Hi Kim

If you want to do a masters degree without moving your family, you might
want to think about doing a Distance Learning Course. I work full time in a
museum (I also got this job with out any museum training) and am currently
doing a distance learning course in Museum Studies with the University of
Leicester, Uk. This is a respected and renowed course with students from
across the world. The masters course takes two and half years, but you can
do a Post-graduate diploma in 2 years. It is hard work, requiring a minimum
of 12 hours work a week, and you are solely responisble for the work you do.
But is is worth it, and the degree you receive at the end is as valuable as
any other achived on a regular degree course.

All the best.


-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf
Of Kim Steffgen
Sent: Friday, October 15, 2004 6:18 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Certificates vs. Master's Degrees


Hello, Everyone,

I am considering whether or not to apply to a Museology program.  I have a
degree in communication and have been a freelance writer for many years. I
want to turn my love of research, communication skills, writing skills, etc.
toward a museums career; preferably education.

I live in Portland where there are no museum programs, nor any in Oregon as
far as I can see. .The University of Washington has a wonderful program.
Joining that program would require me to move and uproot my family. The U of
W also has a certificate program; one which I could manage without
disrupting my life too much.

I realize that most jobs require the Masters. What is the general consensus
out there among you hiring managers about certificates? Would I be wasting
my money and time with a Certificate? Or, would it afford me some
immediately marketable skills, qualifying me for a job in the field?

How can I start training in this field before waiting another three years to
begin and complete a program?

Thanks for all feedback.  : )

Kim Steffgen



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