Hi Kimberly,
That is the question of the year.  I've written a whole book here, sorry, but it's all stuff I wish I had understood prior to starting my MA program.  To be sure, I had a wonderful experience, and happened to get many of the experiences I needed because my program was so supportive.  But I think it would have been even more beneficial had I understood the field better and known what I needed before I needed it.  Anyway, I hope this is helpful!

Some people enter the field by starting in an entry level job and building experience.  Others start with an MA in either Museum Studies or a related field, or get the degree after a few years of work.  Some even get the degree after several years of work.  None of these approaches will guarantee a job.  Even with an MA, many people without prior experience start in an entry level position.  I find that some people only want to hire someone with an MA, while others think the degree is a waste of time, and of course people have opinions everywhere in-between.  Experience seems to be the key.

I think the important question to ask yourself is what you want to do with your career.  If you feel that you want to continue in your current area of museum work, perhaps the thing to do would be to look for the next step up job-wise.  If you feel that you need a better grounding in the history, theory, methods, and practice of museums in general before you continue, get an MA in museum studies.  If you learn better in a classroom setting or want to do more research, the MA could be the right choice even if you want to stay in your current area.  If you want to specialize in education or exhibit design, you might pursue a degree in education or design.  If you want to be a curator, consider getting a phd in a subject area, such as history.  For every area of museum work, there are at least 5 different ways to get there.

Type of study is important to consider, too.  Museum studies programs can range from practical training-only to a blend of practical training and theoretical explorations.  Some have specialized tracks while others take a generalist perspective.  Each has its advantages.  Subject areas such as history or anthropology are usually almost completely theoretical/research-oriented, though some programs offer a certificate in museum studies or public history alongside the master's.  However, the certificate is not as in-depth as a full-on master's in museum studies.  Further, departments other than museum studies, and even professors who study museums can (though not always) be completely ignorant of current thought in museum studies--there's a kind of disconnect.  Which path you choose depends on your interests and needs.  Another path to consider, especially if you're interested in administration, is a degree in public affairs/admin.  Then, you could work in a museum or start out in another not-for-profit and build experience to help you move into the museum field.

I think that the important thing to keep in mind is that a master's degree is not like a bachelor's degree--it's not there to help you figure out "how to learn" or what you're interested in.  It's professionalization and specialization.   If you don't yet know what you want to specialize in, at least in a general way (though this doesn't mean you can't change your mind), you'll waste a lot of time in your program spinning your wheels and you won't get the most out of your time.  If you go in expecting your professors to tell you everything you'll need, you won't get the most out of your time.  I strongly advise against enrolling in an MA program for lack of knowing what else to do--it's a big investment of time and money.  The MA is for you to direct your own path with professors as resources.  Go on informational interviews with LOTS of people to find out what you need to know and to help you decide your specialization.  Find out what paths others took in your area.  Be sure to seek out experiences that support your future career path in addition to the study, seek out supervisory experiences, and be generally proactive in your study. 

If you choose not to get the MA, then seek out experiences in your career that will add to your capabilities and skills.  Learn new stuff in your personal time.  Supervisory experience is essential to move ahead.  Attend classes, conferences, and workshops to expand your knowledge base.  Regardless of whether you get the degree or not, a proactive attitude will set you apart from the crowd and help you move forward.

Well, I'll cut my rambling now--I hope it's useful!  Good luck, whatever you decide!

--
Shana West

Master of Arts, Museology
University of Washington
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