Dear Meagan, With your interests in science education it seems to me that a Museum Studies degree with an emphasis in education would be the right way to go. An MBA would be more likely to prepare you for museum administration. There are several good education oriented Museum Studies Programs to choose from. Your question hits on the topic of the ACUMG's upcoming pre-conference at the AAM conference in May. I hope you will be able to join us for this timely discussion of this perennial question. This conference is titled: "To a Degree or Can You Still Learn on the Job! Museum Studies Programs in Academia." There are lots of great speakers including folks who will address the preparation of museum professionals for the educational museum. You can see the whole conference program by looking at the Conference Brochure and Registration Form: http://www.NaturalHeritageCenter.org/acumg/ACUMG03.pdf Stefan Sommer, Vice President Association of College and University Museums and Galleries (ACUMG) Dr. Stefan Sommer, Director Natural Heritage Center Idaho State University Campus Box 8007 Pocatello, Idaho 83209 [VOICE] (208) 282-5841 [FAX] (208) 282-4570 [E-MAIL] [log in to unmask] Meagan Smith wrote: > > > Hello all, > > I have applied to graduate school for both Museum Studies and an MBA > for this coming fall. As the deadline for making a decision comes > closer, I am wondering how to make the best decision. I have a science > background, and have worked for a non-profit for the past two years. I > am interested in science education and felt Museum Studies would be a > great option given that I am not interested in teaching in a > traditional classroom setting. I also applied to some top-ten business > schools, thinking that if Museum Studies programs did not work out I > would try and pursue a more general degree and hopefully transition > back into the non-profit and/or science field post-MBA.My questions to > this list are: > 1. How useful is an MBA in trying to pursue a career in the museum > field? What advantages > would it give me over other potential job candidates? > 2. What advantages does a Museum Studies degree give a candidate that > an MBA would not? > > Thank you in advance. > > I can be contacted off-list at [log in to unmask] > > Meagan Smith > > > > > > ----------------------------------------------------------------------- > MSN 8 with e-mail virus protection service: 2 months FREE* > ========================================================= Important > Subscriber Information: > > The Museum-L FAQ file is located at > http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed > information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail > message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message > should read "help" (without the quotes). > > If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message > to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read > "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes). ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).