arthistorian90

Thank you everyone for your input! I ended up getting a third offer at the last minute, from a good school and a larger stipend. I considered all three schools very carefully and I am so glad that I did due diligence on this. It was a difficult decision! But I am glad that I went with the original program I was leaning towards! Thank you!

Dear Joan and PoetNobleLandMermaid, Thank you both so much for your feedback! I feel I have a bit more solid ground to go from now. I think it really makes a difference to know that others feel the same way and can also contribute new ideas based off of experience. So much better to know that others have been there, done that. My advisor is fantastic, though focuses on Greek and Roman (but has worked in Egypt and is generally interested in Near Eastern topics). He is aware of and seems supportive of my focus for thesis work. I'm not sure how much flexibility there is in scheduling here, but I suspect I'd be able to build at least a couple of independent studies in topics I'm passionate about. Thanks for this tip! I will inquire about this during my next phone conversation with my advisor and the department head. This school also has a strong religion department (with some related researchers and topics) who perhaps I could also do an independent study with? I know that I can tailor some of my papers into areas I'm interested in, another very good point. As for internships, although nothing was said on paper, the program said I could do what I wanted and they'd find a way to fund it. There was already talk of abroad work in Egypt and Jerusalem. Thank you both! It was very reassuring to read your responses. Thank you!

I'm not sure what your sub-field is, but everyone I know in the art world (especially archaeology) knows UNC Chapel Hill. It didn't quite fit my needs this year so I didn't apply, but I've only ever heard really good things about it. I know this isn't a very helpful or specific answer. Just wanted to throw out there when I read it, I consider it also in tiers just as good as Columbia and probably even NYU. They produce great work there!!

This depends entirely on the type of work you want to do. Overall, an MA in Art History will allow more flexibility. I studied Religion as an undergrad, and then have worked in museums and in the field for 3 years since graduating. I had no problem getting into graduate programs and have lots of options at this point. My background is in archaeology. My personal opinion is to approach any museum studies degree with great caution. These degrees are designed more for people who want to work in educational programs at museums, or outreach, etc. Most, though not all, people with these degrees do not have as much mobility as art historians. There is also generally much less funding available. If you enjoy working in a museum and your experience is good, that should be all you need. Take one or two museum studies courses, but be careful about the degree seeking UNLESS you decide that you care less about the historic aspect/working/writing about the art and care MORE about the museum business side of things. Even so, I would personally still recommend that you seek an art history degree and continue working/interning in the field for more experience. Remember, you can always get a Museum Studies certificate enroute to your MA in Art History. Many programs have these to coincide with their art departments. Much better to earn a certificate along the way, then to shell out money for a program that isn't as specialized. One last thought - if you ever decide to pursue a PhD, the "museum studies" degree will not be attractive to admissions committees. Unless, you're applying to some type of PhD in Museum Studies or Business Management. Remember, many museum directors do not have a degree in anything related to museums. Sometimes not even in art. Often times they come from strong financial backgrounds, and may have studied business or fundraising. You sound like you have a lot of enthusiasm and love what you do. My advice is to determine what exactly you like the best about what you do - and then try to foresee which path would help you better reach your goals. Working on a museum studies degree may still make you happy and successful - but it does come with limitations and may produce extra work/costs for you in the long run. GOOD LUCK!

I have been accepted into a variety of programs, including a PhD program which I have since ruled out. I have it narrowed down to what appears to be the best two overall - faculty, research, funding, personal like, etc. I'm about 80% certain I'll apply again for my PhD at a few more specific programs when I am done. My question is, WHAT are your priorities when picking the final program and sending in your acceptance? Does it always come down to money? How much does program play a part? Do you just go with you instinct on it sometimes? Everyone has really encouraged me to take the fully funded offer I got, which I probably will do, but I am still feeling a bit torn because the program at another school is also very good. I wanted to put my two comparisons out there, and see what others have to say. Either from personal experience, or from the information I'm sharing. School #1 PROS - higher ranking in US overall - friendly staff who seem to genuinely really want me there - close to my fav. museum with near eastern focus (very likely i could intern here, this is also my dream PhD school nearby) - seem to have slightly more requirements / structure as far as grades and languages go - FULL RIDE, no tuition fees, and a job offered with the department - still waiting to hear on another even larger award they nominated me for CONS - not as much specialization in coursework - broader course requirements (though, this could also be seen as a pro) - no Egyptian focus courses School #2 PROS - very nice staff and has produced many famous faculty/researchers in my field (near eastern) - very specialized course work in topics (Egypt/near east) i have more background in (and what i want to do for my PhD) CONS - specializing too soon could potentially be a drawback for jobs, ? - offered stipend, which is very small and only covers tuition (barely) - would need a lot of loans to live off of - i already have undergraduate loans - strong art department, but school is Tier 2 Honestly, there is nothing "negative" about either the staff or even the program itself at all at either school. Both are fantastic and I have felt honored to be admitted and would probably do very well at either one. BOTH of these programs were in my Top 3 when I applied. (I was rejected from my very top choice, which is where I could still intern at school #1). Has anyone been in a similar situation? How much do you recommend or foresee specializing as a Masters student? Would doing a more broad MA program be a drawback in applying to PhD programs? THANK YOU everyone! Good luck to all of those still deciding!