Eileen,

I have no information or assistance to offer you, but I work for Northwestern University, and I've heard about the program you mentioned. I was very excited to see the new museum studies program introduced here--it's new this year, through the School of Continuing Studies. I was ready to apply (unfortunately for me, the N.U. staff tuition benefit is not allowed for this particular course), but I hesitated due to the same concerns that you have.  I was disappointed to learn that the course is not offered for credit. However, it did seem to be a great way to get one's feet wet in the world of museum studies, particularly if one has zero background in it, like I do.  I have an Art History B.A. from Notre Dame, and--unlike yourself--I've never worked in a museum, never volunteered. The internship feature is attractive, too.  It would be wonderful to have an internship in one of Chicago's great museums.

So I, too, would be very interested in any museum professionals' opinions on whether N.U.'s program would be worthwhile.

--Margaret

----- Original Message -----
From: Eileen Yeoh
Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2001 7:57 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Seeking advice re: museum studies program @ Northwestern Univ.

Hello,  

I am trying to determine whether a museum studies program, offered without  
academic credit, would be worth the expense. Has anyone heard about this  
program at Northwestern University?  
http://www.scs.northwestern.edu/pdp/museum/  

This non-degree, non-certificate,"professional development" program includes  
three 10-week courses and an internship. Cost is $1,000 per course plus $500  
for the internship. This is a bargain compared to the graduate programs I  
have looked at, but am I better off going straight to the MA/PhD  
programs--are those the only ones that hold any weight with museum employers?  

Note that I would not be able to re-locate for school due to my husband's  
job, so I am limited to schools in the Chicago area. I am planning to apply  
for next year.  

Some background info: I have a BA in advertising from Univ of Illinois  
Urbana-Champaign. I have work experience in marketing, PR, and advertising. I  
have some museum volunteer experience (accessioning and collections mgt. at a  
small historical museum (learned PastPerfect), researched and wrote label  
text for items on display in the resource center of U of I's art museum), and  
I currently have an internship at a small historical museum in N. Indiana.  

Thanks for your help,  
Eileen