A recent message on this thread wondering why no GW graduates had written
to offer their Alma mater shamed me into action.  I attended The George
Washington University's Museum Studies program.  This Master's Program is
structured to combine student's interest in museum functions (education,
curatorial, registrarial, etc.) with content areas (history,
anthropology, art history, biology,etc.).  In addition to approximately
two years of coursework, participants are required to complete an
internship (a rather lengthy one, or two shorter stints depending on how
you schedule your time).

GW is not inexpensive but if you work full-time for the university you
receive two courses per semester at no cost (incidentally, most
universities offer such tuition incentives for employees).  It takes a
little longer and requires that you take coursework during the summer.  I
opted for an archeology field school one summer and finished with a
fellowship program in Maine for the second.  The archeology field school
was two weeks which I used vacation time for; the Maine fellowship was
the conclusion of my program and at this time I left the university --
after two and a half years of happy employment.   I found that the
university is a flexible employer, pays reasonably well (and yes, it is
administrative work but surrounded by professors and students which can
be very stimulating) and you're so close to classes!  Oh, and health
benefits too.  Permanent part-time employees receive one course per
semester.  The Museum Studies program offers the majority of its courses
between 4-6pm and 6-8pm to accommodate working students (kudos to them!).
 Not all of your subject area courses are so convenient but I found that
my university employer was more understanding about taking two hours in
the middle of the day to walk across campus and attend a class than
outside employers were to fellow students.  Just a thought.  Graduating
debt free is a really good feeling.

The Museum Studies program is offered through the Graduate School of Arts
and Sciences.  GW also offers an MA in Museum Education through the
School of Education chaired by Carol Stapp.  Both are excellent programs
and worth looking into.

If you would like to know more, feel free to contact me off-list.

Michelle L. Craig
MER Program Chair
&
Education/Exhibitions Specialist
Psychology Exhibition