I graduated two years ago with a Master's degree in Museum Studies and it was the best decision I could have made.  Of course there were the obvious reasons why I liked it, I learned a great deal and my eyes were opened to questions, issues, topics that I may not have encountered otherwise.  Also, when looking for work recently after having relocated, most of the jobs I saw posted listed an MA as a requirement.  With so few jobs out there, I really felt like I had an edge with the degree.

The program I went to also had an internship component which was a big plus. I was able to gain experience while still in school. Also, it was designed so that students could work while taking classes.  I actually worked full time while I was in school and I was lucky to have found a job in the museum field during that time.  That certainly helped with the cost and mightbe worth considering when looking at programs.

All that being said, the biggest plus I found about getting the degree is the contacts that I made.  The other students in the program became  colleagues and friends that I can rely on and go to for advice.  The instructors in many programs are often museum professionals themselves, and for me, they have been a tremendous network.  When I relocated, I relied on them for names of people that I could meet with, schedule informational interviews with, etc. I've called for advice about my career path, work questions, references. I can't express how much I am grateful for having made those connections.  Yes, it was very expensive, but for me, it was worth it.  One thing I will say is that I think as far as museum studies programs go, I wish I had gone to a program that was in the state I would be eventually settling.  I lost some of the connections I had made by moving.

Best of luck in your decision.

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