I have never found that prestige is a deciding factor in a hiring decision. Remember, Just because the school is prestigious does not mean that the museum studies program is prestigious.
Instead, look at the program itself. What kinds of courses do they offer? Who teaches the courses? Are the courses mostly academic, hands-on, or a combination? What are the requirements for degree completion? What connections do they or the program have in the museum community?
You may also want to evaluate the museums in the area around the school. Does the program seem to have relationships with the local museums? Do they offer ways or support to help you gain practical experience? Do they require internships?
All museum studies programs are not the same. Does the program focus on history, natural history, or art? Is that your interest? Are the professors focused on one "skill" such as education, interpretation or collections more than a wide range of skills? Does this match up with your interests? Review the types of thesis's or projects currently or recently finished, do they seem to focus on one area? This can often show you if the professors are focused in one area or not.
And also, ask to talk to some fellow graduate students or alumni. I'm sorry to say that not all programs present themselves fully or clearly. They may say they focus on all areas, but do they really? Did the student feel they got the skills needed?
Hope this helps.
Tracie
Tracie Evans
Curator of Collections
Sauder Village
22611 St. Rt. 2
Archbold OH 43502
Phone: 419/446-2541
FAX: 419/445-5251
-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Christina Garretson
Sent: Friday, August 13, 2010 12:47 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] prestige vs. pragmatism
Hi listers,
I'm getting ready to go to grad school for museum studies, and I'm wondering, does a big-name grad program pay off in the museum field? I'm very close to what I understand is a strong (but not big-name) program, so there's certainly some pragmatic incentive to go there. I'm also looking into schools like George Washington, Oxford, Columbia, etc., but the cost and logistics involved are difficult if not prohibitive. I did a very expensive undergrad degree for the sake of the program's ranking, and I don't want to do that again unless I'm sure it's worthwhile. So now I'm wondering to what degree (if any), a bigger-name grad program could open doors for me that a smaller-name program couldn't.
So, my question is to you, how helpful to your museum career is the prestige of your grad program? Is it worth the expense?
Any thoughts much appreciated!
Best,
-Christina
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