I am wrapping up my undergrad degree in anthropology and history (archaeology focus) and am looking into graduate school. My interests are artifact conservation, public outreach, historic homes/sites, and the use of digital imaging for artifacts.
Right now I am really looking into Denver University's Museum and Heritage Studies program with a focus on the heritage studies because I feel like it offers the most courses that I am specifically interested in (artifact conservation, historical archaeology, collections management, applied heritage management) but I can't help but wonder if a Public History will better prepare me for the type of jobs I will end up seeking. I have interned at a big-name historic home and absolutely loved it there and would be interested in working for a state/local historic society. However, many of the public history programs have been 50% pure history courses and 50% specialty electives, while the DU program is 85% electives.
Not sure if it's relevant but I am only interested in getting my masters in either of these fields and definitely want to keep the option open to get a purely academic PhD later down the road.
Thoughts?
Well, the answer is that it depends. A public history degree might be more useful for working in a historic home or perhaps a historical society. A public history degree would definitely allow you to pursue a PhD down the road.
On the other hand, a Museum Studies degree is sort of like a public history degree, with less focus on history, and more on different aspects of museum work.
I've never heard of Denver University, but the 85% electives sounds like a positive. You'd be able to create the degree that you really want. I wish I had been able to take more collections management courses than I was able to at my program.
So the question is, do you want to be working with deep historical thought in your work, or would you prefer to be educated in perhaps a wider variety of practical applications that you might find in a Museum Studies MA.
Although, A Museum and Heritage Studies program sounds like a merger between the two, so that might work out for you.
Also, feel free to join us at /r/MuseumPros.