MA in Museum Studies and MA/PhD in Art History (candidates, students, graduates)

Mar 18, 2012 02:01

If I want to be competitive for a certain positions in a museum which require academic credentials, should I seek a MA/PhD in Art History to complement a MA in Museum Studies (which I already have)? If so, should I seek a MA or a PhD?

I am investigating all my options to advance my career in museums, and I could go in several directions, especially when it comes to graduate school. I would love some input. (I include my academic and professional experience subsequently.)

MA v. PhD -- I decided to organize the factors of either pursuit, and here are my thoughts.

If I wanted to seek a MA in Art History, the advantages would be:
*Enrolling in a two year MA program in Art History, I could have time to find a specialization in Art History I want to pursue for the PhD. I know I love early American history and the decorative arts, but being exposed to everything again may alight new passion(s).
*I could exit with a terminal MA (e.g. MA in Art History at University of Colorado-Boulder) and rejoin the museum workforce with stronger background. Publications, conferences, greater knowledge of art history -- all great for the museum career. Yes, it might not bode well for the collections data entry positions, but it would be good for employment at top-ranked museums. Also, I see advertisements regularly posted for curator positions requiring or desiring a MA in Art History; I would suddenly be eligible. In other words, MA in Art History could be very career-advancing.
*I can also prepare for a PhD in Art History. Currently, I may not be as prepared for the PhD with art history courses from five years ago. (Please refer to academic background in the sections below.)
*It seems to me that there might be an improved chance to get into an MA program than a PhD program, although I suppose this is not always the case.

If I applied to MA in Art History, the consequences could be:
*I am wasting time when I could pursue a PhD, given my current experience and academic background (see sections below). A PhD won't take as long (ideally :-) ) as a joint MA/PhD.
*I have read there is less funding for the MA than a PhD in the same subject. While this may or may not be true due to different universities; however, it is reasonable to think that the university wants to invest in a person long-term.
*I may be stunting my professional career by earning a double MA. In other words, delaying my growth in the field of museums.
*The credits earned during the second MA may not transfer fully or at all into a PhD program. Meaning, if I ever wanted to pursuit a PhD, I have to re-earn a MA. That would mean I would have three MAs!
*Like pursuing any graduate program, spending/earning/seeking funds has to be weighed... and the degree has be valuable for the sacrifice. Is it wise to continue in humanities?

If I wanted to shoot for the stars and apply to PhD program, the advantages would be:
*Possibilities for greater funding. I think. (Again, I am only at the beginning of my investigation if I should research and apply for graduate school. Also, I might not even know what my funding chances are until after an offer is made.)
*Getting to study a particular topic in-depth and conducting research (this is my one of my favorite activities).
*I would skip the expense and time of a finishing a second MA.
*I could potentially advance my career in museums.

If I applied to a PhD or MA program, the consequences could be:
*I might not get in.
*I might lose money to application fees and GREs, all the while trying for something when I could have just put it into something reliable, say, museum conferences.
*I might appear to be overqualified suddenly for some roles in a museum, e.g. collections management.
*A potential of at least two MAs. I have a single MA, perhaps something would transfer, but certainly, I would need to do more coursework for what doesn't transfer (and I am thinking coursework in Museum Studies is not going to sit in well for "Italian Renaissance" :-)).
*I do hold academic interests in early American history and decorative arts, but I might miss on learning about sub-discipline subjects that were taught in a "traditional" MA degree in art history, which I could easily pursue research. Also: while I LOVE art history, and I LOVED studying art history in undergrad, I might be over my head to complete on the PhD level straightaway.

If this is helpful to weigh the above, I include:


My professional and academic background:
I have a Master of Arts in Museum Studies, and I have four years of professional experience in museums. I have had historic research published informally (newspaper), I have been awarded a couple of museum conference scholarships, and in 2011, I have presented as session chair at a major regional museum conference. Nothing spectacular, but I believe I have a potential skill set for academic life.

Unfortunately, I did not earn a B.A. in Art History. Although I declared officially as an art history major in undergrad, I applied for and switched to an interdisciplinary individualized major in junior year because there was significant instability in the art history department. This change so late in my collegiate years however meant that I hold an extensive, academic background of many courses in art history (including study abroad semester, which focused exclusively on the history of art). It also means I elected courses in my senior year of philosophy, women's studies, aesthetics, and critical/literary theory. I earned this BA degree almost five years ago.

Where I am at:
Although I am skilled in a variety of museum-related tasks and I love integrating new media into museum work, currently, my ideal job is conducting research. I really like thinking about ideas and also thinking about ideas into actual practice. Naturally, I am drawn to curatorial and exhibit work, but I am open to management of a museum and I enjoy development (fundraising). Which means, I could just remain with the M.A. in Museum Studies.

***

In any event, I would appreciate some guidance. Suggestions for graduate programs, which appear to align with my interests, are extremely welcome. Thank you for your time.

ph.d. or masters?, advice on grad school, preparation for program, art history, grad school?, work/life balance, * tags:advice, post-doctoral job market, funding, job market?, museum studies, reasons for applying, grad school vs. job market, program search, weighing options

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