Degree Alternatives?

Graduate School
1

I am interested in applying for a museum studies MA programs or a MLIS/Information Science program because my end goal is to end up working in a museum in either collections/archives or as an administrator. I’ve researched programs extensively, it’s something I really would love to do. However, I am aware the job market is incredibly small, and jobs are extremely competitive for archivists and preservation. In addition, some institutions seem to avoid museum studies majors. I’m also aware of the low salaries for these types of positions, especially for the amount of loan debt I would accumulate while in school.

My question to everyone is: should I pursue one of the above degrees, or perhaps a more generalized degree? If so, what are good general degrees that may be useful? First thing that comes to mind that may be helpful would be a degree in Public Service Management/Non-Profit Management/Administration. At least this way, I can find a job in another sector if I am not able to find a job in a museum setting. I’ve looked into other degrees, but they are very specialized as well (Public History, Arts Management, etc). Any advice? I do love the field, and I’m dedicated, but I’m also trying to be realistic in my approach.

Thanks for any advice!

2

I am not in this field, so really, my opinion is a personal one informed by some conversations I’ve had with humanities scholars.

BUT it seems increasingly that the curation/archives/collections jobs are going to PhDs in museum studies or history or a related field. I have heard, second-hand, that breaking into the field with an MA and no experience is very difficult. Even lots of PhD historians are fiercely competing for those positions. I think an MA in museum studies might pigeonhole you. The MLIS in information science would at least open you up to other kinds of positions besides working in a museum. I don’t know how useful it would be for trying to work in a museum at all, but you could do library positions OR potentially information science positions in other organizations.

The first more generalizable degree that comes to mind is the MPA - master’s in public administration. Non-profit management/administration could also be useful, but the MPA would ideally give you experience/exposure to both governmental administration and also nonprofit work. Maybe you could even get it at a school that has a strong museum studies or arts administration program and take some classes in those fields.