Please see Program Dates for all application periods.

All properly formatted applications are acknowledged by e-mail within three business days of receipt by the MFA. Improperly formatted materials are not considered and cannot be corrected or re-submitted.

Candidates selected for an interview will be contacted by the host department—initially by e-mail, and if necessary, followed up by phone. (Be sure to include your preferred e-mail address and daytime phone number in your cover letter and resume.) Applicants not selected for an interview will be notified by e-mail as soon as possible once the host department makes that decision.

Internships remain posted until filled unless an especially large volume of applications is received by the halfway point of the application period. Therefore, apply as early as possible for full consideration, as interviews may begin as soon as applications are received.

Fall and spring internships require between 10 and 20 hours per week; summer internships may require between 12 to 35 hours. Review each description carefully to determine the time commitment that the specific internship requires. These required hours include two hours per week for the Museum Pathways and Practices professional development course which meets on Thursdays during the summer, and on Fridays during the fall and spring, from 12:30–2:30 pm.

The MFA Pathways internship program requires each intern to participate in the Museum Pathways and Practices course. This series of 8–11 two-hour-long seminar sessions is held on Fridays during the fall and spring, and on Thursdays during the summer. Each session is comprised of (a) informal networking and cohort building among interns, and (b) a presentation/conversation led by Museum professionals from across the MFA. At the end of the semester, all interns are also required to prepare a short presentation highlighting their internship experience.

All selected interns must attend an orientation session before beginning their internship. Orientation dates and times are included in each description. During your interview, you must confirm your availability to attend the orientation.

Internship periods are listed in Program Dates. Individual schedules must be confirmed with mentors when accepting the internship offer. Applicants should note in their cover letter and during their interviews any special circumstances that could affect their start or end dates, as well as participation in the Museum Pathways and Practices course.

At this time we are able to offer summer interns a modest housing subsidy of $1,500. (This subsidy is subject to taxes.)

The MFA provides interns a monthly transportation subsidy equal to the cost of a monthly public transit MBTA LinkPass, currently $90. (This subsidy is subject to taxes.)