Applying to Museum Studies or Art History Grad School (realistic advice)

[avantgardner]

This past May, I've graduated from a relatively good state school and am now taking a gap year to apply to graduate programs (both masters and PhD). This forum has been so insightful as to the application process, programs, and career options for those studying Art History so I wanted to pose a few questions to those who are also in my situation. I am applying to grad school to hopefully establish my career in as a curator of collections for a midrange state museum or university museum.

I've had plenty of professional experience in museums: 2+ years at a Historical Society, 2+ years at a contemporary art institute, 1 year as a curatorial research assistant, and another working in a respected state museum. All but my curatorial experience has been in education and grant writing - both which are so important and fulfilling.  My transcript is a little lackluster, I am graduating with a 3.4 overall GPA, but have several scholarships which could make up for that area. I suppose what I am wondering is - will my lower GPA limit my chances in masters or PhD programs?

I am considering Tulane University (masters), Hunter's (masters), UT Austin (masters), UVA (PhD), Boston College (PhD), and Boston University (PhD). Do you have any advice for applying or any program suggestions? 

[raye237]

I'm about to graduate from BU undergrad and the grad program seems really strong. All of the professors I know really value professional experience post grad so I think you have a solid chance. Feel free to message me with any questions about specific professors at BU or anything else. 

[venusofwillendork]

Hi @avantgardner, congratulations on your graduation and on beginning your application process.  I am one year ahead of where you're at -- I also took a gap year to apply to schools after undergrad, and am now heading to a PhD program in the fall.

So, a few things to think about here.  

1) I think a lower GPA will not necessarily be a red flag (and a 3.4 really isn't that low).  Were you an art history major?  Is your GPA better in your major? Many of the applications asked for a major-specific GPA, and that might be a good way to highlight your transcript strength.  Also on your transcript, what is your range of art history or other applicable courses?  Did you generally do well in those (B+ - A range?)  That will help make up for any questions on your GPA.

2) Your professional experience in museums will be a big plus.  And education and grantwriting will be supremely important as you seek relevant internships and work in the field. I would definitely highlight your curatorial research experience in your statements of purpose -- that's a valuable way to indicate that your experience goes beyond the classroom.

3) Other programs to consider really depends your area of interest.  Is avant-garde what you're looking at?  Where geographically?  What methodologies/frameworks are you interested in studying?  

4) I've heard great things about art history programs at University of Delaware and UNC Chapel Hill.  You might also consider an MA at Tufts or Williams College, which have strong curatorial departments. 

5) One more thing to consider: ask current grad students and potential advisors whether the program leans towards academia or curatorial.  My goal is to remain in academia, so professors who have only ever been professors are the best career advisors for me.  But that's probably not the case for you if you want to go into museums, so you'll need a program that is well prepared to support you in your job search, who will know what internships and fellowships are most important for you.

Anyway, this is longer than I had intended!  Best of luck with your applications <3

[Valorship98]

Hello!

Regardless of where you would like to curate let's consider a few things. What is your area of specialization? Where a BA in Art History with a focus in contemporary art can sometimes land you a job as a curatorial assistant in lower-tier museums, a BA in Art History with a focus in Chinese art will not get you in the door for curatorial whatsoever, PhD or MA vary dependent on focus.

What sorts of degrees do the people you wish to become (i.e. Curator at State School Art Museum) have? Do they have a degree in museum studies or do they have a pure art history degree from a well known institution?

Why is your GPA something that is frightening you? What are the parts of your application that can bolster a 3.4 GPA (I.e. your extensive professional experience (don't downplay this), excellent writing skills (as demonstrated in Writing Sample and Personal Statement), etc.)? Put this way, I had a 3.5 GPA and am now at an Ivy for my MA with a very well known advisor, without gap year.

What are the same 10 schools you see everyone you've worked with and studied under having earned their degree? Did they attend Boston College or did they attend Harvard? How can you take the resume you have in this moment and make it so irresistible that you are almost guaranteed admittance to top programs? For this, look at current graduate students at Harvard Yale Princeton, most of them have an MA from Courtauld, Tufts, or Williams, they have at least one really impressive internship or job experience at a top museum or archive - what are the steps to take you from where you are now to compete with those students?

These are the questions I pose to myself, maybe this is unhealthy I am unsure. What I do know is, I want my PhD, a large chunk of my early years of my life, years I will never get back to pursue the study of something I am incredibly passionate about, to be completely worth it and VALUABLE. A PhD in art history offers very little in terms of capital generation, meaning there are two jobs available: museum professional or academic. Again I urge you to look at the people who currently hold those positions and model yourself and your CV after them. OH, and don't forget language study!

I hope this blunt honesty was helpful, if you have more specific questions feel free to inbox me.

[kaufdichglücklich]

You need a PhD to be a curator. Don't bother with a museum studies degree. Unless you work at one of those museums with a staff of 2 they will not let you anywhere near curatorial with a museum studies degree. You need to do a little more research in the field. Curators at university museums have PhDs from elite universities and have held top post-docs. I'm not sure what a "mid range state museum" is. 

[Vagante]

An MA from Williams, Case, or Tufts (all with a strong museum emphasis) will help you get into a good PhD program. I strongly caution you against BU’s grad program. It is brutally unsupportive.

[Villard]

I second the above recommendation and also stay away from IFA for an MA. MAs are cash cows there. Also: I didn't know Boston College grants PhDs in art history (my understanding is they only have an undergraduate program).