Museum Education: GWU or Bank Street?

[ohreally]

Does anyone know the major differences between GWU and Bank Street's MA in Museum Education programs?

Where are students happier? Which school better prepares graduates? Which is the more respected program?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[pourtant]

I think it depends where you want to work. I've worked in NY museums for the last 8 or so years and Bank Street is VERY dominant. I'd imagine the same is true for GW in DC. The people at Bank Street have the best connections to most of the major museums in the city. Everyone knows everyone and you'll have the best internship opportunities because of this.

The caveat is that museum education jobs are few and far between. Be prepared to work 2-3 part time jobs at once and barely scrape by until that elusive full-time opening comes along. And even then, be prepared for low salaries that make it nearly impossible to pay back your Bank Street debt. Also know that you can score educator jobs without a masters. Usually you need teaching experience (and expertise in subject area helps), but the masters really only comes in handy if you want to be more of an administrator/manager.

Edited March 28, 2012 by pourtant