Open Forum

Hi!

I have a B.A. in Education and I am considering entry into an internship/graduate program in I/O(industrial-organizational) Psychology. My goal is to obtain a career in the museum field and I would love to become a full-time museum educator or curator. I am extremely passionate about cultural art and history. Would a degree in I/O Psychology possibly come in handy for employment in the museum field?

Thank you.

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T. P.
Indiana
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Depending on what you want to do, having a background in psychology could potentially be useful for this field.  For instance, if you were an exhibits curator and had a good idea of how the human mind perceives things, then that could be strength.   That said, I wouldn't spend lots of money on an additional degree in psychology if you're planning to go into museums.  I would say having experience in the field and a solid understanding of museum standards/philosophies is a more important thing.  If you want to get an additional degree to prep you for museum work,  I'd go for a master's in something like museum studies, public history, etc.

Best of luck with your future plans!

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Geoffrey Woodcox
Assistant Curator of Collections
State Historical Society of North Dakota
Bismarck ND

Original Message:
Sent: 05-17-2016 05:02 PM
From: T. P.
Subject: Considering Grad School Program

Hi!

I have a B.A. in Education and I am considering entry into an internship/graduate program in I/O(industrial-organizational) Psychology. My goal is to obtain a career in the museum field and I would love to become a full-time museum educator or curator. I am extremely passionate about cultural art and history. Would a degree in I/O Psychology possibly come in handy for employment in the museum field?

Thank you.

------------------------------
T. P.
Indiana
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Possibly I'm missing something important in what an "I/O Psychology" degree is. I'm not sure what it has to do with either museum education or curating.  

While psychology is generally helpful for management and administration, at the core curators conduct primary research in their respective fields (art history, public history, paleontology, archaeology, entomology, ornithology, etc.).  Educators, whether in a school or informal education setting like zoos and museums, need experience with developing curriculum, teaching, and usually with children.

Your education B.A. should be enough to work or volunteer with a museum until you know what specific further training you really get excited about.  

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Lissa Kramer

Original Message:
Sent: 05-17-2016 05:02 PM
From: T. P.
Subject: Considering Grad School Program

Hi!

I have a B.A. in Education and I am considering entry into an internship/graduate program in I/O(industrial-organizational) Psychology. My goal is to obtain a career in the museum field and I would love to become a full-time museum educator or curator. I am extremely passionate about cultural art and history. Would a degree in I/O Psychology possibly come in handy for employment in the museum field?

Thank you.

------------------------------
T. P.
Indiana
------------------------------

I think you should study whatever you love, but that may not translate into a museum job. In my experience, job descriptions and position standards have become increasingly stringent, and you will only be hired if your academic background matches the position you are seeking.

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Gregory Dobie
Editorial and Educational Consultant
Sherman Oaks CA

Original Message:
Sent: 05-18-2016 11:55 PM
From: Lissa Kramer
Subject: Considering Grad School Program

Possibly I'm missing something important in what an "I/O Psychology" degree is. I'm not sure what it has to do with either museum education or curating.  

While psychology is generally helpful for management and administration, at the core curators conduct primary research in their respective fields (art history, public history, paleontology, archaeology, entomology, ornithology, etc.).  Educators, whether in a school or informal education setting like zoos and museums, need experience with developing curriculum, teaching, and usually with children.

Your education B.A. should be enough to work or volunteer with a museum until you know what specific further training you really get excited about.  

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Lissa Kramer

Hi TP-

My understanding of I/O psychology is limited, so I am a bit unsure of how it would apply to a curatorial or educator position.  From my *brief* review of the field, it sounds like it would more fit with an HR department. The middle sized, fine arts museum I work for has used an external firm to act as an advisor regarding workplace satisfaction, and we have no one on staff that fulfills that position full time.  I will say that if you are interested in pursuing a career in a traditional curatorial department (not curator of public programs, curator of interactive experiences, etc) within a fine arts museum you will need a degree in art history.  At my museum, even the junior level curatorial positions are filled with individuals who have an M.A. in art history and many also have a PhD. 

Hope that helps!

Kirstin

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Kristin Gotway
Curatorial Assistant
Indianapolis Museum of Art
Indianapolis IN

Original Message:
Sent: 05-17-2016 05:02 PM
From: T. P.
Subject: Considering Grad School Program

Hi!

I have a B.A. in Education and I am considering entry into an internship/graduate program in I/O(industrial-organizational) Psychology. My goal is to obtain a career in the museum field and I would love to become a full-time museum educator or curator. I am extremely passionate about cultural art and history. Would a degree in I/O Psychology possibly come in handy for employment in the museum field?

Thank you.

------------------------------
T. P.
Indiana
------------------------------

You can certainly begin working in the museum field on a track to become an educator or curator (depending on what you will curate) with a BA in Education.  I would recommend doing this before you go back to school for a masters or beyond because generally speaking educator and curator positions are very different.  Work for a while and see what you like doing, and then go back to  school if you need/want to.  If you do decide to go back, your museum may offer some programs to help you pay for your education-- keep this in mind as you job search.  I'd say getting a psych degree would be of limited help in progressing in museum jobs in general if you're unsure of a specific direction you want to take.  Regardless-- I advise everyone to take some time before getting an advanced degree to work in museums if you think that's your desired field.  School is expensive pretty much across the board, and museums don't pay much pretty much across the board, so better to go get that extra degree when you're really certain you need or want it, and that you're thinking strategically about what degree to go for. 

Good luck!

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Romy Vreeland
Manager, Board of Trustees and General Counsel's Office
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York NY

Original Message:
Sent: 05-17-2016 05:02 PM
From: T. P.
Subject: Considering Grad School Program

Hi!

I have a B.A. in Education and I am considering entry into an internship/graduate program in I/O(industrial-organizational) Psychology. My goal is to obtain a career in the museum field and I would love to become a full-time museum educator or curator. I am extremely passionate about cultural art and history. Would a degree in I/O Psychology possibly come in handy for employment in the museum field?

Thank you.

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T. P.
Indiana
------------------------------

Florida State University has new graduate programs (MA and Ph.D.) in Museum Education and Visitor-Centered Exhibitions (MEX). For more information:

Museum Education and Visitor-Centered Exhibitions (MEX)

Department of Art Education		remove preview
Museum Education and Visitor-Centered Exhibitions (MEX) The FSU Department of Art Education is the oldest department of its kind in the South. The distinguished faculty in the Department of Art Education is composed of seven members, each of whom holds the doctoral degree. View this on Department of Art Education >

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Pat Villeneuve PhD
Professor
Florida State University
Tallahassee FL

Original Message:
Sent: 05-17-2016 05:02 PM
From: T. P.
Subject: Considering Grad School Program

Hi!

I have a B.A. in Education and I am considering entry into an internship/graduate program in I/O(industrial-organizational) Psychology. My goal is to obtain a career in the museum field and I would love to become a full-time museum educator or curator. I am extremely passionate about cultural art and history. Would a degree in I/O Psychology possibly come in handy for employment in the museum field?

Thank you.

------------------------------
T. P.
Indiana
------------------------------

I have a response to the "study what you love" advice. I am going on the job market with a MA and almost a PhD (ABD) in art history. I am interested in lower to middle level jobs in museum education in New York City, which is a very competitive market.  I am not getting much response so I'm worried that my advanced education is actually a obstacle to getting the job I really want.  I want to work in museum education for college age students and adults because I believe in the benefits of lifelong learning and the advantage of using objects and non-classroom settings to inspire creative thinking. But, I wonder what employers think when they see my resume.  I love art history and getting my PhD is a personal lifelong goal. But, career wise, I am not sure it is the best decision.  

My best advice is to really consider what kind of career you want before investing in an advanced degree. If you really want to work in a museum, consider a museum studies or museum education MA and intern/work while you are in grad school. Specialized career education might be more beneficial than a degree in the subject you love. Find people that have the job you want and look at their education and career history to understand the best path for you to take (LinkedIn makes it easier). Do the degree if it is a personal goal, but think about how you will sell it to potential employers.

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Sarah Jones
PhD Candidate, Art History
University of Missouri
Emerging Museum Professional


Original Message:
Sent: 05-17-2016 05:02 PM
From: T. P.
Subject: Considering Grad School Program

Hi!

I have a B.A. in Education and I am considering entry into an internship/graduate program in I/O(industrial-organizational) Psychology. My goal is to obtain a career in the museum field and I would love to become a full-time museum educator or curator. I am extremely passionate about cultural art and history. Would a degree in I/O Psychology possibly come in handy for employment in the museum field?

Thank you.

------------------------------
T. P.
Indiana
------------------------------

Another idea to consider would be to go for a dual degree. Many grad schools let you apply some courses to two different programs and graduate with two masters degrees.  This is most common with Arts Administration and MBA's in concert with humanities or other professional degrees, but it would be very interesting to combine Museum Studies and Industrial/Organizational Psychology, especially if your internship was in a museum.  It takes longer to graduate, but sets you up for a unique work life!

Good luck!

------------------------------
Guy Hermann
Museum Insights
http://www.museuminsights.com

Original Message:
Sent: 05-17-2016 05:02 PM
From: T. P.
Subject: Considering Grad School Program

Hi!

I have a B.A. in Education and I am considering entry into an internship/graduate program in I/O(industrial-organizational) Psychology. My goal is to obtain a career in the museum field and I would love to become a full-time museum educator or curator. I am extremely passionate about cultural art and history. Would a degree in I/O Psychology possibly come in handy for employment in the museum field?

Thank you.

------------------------------
T. P.
Indiana
------------------------------

I am a graduate of University of Leicester Museum Studies Learning in Museums and Galleries programme. I think it is important to find a post graduate program that both challenges you and builds on your existing skills. UofL gave me a broader perspective on museums inside and outside the United States. I found their combination of how people learn in museums and visitor studies a good fit for me. 

My advice is to consider what excites you about a programme when you look over materials and talk to folks.

------------------------------
Ly Foor
Manager of Visitor Studies
Ohio History Center - Ohio History Connection
Columbus OH

Original Message:
Sent: 05-17-2016 05:02 PM
From: T. P.
Subject: Considering Grad School Program

Hi!

I have a B.A. in Education and I am considering entry into an internship/graduate program in I/O(industrial-organizational) Psychology. My goal is to obtain a career in the museum field and I would love to become a full-time museum educator or curator. I am extremely passionate about cultural art and history. Would a degree in I/O Psychology possibly come in handy for employment in the museum field?

Thank you.

------------------------------
T. P.
Indiana
------------------------------

Dear T.P.,

Expecting any tertiary education in itself to serve as vocational training – with the possible exception of the JD or MD - is fraught. The carrot of 'our graduates get jobs' does sell university admissions, however, and so continues to be promoted (by government, the education sector, et al), and produce buzz-compliant ed programs.

Your interest in 'I/O' Psychology would thus 'recommend' you toward human resource work rather than museum practices centered on the interpretation of material culture. If HR is your objective, a certification in 'I/O' Psych may be sensible, but in regard to your stated interests in the museum field, it may provide only tangential insights. If you are instead considering the psychologies of museum use, for example, perhaps you should consider a broader study of social psychologies.

I doubt there are very many organizations looking for a 'curator of industrial psychology', even if the do collect oral histories or the material culture of industrial societies. But 'your milage may vary'.

regards,

------------------------------
Kevin Coffee
Oneida, NY

Original Message:
Sent: 05-17-2016 05:02 PM
From: T. P.
Subject: Considering Grad School Program

Hi!

I have a B.A. in Education and I am considering entry into an internship/graduate program in I/O(industrial-organizational) Psychology. My goal is to obtain a career in the museum field and I would love to become a full-time museum educator or curator. I am extremely passionate about cultural art and history. Would a degree in I/O Psychology possibly come in handy for employment in the museum field?

Thank you.

------------------------------
T. P.
Indiana
------------------------------

Original Message------

Dear T.P.,

Expecting any tertiary education in itself to serve as vocational training – with the possible exception of the JD or MD - is fraught. The carrot of 'our graduates get jobs' does sell university admissions, however, and so continues to be promoted (by government, the education sector, et al), and produce buzz-compliant ed programs.

Your interest in 'I/O' Psychology would thus 'recommend' you toward human resource work rather than museum practices centered on the interpretation of material culture. If HR is your objective, a certification in 'I/O' Psych may be sensible, but in regard to your stated interests in the museum field, it may provide only tangential insights. If you are instead considering the psychologies of museum use, for example, perhaps you should consider a broader study of social psychologies.

I doubt there are very many organizations looking for a 'curator of industrial psychology', even if the do collect oral histories or the material culture of industrial societies. But 'your milage may vary'.

regards,

------------------------------
Kevin Coffee
Oneida, NY
------------------------------

T.P.,

Since you already have a B.A. in Education, a Master's in Museum Studies or Art History seems to be the best bet if you decided to become a museum educator. Putting two to two together (especially if you have the MS degree), it sounds perfect to be in the Museum Education department.  

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Daniel Williams
Museum Volunteer
Macomb IL

Original Message:
Sent: 05-17-2016 05:02 PM
From: T. P.
Subject: Considering Grad School Program

Hi!

I have a B.A. in Education and I am considering entry into an internship/graduate program in I/O(industrial-organizational) Psychology. My goal is to obtain a career in the museum field and I would love to become a full-time museum educator or curator. I am extremely passionate about cultural art and history. Would a degree in I/O Psychology possibly come in handy for employment in the museum field?

Thank you.

------------------------------
T. P.
Indiana
------------------------------