Which department to focus on?

[Caryatid236]

I really did just begin the process of thinking about and researching doctorate programs, so please be gentle when correcting any glaring examples of complete ignorance (although please do correct me).

I am an art conservator with a professional background in historical materials (I currently work at a history museum and also work in the conservation of library and archival materials) and an academic background in art history. I am interested in studying the idea of preservation of art and historical materials as a "Public Trust," as written in so many museum and library mission statements but rarely reflected in local or larger public policy. I am particularly interested in how this self-imposed mission influences both the way in which artwork and historical artifacts are preserved and how the public and government access and interact with those materials.

I have been researching various programs under various departments and feel as though my interest and research could fall under so many different umbrellas. History? Art history/ visual studies? Public policy? Sociology?

I would really appreciate it if I could get a few opinions to help focus my search for possible avenues. I am not so much looking for advice on specific programs or schools- just more generally some opinions on where my research interests may best fall.

Thank you in advance for you help!

[slouching]

I was a sociology major as an undergrad, and can see how the topic you've mentioned could be studied from that perspective, but I imagine some sociology programs would be a much better fit for your interests than others. To get a sense of where you belong, it might help to further narrow your research topic in terms of location, time period, etc.

To determine whether or not a program is a good fit for you, you'll want to look at things like structure, coursework, and faculty research interests. You may find that it will make sense to apply to a mix of different kinds of programs. Also, keep in mind that different fields will require different things from you; for example, many sociology programs will require you to take at least one course in stats/quantitative research methods, and many programs in the fields you've mentioned will require you to study a foreign language or two, all of which may or may not be relevant to your interests and goals.

Finally, what do you see yourself doing with a PhD? If you want to work in academia, then you can do that with a degree in any of those fields, but you'll have to consider where you really want to be. I once read a great piece of advice on these forums that went something like this: if you're trying to decide between academic careers in two different fields, consider which field's intro-level class you'd rather teach. And if you're looking to work outside of academia, then the specifics of what you want to be doing might dictate what field you should study. If you want to work at an art museum, for example, an art history degree might make more sense than sociology. 

Edited April 10, 2016 by slouching

[NoirFemme]

On 4/10/2016 at 6:25 AM, Caryatid236 said:

I really did just begin the process of thinking about and researching doctorate programs, so please be gentle when correcting any glaring examples of complete ignorance (although please do correct me).

I am an art conservator with a professional background in historical materials (I currently work at a history museum and also work in the conservation of library and archival materials) and an academic background in art history. I am interested in studying the idea of preservation of art and historical materials as a "Public Trust," as written in so many museum and library mission statements but rarely reflected in local or larger public policy. I am particularly interested in how this self-imposed mission influences both the way in which artwork and historical artifacts are preserved and how the public and government access and interact with those materials.

I have been researching various programs under various departments and feel as though my interest and research could fall under so many different umbrellas. History? Art history/ visual studies? Public policy? Sociology?

I would really appreciate it if I could get a few opinions to help focus my search for possible avenues. I am not so much looking for advice on specific programs or schools- just more generally some opinions on where my research interests may best fall.

Thank you in advance for you help!

Have you looked into Rutgers' Cultural and Heritage Preservation Studies phd? It's under their Art History program. 

U of Delaware's Material Culture program might also be a good fit.

U of D also has a Preservation Studies PhD program.

Look at Heritage and Historic Preservation programs. 

[hleefracesh]

Also see Bard Graduate Center's PhD in the history of the decorative arts, design history, and material culture

[Allison Harbin]

I wouldn't recommend the CHAPs program at Rutgers, they don't have many permanent staff and most of them don't have real-world experience, so it isn't great for connections or if you're seeking to learn more about government or NGO policy.