At 06:39 PM 1/5/97 GMT, you wrote:
>Hello.  I am interested in hearing the opinions of museum professionals as
>to whether or not it is necessary to have a Master's degree in Museum
>Studies in order to become a registar or curator.  I have an undergraduate
>degree in Anthropology and I have a variety of museum experience, in the
>form of volunteer work, an internship, and a part-time paid position as
>Curatorial Assistant.  I am currently planning to begin the Certificate in
>Museum Studies through Harvard Extemsion in September 1997, but I do not
>want to do this if it will turn out that I need to have a Master's degree,
>rather than only a certificate.  I have talked to a few professionals at
>institutions that I have worked for, and for the most part the answers
>have been the same.  Those people who have advanced degrees tell me that
>it is necessary to have a Master's degree, and those who don't say that
>you can, in fact, work your way up the ladder without an advanced degree
>(or with only a certificate).  I am very interested in hearing others
>opinions, as although I am not at all reluctant to further my education, I
>am $35,000 in debt from my undergraduate work, and therefore I do not
>particulartly want to spend more money on a degree that may not even be
>necessary.  I understand that having an advanced degree will probably
>enable me to get to my desired end faster than if I don't have a degree,
>but I am willing to wait a little while and work my way up, if becoming a
>curator or registrar with only a certificate in M.S. is something that is
>feasible. I look forward to hearing from anyone who wishes to respond.
>Thank you for your time.
>
>Sincerely,
>Ariane P.
>
Can the profession really be harmed or the person by obtaining a higher
level of education?  It really depends on "you" and where you want to
go and what you want to be.  Do some museum positions required a higher
degree?  Yes.  Does additional education in the field help and assist
you in your position?  I would say, yes.  Can you learn in the field?
Yes, but will you get that "certain" position you really want when it comes
your way?

Is a MS expensive?  Yes.  But, coming from one who is completing his
graduate degree, and racking up a loan -- it is expensive but it is worth it
to me.

Again, "education" is really up to "you"  -- what you want to do -- go for
it!  Education not only helps you professionally, but also personally.  Money
is never wasted.  But, Oh!  Golly!  Stop the interest on my loans!!!