Open Forum

Saint Louis University Museum of Art
Saint Louis MO
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I'm not overly familiar with the job market these days but as someone who has been on hiring committees in the past I don't have a preference. When it comes collections positions I can't say that there is any prejudice against a certificate. I think what is most important is the quality of the program issuing the certificate and the coursework required. We require transcripts from all applicants. If it is a well established program that issues a museum certificate I can't see that being a problem for you.  In your case your current experience working in a museum will also bolster your resume whether you have a certificate or masters. 

Good luck! 

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Katherine Owens
Curator of Collections
Missouri State Museum
Jefferson City, MO
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Hey Karson!

Congrats on your acceptance into the Master of Library and Information Science with MIZZOU!

To answer your question- "would a certificate or masters be more beneficial?" I have a couple of answers:

a) I would say a masters is more beneficial- however, this is dependent upon the institution's requirements for a collections position. Some museums require only a bachelor's degree, while a masters degree will help you stand out. I would look at some open positions for collections employment and see what they require. Your bachelor's is impressive, as anthropology and art history are a major help in collections work.

In regard to a certificate, I would say if you got your master's degree, certificates after the fact can be a great help. Many certificate programs are very specific and can be an added benefit to your scope of knowledge.

b) If you are serious about collections, I would highly suggest the Master of Art in museum studies program with the University of Oklahoma. It is also an online program.  In this program, you can declare a concentration in Collections Management and take specific electives in this topic. I received this degree in 2024 and began work in collections soon after. After having the degree, I signed up for and have taken various certification programs to boost my knowledge of the collections in our facility. That is the route I would suggest for anyone going into collections who wants to apply more to their work. 

Good luck in your decisions! 

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Aarianna Harmon
Education and Collections Coordinator
Herrett Center For Arts and Science and Faulkner Planetarium
Twin Falls ID
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Karson,

I wonder if you would be able to defer your place for a year, while you take some time to consider other options, before embarking on a long and expensive journey you are unsure of.

This might be a good way to add a museum-specific qualification to your experience without the huge expense of a Masters:

3-class online Museum Studies Certificate

Northwestern University's 3-class online asynchronous certificate program begins again in September. (Registration by September 8) These three classes each cost around $1,300 and you can take one or more per term. A good opportunity for possible career development and access to great readings/media without making a major commitment. Quote from a recent student: "This was my first experience with a fully asynchronous class, and I was shocked how much I enjoyed it. The discussion posts and being required to respond to your fellow classmates truly created a community. Everyone came from such different backgrounds but were all able to come together for this class."

https://sps.northwestern.edu/professional-development/museum-studies/

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Caroline Goldthorpe
Director,
Museum Studies Online Certificate
Northwestern University
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Hi Karson, another option could be the asynchronous OU online MA in museum studies. I'm a lecturer there so if you have any questions please don't hesitate to reach out. This is a link to the program. https://online.ou.edu/program/ma-in-museum-studies/

With best wishes, Laura

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Dr. Laura Phillips
Lecturer, Museum Studies Master of Arts
School of Information and Library Studies
The University of Oklahoma
401 W. Brooks, Bizzell Library
Norman, OK 73019
laura.phillips@ou.edu

I am grateful to be present on the homelands of the "Hasinais" Caddo Nation and "Kirikirʔi:s" Wichita & Affiliated Tribes. I acknowledge this territory also serves as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations. Today, 39 Indigenous Nations dwell in what is now the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate and eradicate Indigenous peoples.
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