Thoughts on graduate programs? - Museum Professional Forums, News, Jobs, Articles, Books

Danyelle McNeill · 06-12-2011, 09:48 PM

I am currently a registrar of special collections at a history museum and have five years experience to date. My bachelors is in American History. I'm currently trying to decide if investing in a graduate degree is financially worthwhile at this point.

I don't make a lot of money in my job (of course this is pretty common for museum work). I am currently going through a divorce and ultimately I will need to find a better paying position. I've been trying to decide if going back to school is cost effective long term. Right now, it's a given that I can't stay where I am for more than a few more years. Does experience trump a second degree or is a graduate degree very necessary now? I'm concerned about paying back student loans down the road. Will I make enough to be able to do that?

Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

StephGaub · 06-14-2011, 09:36 PM

I definitely think that having a Masters Degree is worth it, especially now that things are becoming even more competitive. You may also want to check out George Washington University's online Museum Collections Management and Care program. It's done from your home - all online - in 4 semesters and results in a graduate certificate. Good luck!

sbradbeer · 08-05-2011, 03:31 AM

Johns Hopkins University also offers an online (with one two week on-site course) Museum Studies program. I will be graduating in December 2011. I really think this program helped me land my dream job.

Most graduate school programs are expensive, but JHU was the perfect fit for me because I can still work full-time and didn't have to relocate.

06-12-2011, 09:48 PM	#1 (permalink)
Danyelle McNeill New Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Arkansas Posts: 1	Thoughts on graduate programs? I am currently a registrar of special collections at a history museum and have five years experience to date. My bachelors is in American History. I'm currently trying to decide if investing in a graduate degree is financially worthwhile at this point. I don't make a lot of money in my job (of course this is pretty common for museum work). I am currently going through a divorce and ultimately I will need to find a better paying position. I've been trying to decide if going back to school is cost effective long term. Right now, it's a given that I can't stay where I am for more than a few more years. Does experience trump a second degree or is a graduate degree very necessary now? I'm concerned about paying back student loans down the road. Will I make enough to be able to do that? Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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06-14-2011, 09:36 PM	#2 (permalink)
StephGaub New Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 248	I definitely think that having a Masters Degree is worth it, especially now that things are becoming even more competitive. You may also want to check out George Washington University's online Museum Collections Management and Care program. It's done from your home - all online - in 4 semesters and results in a graduate certificate. Good luck!

08-05-2011, 03:31 AM	#3 (permalink)
sbradbeer New Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 2	Johns Hopkins University also offers an online (with one two week on-site course) Museum Studies program. I will be graduating in December 2011. I really think this program helped me land my dream job. Most graduate school programs are expensive, but JHU was the perfect fit for me because I can still work full-time and didn't have to relocate.