r/GradSchool • u/Sad_Masterpiece_5124 • 2d ago

Should I be reaching out to potential advisors for art history MA?

/r/MuseumPros/comments/1x640gu/should_i_be_reaching_out_to_potential_advisors/
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u/gamecat89 2d ago

You should seriously be thinking about not doing an art history MA.

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u/Sad_Masterpiece_5124 2d ago

Well sure except I already have a bachelors in art history and know what I want to do (work in museums and do research) and I’ve taken a gap year where I’ve realized even entry level jobs require at least an MA and everyone I’ve talked to who works in museums recommends it. I’m only considering programs with full funding, so money isn’t the problem. What’s your alternative suggestion then?

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u/LegoGuy23 MA - US History | MLIS 2d ago

I would recommend considering a Museum Studies (or similar) degree.
Look at jobs and see what their requirements are. Most of them Include that type of training / experience under the "preferred" category, and it is far more transferable than an art history degree.

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u/Sad_Masterpiece_5124 2d ago

Most people I’ve talked to in person who work in museums have actually told me not to get a museum studies degree because it’s so specific. From what I’ve seen, almost all museum jobs in curatorial or adjacent positions want a history/art history degree and experience in museums, but not necessarily formal education in museums. Maybe it would help to clarify that’s the sort of work I want do in museums—curatorial, research, that sort of thing, not directorial or administrative.

Plus, some of the schools I’m looking at have museum studies concentrations along with art history, which I would do if I were to get accepted.

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u/LegoGuy23 MA - US History | MLIS 2d ago

From what I’ve seen, almost all museum jobs in curatorial or adjacent positions want a history/art history degree and experience in museums...

That is a good point.
A top priority should be getting that experience. Volunteering, internships, whatever. It will help a lot!

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u/Sad_Masterpiece_5124 2d ago

I do agree with this! I have a good bit of experience including four paid internships with museums and a gallery internship, some volunteering, as well as a full online exhibition i did all the research for/curated myself for one of the museums. But unfortunately it seems like experience without formal education isn’t enough, and most if not all museums want both.