At least at the Smithsonian, the majority of our researchers have their
PhD or are pre-doctorates in a specialized field.  Most museum studies
programs focus on museum management aspects and less on research.
A good idea would be to look for a program in your specialized area of
interest and then take a museum studies certificate or concentration --
George Washington University and New York University (and I'm sure
others, but I'm trying to avoid the discussion of grad. programs) have
these types of MA/MS programs.

Just my views...

Laura Mahoney
Grant/Contract Specialist
Office of Sponsored Projects
Smithsonian Institution

>>> michelle marie jensen <[log in to unmask]> 08/28/96
04:33pm >>>
I just saw a post about a conference that focused on the role of
research in a museum.  As a senior in college, and a museum employee, I
have recently become interested in being a researcher at a museum.
While I have been looking at grad schools, I have not seen any
references to obtaining a degree that would help me acheive this goal
through museum studies programs or any other discipline.   Also, I have
read the AAM's article about suggested qualifications, etc., for museum
positions.  They did not include anything about research either.  Is this
just a career that takes off after one obtains a degree in a specialized
area of study
(i.e. history, anthropology) and approaches a museum about job
openings?
Can any museum professionals out there help me find an answer to my
question?
Please email me or post to the group. I am interested in hearing many
people's opinions!
Thank you in advance!

Michelle Jensen
Manager, Discovery Room
Museum of Natural History
438 Natural History Building
1301 West Green Street
Urbana, IL  61801
**My views expressed above do not necessarily represent the views of
my spouse, museum, or university**
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