The value of a PhD depends on what direction you wish your
career to take, and the discipline of the museum.  Keep in mind
a PhD is a research-oriented degree; applying various
analytical techniques to a problem -- a problem based in the
philosophy and existing knowledge of the discipline.  If you
wish to pursue research projects at a later date, whether in a
museum or other arena, the skills developed during a PhD
program are critical.
 
-many granting agencies will not fund research-oriented grants
to individuals without research credentials (translate that for
most cases to mean a PhD).
 
-many universities will not easily permit non-PhD's to teach
undergraduate & graduate courses (it does happen, but in the
sciences, it frequently takes a direct attack on the
bureaucracy to do so).
 
- the scientific disciplines tend to be more chauvanistic about
terminal degrees than the humanities --
 
If for example, you are in the sciences and wish to work in an
administrative capacity in a university museum, you would be at
a serious disadvantage without the PhD -
 
I am not an advocate of across the board, yes you need a PhD -
it is an individual situation/preference/need decision.  But
yes, in some areas of museum work there is a decided advantage
in having a PhD.
--
Paisley S. Cato, Ph.D.                          e-mail: [log in to unmask]
Curator of Collections                          phone:  703-666-8634
Virginia Museum of Natural History              fax:    703-632-6487
1001 Douglas Ave., Martinsville, VA 24112