> I am a student at Michigan State University looking for information >on Undergraduate degree progams in Museum Studies.  I can be reached >at
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> Thanks in advance

Jack,

I asked this question a few months ago on the museum-list, only it was regarding
graduate programs. I've also been doing a lot of questioning to museum
professionals, finding out how they became involved with museums--you'd be
surprised to know how many say it was by 'chance,' that they had never
'intended' on working in a museum.  That's all changing very rapidly, however,
as seen by the number of students involved in museum studies--It's becoming (and
will continue to become) a much more competitive field of study.

After investigating a dozen or so museum studies programs from different
universities, I've found that there are very few, if any, actual undergraduate
degrees in "museum studies."  A few universities provide an undergraduate degree
with a minor in museum studies.  In most cases however, (this is what I am
doing) you choose an area of interest (ie. art history, archaeology,
anthropology, American history, etc.)in which you're interested in pursuing as a
museum professional--what type of museum would you like to work for?

If you're not already at a University with a good museum that provides classes
and opportunities for students to get hands-on experience, it may be in your
best interest to transfer to one. (Although I believe Michigan State may be an
ideal university for that, but I could be mistaken.)  During the summers, take
opportunities to do internships--anyone will take you if you're willing to
volunteer--the paid ones are competitive and hard to come by, but they are out
there. From your experience as an undergraduate, decide which area of museum's
you'd like to focus on (registration, curation, director, etc...) Then get into
a good graduate program.  There's a site on the internet that lists all graduate
and undergraduate programs in any area of study--I can try to find it for you if
you're interested, just let me know.

Just as an example, I'll graduate in August with a B.A. in anthro with an
archaeology emphesis.  I've been working for the past 1 and 1/2 years at the
ethno/arch. museum here on campus; I was hired  because of my volunteer
experience at the museum.  Because of size and funding, I'm doing tasks which
would normally be performed by full-time staff.  The department has also allowed
me to take some graduate museum classes as an undergraduate.  I have a paid
internship for the summer; however, I won't be starting graduate school for
another year.  In all, I've probably received more hands-on experience than many
graduate students do when they finish their program.

I think my experience thus far has been ideal.  If you can find a University
which provides the same, you'll find yourself ahead of a large number of people
who are at the same level of study as you.

I hope this is helpful information, I thought I'd let you know what I have found
out for myself through inquiry and experience.  Good luck in your search!  Let
me know if you have any further questions or if there is anything I can do to
help!

--Amy
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