>----- Original Message -----
>From: Andrew Harrington <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Museum Studies Programs
>
>> Hello,
>>
>> I was wondering if I could get anyone?s opinion
>> regarding museum studies programs.  Currently I am
>> looking into graduate schools that offer some type of
>> museum studies.  My bachelor?s degree is in
>> Anthropology/Archaeology and I have an interest in
>> archaeological collections and curation/research.  I
>> am trying to decide whether it would be more
>> beneficial to get a master?s degree in Anthropology
>> with a concentration in Museum Studies or if it would
>> be better to get a master?s in Museum Studies with a
>> concentration in Anthropology.  Does anyone have an
>> opinion on which option is more marketable to museums
>> (especially natural history museums) when looking for
>> jobs?
>> Also, I was wondering if there are any jobs within
>> museums that are particularly in demand at this time.
>> Any information or advice you can give me will be
>> greatly appreciated.  Thank you.
>>
>> Sincerely,
>>
>> Andrew Harrington

I would be remiss if I didn't put in a plug for my alma mater, the
Cooperstown Graduate Program in Museum Studies.  It is a two-year masters
degree program co-sponsored by State University of New York, College at
Oneonta and the New York State Historical Association (Farmers'
Museum/Fenimore Art Museum).  Please check it out at
http://cgp.oneonta.edu/ (P.O. Box 800, Cooperstown, NY 13326, 607-547-2586,
phone / 607-547-8926, fax).

I would be more than happy to answer questions regarding your career goals,
the program itself, Cooperstown, the village itself, financing your
education (I did it with a 2-hr commute and a family of my own to balance),
etc.  I can also put you in touch with the program, alumni, etc.

* As far as anthropology is concerned (I have an undergraduate degree in
anthro as well as a history minor from Marquette), I would recommend Beloit
College in WI.  (Actually, most of the schools in WI are very strong in
anthropology.)  Beloit has an excellent anthropology program, museum
studies certification program as well as a well-respected museum of its own
(Logan Museum of Anthropology).  I would also *strongly* recommend
interning at Milwaukee Public Museum, if possible--that's where I got my
start. Of course, UW-Milwaukee also has a Museum Studies certification
program offered in conjunction with its Public History degree (they combine
hands-on experience at Milwaukee Public Museum into their coursework).  The
staff at MPM is involved with the program and it's excellent as well.

For what it's worth.  As always, my opinions are not those of my
institution, my colleagues, etc.

Jeremy T. Chrabascz
Curator of Furnishings
Indiana State Museum & Historic Sites

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