hi all-

i feel compelled to reply, since i feel like i've been in the same
boat:  choosing between going into academia (which i originally was
thinking of and so went into a phd program in art history) or museums
(which i switched to after my ma into a phd art ed program).  but i think
a valuable way of thinking about this besides which field do you want to
go into (which is ultimately what made my decision for me), is the
differences between a phd and an ma program.  a ma program, in my
experience, is rarely funded, is more self-directed on the students' parts
because of varying reasons for getting the degree and often less direct
commitment from departments and faculty, and usually consists of classwork
and a thesis., sometimes exams.  a phd program is a greater commitment
with classwork and much longer dissertation work, more often funded
(though not always, obviously), and directed more so in collaboration with
faculty, as well, as others have mentioned, the "coin of the
realm" as one of my professors once said for certain positions -
academic for sure.  because of this, you might want to consider the
faculty (more
important with phd because of their support with funding, dissertation,
and job search), funding (more likely from department for phd
students), and ultimately what you want to do.  i suppose ultimately a phd
program is better because you have more options - funding, faculty
support, and job prospects.  you might want to check in withthe
departments and speak to faculty, other students, and chairpeople (what do
their graduates go on to do, what is funding like, etc.).

whew!  i hope this helps -n just my two cents

but remember-as my husband always says, the degree is just a means to an
end - the job you want!  good luck-meryl zwanger

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