I hold a BA in history, am 34 years old, currently live in Oregon, and am looking to get my MA in Museum Studies. There are no such programs in Oregon; the closest program is in Denver, CO. However, I am considering going to school in NY, as there are many more museums for possible jobs and internships than anywhere else. I am considering both NYU and John Hopkins. The program at John Hopkins is completely online, the one at NYU is on campus. I am curious if anyone has any thoughts, opinions or experiences with either school and could offer some enlightenment? Thank you!
I’ve moved this to the Graduate School forum since you’re looking at MA programs.
Museum Studies is often offered as a certificate program (sort of a graduate minor) rather than as a stand-alone MA program. For example, the University of Oregon offers a certificate program in museum studies through the art history department.
A certificate in museum studies pairs well with a MA degree in anthropology, history (especially public history), art history, etc. You’re much more likely to get funding for a MA in one of these fields than for a MA in museum studies.
NYU has long been the university for those wanting to go into museum work, but it’s a pretty expensive option between the tuition and cost of living in NYC.
Just saving cost of NY living & airfare makes online Hopkins a significantly better option. Hopkins is a prestigious and rigorous school so you aren’t loosing anything by picking it over NYU.