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.