For what it's worth, I do not have a degree in museum studies
(BA-Comparative Religion/MFA--Poetry) and had not one minute's worth of
experience working in a museum before being hired for my first museum job
in 1999 at the Museum of the City of New York. I did have a lot of
experience planning events, especially literary events for many years
prior to getting the job. But if there's a phrase I've heard more than any
other since working in museums (now in my 3rd) it is "outside the box" and
I've had the very clear impression that people hiring think of museum
studies programs (at least as regards public programs) as very much "the
box." I have no way of knowing if my experience is unique or widespread.

Best,,

Steve Turtell
Director of Public Programs
New-York Historical Society
Two West 77th Street
New York, NY 10024
212.485.9233
212.595.5707 fax
[log in to unmask]

Upcoming programs at N-YHS
May 19: Brown vs. the Board of Education
May 26: Alexander Hamilton & Ron Chernow
June 2: Stonewall

For a full schedule, please see our Web site:
http://www.nyhistory.org/



Mark Janzen <[log in to unmask]>
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05/25/2004 11:32 AM
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Jill,

I'll throw my opinion into the mill...

Of the ones you mentioned, I know the most about the University of
Leicester and its programs. I have heard of the others, but they have not
found their way onto my radar in the same way. I am not sure if that
relates directly to international reputation or not.

As to getting a job in the US when you are done, I am not sure it will
make
any difference. I personally do not get the impression the US museum field
has moved into a prestige hiring phase, that biases toward any particular
school, or toward an international education. There is certainly a big
difference between certificate programs and full degrees, as well as quite
a difference between the various degree programs, but there does not seem
to be a trend(of which I am aware) toward preferential hiring of one over
another. Most employers seem to conclude that one museum degree is the
same
as another, perhaps indicating a failure on our part to properly inform
them. But then, perhaps I have been out of the loop for too long, or am
just naive. I would think a degree from the UK would be an interesting
element on your CV, which might pique an employer's interest and get your
foot in the door. It certainly can not hurt, and I imagine it would be
quite fun to be there for a couple years.

In any case, you should go with the program that impresses you the most,
not the one you think will impress employers when you return. When it
comes
down to the nitty-gritty of competing with many other qualified
individuals
for museum jobs, especially at the entry level, it is the person and their
demonstrated understanding of the field that gets the job not their
credentials.

Good luck.

Mark Janzen
Registrar/Collections Manager
Edwin A. Ulrich Museum of Art
Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection
Wichita State University
(316)978-5850



             Jillian
             Pazereckas
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             SE.LSOFT.COM>             MA Museum Studies programs


             05/24/2004 08:39
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I've recently been accepted to four MA Museum Studies programs in England:
University of Leicester, University of Leeds, University of Manchester,
and
University of Newcastle.  As I'm planning on returning to the U.S after
the
program, I'm trying to figure out which one has the best international
reputation.  Does anyone know about these programs?  Would one carry more
weight than the other in hiring?  I appreciate any insight you all might
have.  Thanks, Jill Pazereckas

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