Hi Kate:
I wouldn't worry too much about the thesis requirement. To be honest, I don't even list my thesis on my resume, though some might if theirs is particularly relevant to their area of expertise. No one has asked me about it at an interview. My program required one when I went through but eliminated it within the last year or two because it didn't garner enough value for the amount of time and effort it required.
Personally speaking, I went to a traditional, on-campus program and I don't look at an online program and see it as any less valid. For the last few interviews I've had, my program was brought up in passing but it wasn't a focus of interview questions. In the past when I've interviewed people for an internship or job, I check to see if the person has the academic qualifications that the job requires, but the particular program and online/on-campus type doesn't matter to me. Again, that's me. Others could be different.
Best of luck with your studies!
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Geoffrey Woodcox
Assistant Curator of Collections
State Historical Society of North Dakota
Bismarck ND
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-20-2017 01:39 PM
From: Caitlin Tallman
Subject: Masters Programs
Hiya!
I am looking into Masters Programs in Museum Studies and was wondering if anyone could provide any insight. My BA is in History, in case that effects your advice at all. It will have to be a distance program, although I can fly in to complete on campus requirements as long as they can be condensed to a specific time frame, preferably shorter than a month at a time. I am most interested in the the Johns Hopkins, and Harvard Extension School programs. For both programs, I have concerns. Johns Hopkins does not require thesis, and I am worried I will constantly have to explain that Harvard "Extension School" courses are the same caliber as the on campus courses. Both courses have an on campus requirement even though the majority of the program is distance. Another factor is that the GI Bill is paying for my school, so cost is not an issue. I really want the best education that I can possibly get.
Have you gone through or do you have any familiarity with either of these programs? Does either carry less weight because of the above mentioned concerns? Would you recommend either above the other?
Thank you so much!
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Kate Tallman
University of Alaska Museum of the North
Fairbanks AK
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