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

[addiebella16]

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

Comments

[cosmicwonder]

You should consider re-posting this on museumpeople (there haven't been that many posts lately, but when there are, people do reply to them) as you are more likely to reach people who can give you an expert opinion on your particular issue

[addiebella16]

I really appreciate your time to answer my query. Thank you. There is a post now on the LJ community, Museum People. Also, I am an American; I am seeking graduate programs in the US

[cosmicwonder]

Thanks for the clarification! As I said in my original comment, I'm not in art history or museum studies, so what I said might not apply. I do see a similar trend with those who become archivists (I'm in a history-related field), they also tend to need PhDs to get anywhere

[addiebella16]

Wow - thank you. I really appreciate your help. I never thought I had a Plan B... but I do. I SHOULD aim for the stars with Plan A. As for "Plan A

[alegria_dreams]

I did my undergrad in art history and applied to MA/Ph.d programs for fall 2012 (although the program I selected is not in an art history department- go figure.) From what I understand, a Ph.D in art history is necessary for almost all curatorial positions. Although in the past and at some smaller museums an MA was acceptable, to the best of my knowledge that is no longer the case.

I'd recommend that you apply to some terminal MA programs that offer funding. Williams would be a good choice for you, since they have a great placement record in Ph.D programs but also have a strong grounding in museum studies.

[addiebella16]

I appreciate your insight. Thank you for taking the time to answer my query. I have a friend who completed her MA in Art History at Williams. She is currently obtaining a PhD at a tier 1 research university. I can ask about her transition and if she was set back in credits

[ameshu205]

Have you considered Winterthur's masters program? While you wouldn't get quite the breadth of art historical coursework as you would at Williams (or some place similar), if you're relatively certain that your interests lie in American decorative arts and material culture, the experience that Winterthur offers is unparalleled. In addition to rigorous coursework, incredible travel/networking opportunities, and full funding (plus a stipend!), they also offer lots of opportunities to intern in a wide range of departments within the museum. I would also encourage you to look into Williams -- it truly is a terrific place

[addiebella16]

Thanks kindly for contributing your thoughts. I really appreciate it. Timely, you mention Winterthur; I spent some time on University of Delaware's website today (among many other schools). Museum experience is extremely important in case I want to return into the field.

Your rationale for terminal MA programs is extremely sensible. I want review topics of art history, excel in the courses, narrow down academic interests, and if I can, work in its affiliated museum; I will definitely look into University of Delaware/Winterthur and Williams. (Did you go to either school?) University of Colorado-Boulder was the first school I examined in my search, and I am so drawn to the MA program at CU. I have also visited the campus and seen its museums first hand.

Yes, among many, many things, I am very passionate about decorative arts. My Facebook Timeline cover photo is a 1820 Staffordshire tea pot! I am thinking maybe about folk portraits next. :-) Thanks also for appreciating this entangled inquiry.

[addiebella16]

While I need to do more research, I spent time this evening on the Winterthur website; indeed, the master's program looks AMAZING. The program also looks like a great fit for my academic interests. Thank you so much for suggesting it to me.

[nzraya]

At my institution, students earn an MA on the way to the PhD. MA credit from other institutions does not transfer, so a student entering the PhD program with an MA from elsewhere still has to fulfill my institution's MA requirements. Terminal MA programs are not funded (they exist to bring money into the University) but all PhD students are fully funded. In other words, the system is set up so that the terminal MA is a significant waste of time and money for anyone who plans to continue to a PhD.

[addiebella16]

Thanks for speaking up. When the applicant's academic interests align with the university offering a PhD, it is sensible to aim high because why not; most, if not all, PhD students are funded

[addiebella16]

In addition to the above, I also want to pipe in why a terminal MA could be attractive. Of course, PhD is preferred, but if the MA is funded and it provides me training so I am more competitive (for an application to a PhD program), or the MA is funded and I did not get into a PhD program, there are still benefits.

One advantage? Arriving at the MA a generalist, coming out with a sorted academic focus. That said, it is a lot of time and money poured into applications, why do that ... twice. Especially if, like I said, the applicant's interests align wonderfully for the PhD program.

[nzraya]

Yes, definitely there might be strong reasons for pursuing a terminal MA, especially if funded! I'm just saying that (a) I don't think it advisable to go into debt for *any* graduate degree, except possibly medicine, in the current economy, and (b) IF you think what you really want might be a PhD., it's good to be aware that the credits from a terminal MA will very likely not be transferable into a PhD program (or at least that programs vary on this point, so you could find yourself having "wasted" 1-2 years if you eventually decide to go for the PhD after all).

But, if there are MA programs that are intrinsically appealing (and funded!), definitely no reason not to go for them!