I definitely see the logic regarding writing and researching, but would
caution you about the number of job openings requiring PhDs. If you look at
the number of large museums or organizations that might presently require a
PhD of their curators, vs. the number of museums in the U.S. overall, you're
talking about a small number. I would expect that small museums and
historical cannot provide the compensation a PhD might believe they should
have.
I have found that PhDs who have applied to smaller institutions I have been
affiliated with in the past are often severely overqualified in terms of
what they want to do and the positions they are applying for, and what kind
of compensation they expect for their academic backgrounds. Sometimes there
is an imbalance there, frankly. I also have to wonder why a PhD in
Egyptology, for example, might seek out a position in an American historical
society. There's a disconnect there that I have not been able to wrap my
brain around.
In 2009 the world is a far different place than it was in 1989, when I was
in the first year of my career. Make sure you tailor your academic choices
to what is real and where you think you can go. There are luxuries that one
simply can't afford in terms of building an academic resume.
Candace Perry
-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of Marianne Richter
Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2009 10:16 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] SPAM-HIGH: [MUSEUM-L] Question for the Professionals
Garet, I agree with Liz Clarke and with Audra Oliver to do the thesis
option, particularly if you are thinking about going on for a Ph.D. Writing
a thesis will give you good preparation for a Ph.D. program and also
confidence that you can complete a dissertation.
You didn't say what kind of museum work that you would like to pursue, but
if you are interested in being a curator or in having another position that
requires research and writing, the thesis will help you. The editing skills
you will gain are really useful if you are going to be working on
publications such as exhibition or collection catalogues. Experience is
important, but that can be gained by internships along the way with the
thesis option just as much as with the non-thesis option. Many ads for
curatorial positions now ask for Ph.D. applicants, showing that demonstrable
research and writing skills are important for these positions.
Good luck to you, whatever you decide to do!
Marianne Richter
-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of Garet Bleddynn
Sent: Wednesday, September 09, 2009 9:35 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: SPAM-HIGH: [MUSEUM-L] Question for the Professionals
Good morning, everyone,
I have a question I wanted to fire off. I am a Master's Candidate at
MTSU. This past year, our program changed to allow a non-thesis option
for the Public History Grad Students. The thesis option is still
present as well. I know several of us have debated the pros and cons
of each. I am just wondering what you, our mentors, would say
regarding this choice.
If you went for a thesis, did it really shape your professional career?
If you went for a non-thesis program, do you felt that hindered you
professionally or if you chose to pursue a Ph.D. at some point?
Thanks for your time, and I hope everyone has a great day,
Garet
--
M. Garet Bleddynn
========================
It is the dim haze of mystery that adds enchantment to any pursuit.
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