Hi Melanie,

Based on your interest in going into a PhD program eventually, I think it
would be in your best interest to go into an Anthropology department where
you start out towards your doctorate. The reason being that a master's
degree is really helpful primer for research work, but will not get you to
the end goal of getting jobs or having the research skills that are expected
of PhDs. And, depending on the type of master's program you would be
interested in (Anthropology is good example of this), you will have to go on
to the PhD for the degree to be of use to you in the future.

Just for background, I have a master's degree in Art History, and am
currently working towards my PhD in information studies at the with a focus
on cultural heritage institutions & policy. My master's degree really wasn't
marketable for museum jobs or even teaching jobs at community colleges. Most
of those positions want PhDs. I'm not sure that a master's degree in Anthro
would be much different.

Also, a certificate, though I do not have one, is geared towards
professionals often, and will not prime you for research work in museums.
But many universities have them, so if you went to a school where you began
your PhD, you could likely pick up the certificate on the side, as Megan
noted.

Hope this is helpful.

Best,
Lesley



On Thu, Jul 28, 2011 at 1:46 PM, Melanie C King <[log in to unmask]>wrote:

> Hey everyone,
>
> I am about to graduate with a B.A. in Anthropology and I'm looking towards
> what I'm wanting to do in terms of grad school and such and after talking
> with someone I decided I'm probably gonna get either a Masters or Grad.
> Certificate in Museum Studies then go onto a Ph.D. in Anthropology. I'm
> wanting to do curatorial work in a research museum.
>
> I was wondering if any of you knew if getting the certificate is a valid
> substitue for the Masters or if it would be best to get a Masters since I'm
> planning on going onto a Ph.D.
>
> Hopefully that wasn't too confusing.
> -Melanie King
>
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