18. Museum Grad School Series. Part 2 of 3: How to Evaluate a Program

If you’re considering museum grad school, this is the episode where things get real.In Part 1, we talked about whether grad school makes sense in the first place.In this episode, we’re assuming you are considering it and walking through how to actually evaluate programs so you can make a smart, informed decision.Because here’s the truth:Grad school is not just an academic decision. It’s a financial, professional, and strategic one.And not all programs are created equal.In this episode, we break down:how to approach grad school like a mutual selection process (you’re interviewing them, too)the questions you should be asking before committinghow to think about ROI (beyond just “getting a job”)what actually matters when comparing programsand where a lot of museum grad programs fall shortWe’re also very honest about something that doesn’t get talked about enough: Many museum grad programs are revenue generators for universities.Which means you need to approach this as an informed consumer... asking for data, not just vibes.This episode is here to help you slow down, ask better questions, and make a decision that actually aligns with your goals.🔑 Key TakeawaysGrad school should be evaluated based on what you want to get out of it... not what the field says you “should” doYou should approach programs like a two-way interview, asking clear and specific questionsROI matters and that includes cost, time, lost income, and realistic salary expectationsLocation can significantly impact your access to internships, networks, and job opportunitiesOnline programs can work but often require you to create your own hands-on experienceInternships are critical, but not always built into programs in a meaningful wayNot all programs provide career support tailored to the museum fieldAlumni networks and faculty connections can be one of the most valuable parts of a programYou are often paying for access and networks, not just courseworkTransferable skills matter both inside and outside the museum field⏱ Chapters00:00 Why you need Part 1 before this02:30 Treating grad school like an interview04:00 What do you actually want out of a program?07:00 Using job descriptions to guide your decision10:00 Location, cost of living, and opportunity access13:00 Online vs in-person programs16:00 “Be a smart consumer”: programs as revenue generators18:30 Time to completion + working while in school21:00 Financial realities (tuition, scholarships, hidden costs)24:00 Faculty connections and real-world experience28:00 Hands-on skills vs theory32:00 Internships: required, paid, and competitive37:00 Job placement transparency (what to ask programs)39:00 Career support: resumes, interviews, and beyond40:30 Alumni networks and long-term value42:00 Transferable skills (and why they matter more than you think)52:00 Final thoughts + how to make your decision🔍 Keywords museum grad schoolmuseum studies degreemuseum careersmuseum jobsgraduate school evaluationmuseum professionalscareer development museumsmuseum internshipsarts careersGLAM careersmuseum educationcareer strategy