Hi all.
I'm going to be graduating next spring (Class of 2008) with my B.A. in history, and I have a couple questions. I want to pursue a M.A. in museum studies in graduate school. Since it's a slightly obscure subject (at least compared to English, psychology, political science, etc.), I was wondering if anyone had some input on particularly good programs?
Some background: I think I'm a fairly competitive student...I go to a small state liberal arts university that is highly respected within the region for its challenging curriculum. I currently have a 3.92 G.P.A., and it should stay relatively high over the next year, as the most challenging part of my academic curriculum will be over after this semester (next year is mostly a matter of applying to graduate school and jumping through hoops for graduation). I was recently invited to join Phi Kappa Phi, an academic honor society open to only the top 7.5% of the junior class. I've worked as a student research assistant for one of my history professors for the past year (my duties included editing a manuscript of oral history interviews for her upcoming book), and I'll probably be doing an (unpaid) internship this summer at the Missouri Historical Society while working my regular job as an usher and tour guide at a local theatre. I test well, and I'll definitely log some study hours before tackling the GRE, so I don't think that should be a huge problem.
After attending undergrad at a small, rural town in the Midwest, I've decided that small town living really isn't for me in the long run. Since I'm from a Midwestern city to begin with, I'm aiming for a program in, or in close proximity to, a larger city (preferably on a coast), as I want to live and work in an urban environment. Thus far, University of Washington--Seattle, San Francisco State University, George Washington University, and Cooperstown Graduate Program all sound promising. Any comments on these, or other suggestions?
I've gone to undergraduate for only a couple thousand per year, and I'm graduating a year early, so I don't mind spending a bit more for a quality graduate program. However, free money is always good because my family isn't rich, so if anyone knows programs that are particularly generous in terms of grants or fellowships (I don't mind working), please let me know.
Secondly, as I've always been a Europhile, I've been seriously considering doing my M.A. in England (specifically, Nottingham Trent or Newcastle). While both programs accept international students, does anyone know if it's more difficult to find a job in the U.S. with a European degree (believe me, if I could, I would work in Europe, but I know that's a pipe dream given the labor laws...)?
Thanks for your time!