I would definitely recommend the program. It is housed in an art museum, but it is very interdisciplinary and offers a lot of hands-on experience that is backed by a well-rounded theoretical foundation.

I personally chose pursuing my MA in Museum Studies over getting an actual museum job. The museum at which I did my undergraduate internship (my BA is in History) was looking for a new director at the time, and had shown interest in me. Granted, it is a small historic house with only two paid staff persons, but it was a very appealing prospect. Why did I decide to get my Master’s degree instead of applying for a job? First of all, I was advised by several museum professionals, whom I trust greatly, to do so. Secondly, I felt completely unprepared to run a museum! The interdisciplinary and multi-faceted aspect of Museum Studies fit the bill for me. I want to start out working in, if not directing, small historic house museums. Because small museums are not heavily staffed, I will need to know how to do fundraising, exhibition design, collections management, educational programming, volunteer management, and anything else that needs doing (yes, even cleaning). My degree has already given me the confidence to enter into such a leadership position and succeed.

I have seen some people complaining about the cost of a Museum Studies degree in relation to the amount that they are paid. I must admit, that I am not very concerned about this (luckily). Although I paid for my first semester of school, I have received a graduate assistantship for the upcoming year. In addition to waiving my tuition, the university is giving me a pay check to work in the education department of a mid-sized museum. My husband makes more than enough money to support our family, and his job is flexible enough that we can most likely move if I receive a job offer after graduation. I’m not looking for great pay and benefits right away, but I still want to be a professional and have the necessary skills to take care of my museum, further its research and contribution to society, and gain continuing funding. I am not going into the museum field because I want to make a lot of money but because it is my passion.

I support Museum Studies!

And so when as an outsider I read this post I ask myself: “Museum studies… understood in terms of a hospital, do they lead you to be a doctor, a hospital administrator, an insurance agent, a marketing expert, a collector of public funds, a hospital designer, etc?”

Clearly there must be so many aspects to running a museum and so just like in a corporation if it does not prioritize correctly which is the most important task at any specific moment or forget to adequately cover any of the basic functions at all times, they will not do well. But also, just like in a corporation that does not mean that all the functions have to be performed by employees, since outsourcing could often be a much better alternative.

Also if you think of museum studies in term of the museums that exist, and not in terms of those that will exist, then not even the most powerful museum workers´ union will give you any job protection. I just wonder how many museum boards have asked, where do we believe the good museums will be in 2030 and how do we get there? Those who don´t do that, in a timely fashion, will most probably end up as catalogued items in the museum of museums.

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! I hope you’ll find that the world opens up to you with your new degree. I also hope you find that (if not the content of your studies,) the skills you’ve perfected in graduate school (writing, critical and creative thinking capabilities) are valued by your potential employers.

I’m interested to hear about how the intellectual community of your program has contributed to your professional development. You’ll all be graduating with the same degree in the same economic situation. Do your friends have the same outlook on the program?

As a side (and to contribute my two-cents), I worked in a science center for about two years before heading off to graduate school myself. The culture was one that really appreciated a background in science and a passion for curiosity. I believe your science background will be refreshing and has the potential to serve you very well!

@James G. Leventhal- Thanks for your kind comment. I hope that the dialogue continues both here and on the blogs of several other museos!

pleased to be ‘on this chain.’ it’s an important discussion, and for everyone of us, at every stage in our careers. thanks again for opening this up.
james