Hans Schrader plans on a career in museums, and he got his start at Wichita State University’s Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology.

Hans is one of more than 1,200 students eligible for fall 2024 graduation. Learn more about his time at Wichita State and what's next for the grad.

Master of Arts in Anthropology

Wichita 

I chose Wichita State because of its proximity and to be close to family. I stayed for my master's degree because of the excellent anthropology professors I worked with during my undergraduate degree and the practical experience available through WSU's Museum Studies Graduate Certification.

My degree program alongside the Museum Studies Certificate prepared me for my career goals post-graduation.

My greatest challenge as a student, but one which I overcame was a lack of confidence during presentations.

Before my tenure at Wichita State, I had underdeveloped presentation skills and anxiety when speaking publicly. Over the course of my undergraduate and graduate careers, my public speaking ability improved tremendously through a combination of required coursework, extracurricular academic opportunities, advice from professors and personal dedication.

Enhancing my public speech capabilities has been a crucial step toward advancement in the museum field.

My favorite on campus location is the Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology in Neff Hall.

I am a bit biased since I was registrar. I spent many hours in the museum working on schoolwork and managing its diverse collection of cultural artifacts from around the world.

The Holmes museum is a quiet gem in the heart of campus which has been a truly special part of my graduate education. It was an honor stewarding its many wonderful and unique ethnographic objects.

Bittersweetly, Neff Hall is slated to be demolished, and the Holmes Museum will be moving to a new location on campus so visit while Neff still stands!

I plan on working as a curator, collections manager or registrar at a museum or related institution in the United States applying what I have learned and striving to preserve our tangible past and the stories which accompany cultural objects.

Pursue what interests you during your time at Wichita State. True success is not based on the perceptions of others. It is defined by your personal aspirations.

Work toward a career you are passionate about, not one you will simply tolerate. Never stop exploring.

Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 23,000 students between its main campus and WSU Tech, including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student centered and innovation driven.

Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students.

The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.

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