Malformed University Name, Uncategorized Surveys

Date: Jun 02 2006
Major: History/Histories (art history/etc.) (This Major's Salary over time)
I had to choose between the two MA programs in the history of decorative arts offered in NYC, and decided on the Cooper-Hewitt because it has a number of advantages: great faculty, a top-notch library, extensive museum collections on site, proximity to other great museums such as the Met, and opportunities for internships with curators. I was not disappointed: the collections are great, and the program offers plenty of possibilities for interacting with museum professionals. Because it is a small program, there is a lot of individual attention. I was struck by how available a lot of the teachers make themselves, when so many of them have other, full-time jobs. Many of them are top experts in their fields, and are extremely generous with their time. I would encourage other students to work on a thesis rather than take exams: I really got a lot out of working with my thesis advisor, and it was really gratifying to complete a project of that magnitude. While the library is sadly underfunded and understaffed, it has a good general collection on the decorative arts, and great collection of rare books and archives that offers lots of opportunities for independent study and internship projects. The staff, stretched as thin as they are, were always helpful and well-informed. The MA program staff was also generally very responsive and keeps an open-door policy.