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I'm trying to decide between two MA programs-- the Art Museum Studies program at Georgetown and the Museum Studies program at Syracuse University. I've talked to a couple people at each program and I've received mixed reviews from both. I'm really interested in Exhibitions research and Curatorial work, specially related to working in an art museum, and both programs have about equal pros and cons. I was wondering if anyone who attended either program, knows someone who has, could give me their opinion since it's coming down to the wire and I have no idea how to make this choice!! Thank you!!

Posted

I'm trying to decide between two MA programs-- the Art Museum Studies program at Georgetown and the Museum Studies program at Syracuse University. I've talked to a couple people at each program and I've received mixed reviews from both. I'm really interested in Exhibitions research and Curatorial work, specially related to working in an art museum, and both programs have about equal pros and cons. I was wondering if anyone who attended either program, knows someone who has, could give me their opinion since it's coming down to the wire and I have no idea how to make this choice!! Thank you!!

If you're really torn, I would have to say Georgetown seems like a better choice. The museums in DC cannot be beat, and hopefully you'd be able to make more connections there and have some more opportunities to intern throughout the year.

For what it's worth, I have heard (directly from major curators) that you will definitely need a PhD in Art History to work in most art museums. (You can also see the MA vs. PhD tangent in the big MA/PhD 2011 thread.) Anyway, networking in DC would probably be helpful.

Do the programs have equal funding?

Posted

I've been in touch with the departments but I haven't received any information about funding (except that it's very limited). I am planning on applying for my PhD in Art History in the future, though.

Posted

I've been in touch with the departments but I haven't received any information about funding (except that it's very limited). I am planning on applying for my PhD in Art History in the future, though.

In that case, pick the most academically rigorous program.

Posted

I've been in touch with the departments but I haven't received any information about funding (except that it's very limited). I am planning on applying for my PhD in Art History in the future, though.

Why do you want your PhD? Is it to pursue a curatorial position? Or because you want to teach in academia as a professor? Or is this something that you want to achieve on a personal level?

Georgetown's program is a fast-track MA program that places you into the working world pretty quickly. First semester is academics, second semester is working at one of the large auction houses in London and last semester is thesis work. From my perspective, this seems like a good thing if you want your MA and want to work in art world outside academia. It's a bit more honorable program than what Sotheby's and Christie's MA track offer, but it's more training with art objects than thinking about art objects. I really do not think it would be as good as training for an academically-focused PhD program, nor for being a curator. You don't host an exhibition and you aren't interning with museum (even though I bet the connections to DC will be top-notch, it's just not the department's intense focus).

Syracuse on the other hand is a lesser known program, but it is much more academically inclined. It's probably better if you want to go onto a PhD (although you should definitely make sure you know the faculty and their interests. My friend got roped into her advisor's project and it pretty much screwed her up when applying to PhD programs. She didn't really get to work on what she wanted, and barely got accepted to a PhD program. Of course, this may be circumstantial for her (or anyone), and you can certainly say the same for any program, but because it is a small department that only offers a terminal masters you should take everything into consideration). However, if you look at the alumni list, very few 2005+ MA alumni exist or their roles defined.

What you really need to do is sit down and think about what you most want to do and then plan accordingly. Funding is a big issue, but don't get stuck in a school that is going to define you just because someone offers you a little extra money (if it's a lot, then you *might* want to think how far you want to go :) )

Posted

Georgetown's program is a fast-track MA program that places you into the working world pretty quickly. First semester is academics, second semester is working at one of the large auction houses in London and last semester is thesis work. From my perspective, this seems like a good thing if you want your MA and want to work in art world outside academia. It's a bit more honorable program than what Sotheby's and Christie's MA track offer, but it's more training with art objects than thinking about art objects. I really do not think it would be as good as training for an academically-focused PhD program, nor for being a curator. You don't host an exhibition and you aren't interning with museum (even though I bet the connections to DC will be top-notch, it's just not the department's intense focus).

To clarify, Georgetown's program DOES include museum internships, and there is no longer a thesis (though you have the option to write a serious paper, if you wish). Both the 1st and the 3rd semesters include internships in D.C. I was looking at the program for this fall, but I DO want to go on to a PhD eventually and after speaking with several students decided that it was not as academically inclined as I wished--a wonderful program, but more suited for those who are interested in art business or working in museums not as curators.

Posted

To clarify, Georgetown's program DOES include museum internships, and there is no longer a thesis (though you have the option to write a serious paper, if you wish). Both the 1st and the 3rd semesters include internships in D.C. I was looking at the program for this fall, but I DO want to go on to a PhD eventually and after speaking with several students decided that it was not as academically inclined as I wished--a wonderful program, but more suited for those who are interested in art business or working in museums not as curators.

Yeah I hadn't look at it since last year. My GDS worked there and didn't have too much to say about the program and didn't think I would like it.

No thesis? Not academically inclined at all and no museum would take a curator without some form of writing accomplishment. Good call :)

Posted

The Syracuse Museum Studies program is a non-thesis MA program and I was told by a student in their second semester that it wasn't very academically rigorous at all, so I think that's pretty much cemented my decision. I'm just interested in going through the program and taking a couple years to work before I think about applying to Art History programs. I am not interested in teaching, but I may be interested in the curatorial track some day. I just didn't feel like that, after just graduating undergrad, I had a narrow enough focus to apply for an Art History program. Thank you for your input, everyone!

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