As a US student who did University of Leicester's Museum Studies program, I would like to recommend it as well. There's a little bit of a culture difference between European and American ways of thinking, but I felt that they did an outstanding job and gave me great support. I highly recommend Leicester. That said, I know of several museum professionals who are very impressed with Leicester's program and are considering doing it themselves. I have not found there to be any stigma attached to a degree from outside the US. In fact, Leicester has a fantastic reputation in the museum world. As many Master's level courses involve reading and self-study, the program isn't that much different. However, distance learning requires an immense degree of self-discipline. I've got six thick binders and a shelf full of texts that convince me that you'll not be in the same category as the gunsmiths and plumbers (although the plumbers probably make more money!). They're not kidding when they recommend 15 hours per week. This program is really designed for people in the profession, so you can get feedback and discussion with your co-workers about many topics. Decide for yourself, but I thought Leicester to be top notch. Greg Historic Site Supervisor Pottsgrove Manor Historic Site ________________________________ From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Andrew Talkov Sent: Thursday, April 03, 2008 9:30 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Distance Learning in Museum Studies Ladies and Gentlemen, After 15 years in the field, I'm considering pursuing a Master's Degree in Museum Studies by distance learning and have a few questions: 1. I'm aware of the programs at the University of Leicester and the University of Oklahoma and have read through the information on their websites. Could someone comment on the reputation and quality of either of those programs? Are there other reputable programs I should consider? 2. Since I'm not planning on relocating to the UK anytime soon, is there a preference at institutions in the United States for a degree earned in the United States? Does it matter? 3. Is there any stigma associated with distance learning? I'm imagining those commercials that advertised courses in gun smithing and plumbing via U.S. Mail. 4. Does anyone feel that distance learning (even with the bells and whistles of modern communication) is less of an experience than on-campus learning? Someone once mentioned that contact with other graduate students in your program is important. Is it important to be in the same room? 5. Are there any other guiding principles you would suggest? Feel free to contact me off list if you like and thank you in advance for your help. Andrew H. Talkov Exhibition Coordinator for Virginia's Civil War Sesquicentennial Virginia Historical Society 428 N. Boulevard P.O. Box 7311 Richmond, Virginia 23221-0311 Phone: 804-340-2276 Fax: 804-342-9697 Email: [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> ========================================================= 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).