So, what are museum studies?
Museum studies are the academic and professional knowledge that supports all aspects of museums and similar public institutions.

Okay, then what are history museum studies?
Though CGP focuses much of its efforts on history-based institutions, our generalist nature means that our alumni are fully qualified to work in a broad spectrum of museums, including art, decorative arts, and science museums.

What is the relationship between CGP and Oneonta?
CGP is an academic division of SUNY College at Oneonta (aka SUCO), and students are enrolled in and will ultimately graduate with a degree from Oneonta. That being said, it is infrequent that students will be required to go to campus, though many visit fairly frequently.

What is the relationship between CGP and NYSHA?
NYSHA provides CGP with facilities, learning opportunities, and a number of professional staff members who act as adjunct faculty. CGP provides NYSHA a group of enthusiastic individuals, who may volunteer in a variety of ways.

Do I have to be a history major?
While many students come with previous degrees in history, a wide variety of majors are represented, from archaeology, to art history, to english, to philosophy.

What is the weather like in Cooperstown?
Cooperstown's climate is fairly typical for Upstate New York. Winter tends to be long, with cold teperatures and significant snow. Summers are fairly pleasant, with occasional waves of high heat and humidity, and frequent (though not typically damaging) thunderstorms. Spring and fall are more moderate, though with comparable amounts of precipitation. Fall is particularly pleasant, attracting many to see the changing colors of the trees.

Is there financial aid?
Though availability of financial aid differs somewhat from year to year, students typically receive some amount as a grant or scholarship. Stafford and Perkins loans are available through Oneonta for the remaining tuition and expenses.

Are there graduate assistantships?
Part-time assistantships are available. Some of the positions include working in the NYSHA library, providing research help to faculty, giving administrative assistance to the staff, or maintaining the computer or exhibit labs.

Is it possible to have a part-time job?
CGP's academic schedule is quite intensive, thus any position would have to be of limited hours. That being said, some students take employment at a variety of local establishments.

Do I have to pick a specialization?
CGP is at its core a generalist program, and there are no official specializations. Students are free to choose electives based on their background and career interests.

What is there to do in town?
Despite its size, the Cooperstown area does have a number of entertainment options. More information can be found on the Cooperstown, attractions, and events pages.

How many apply? How many are accepted?
While the number of applicants differs from year-to-year, it is typically between sixty and one hundred. Roughly thirty applicants are invited to Interview Weekend, and of those about fifteen are selected to join the incoming class.

Can I come for a visit?
The faculty strongly recommend that prospective students visit the program if possible. A visit typically includes sitting in on a class or two, as well as the opportunity to learn more about the program from faculty and current students.

Where do alumni work?
CGP alumni work in an incredible range of institutions and companies, from nationally-known museums, to small house museums, to exhibit fabrication companies.

Will I have to write a thesis?
In order to successfully graduate, students must complete a thesis paper or project. More information can be found here.

Do students find their own internships?
A binder of available internships is available at all times in the computer lab. Additionally, faculty and alumni may be helpful in locating an appropriate internship.

Are there real-life projects?
The great majority of CGP class assignments of any significance are real-life projects. Faculty make arrangements with other institutions, including NYSHA and the Farmers' Museum, as well as museums and other organizations throughout the region. These projects can be administrative, educational, interpretive, or collections-oriented.

Is there an effort at professional development?
CGP recognizes the importance of professional development to students. Events include seminars, conferences, field trips, and networking with alumni and other colleagues in the field.

Can I talk to a student?
Certainly. Please e-mail Rosemary Craig or Gretchen Sorin, and they can put you in touch with a current student to answer your questions.

Do graduates find jobs?
While job hunting is rarely a stress-free process, CGP alumni tend to find significant success in the field. Most graduates who are open to moving to a new area find employment within six months, if not sooner. While those tied to specific city are more at the whim of the local job market, with a degree from CGP they are well placed for positions that do appear.

What is the faculty-student ratio?
CGP has three full-time faculty, and four part-time adjunct faculty, and a student enrollment of about thirty.

Does the Folk Culture program still exist?
Despite the closing of the American Folk Culture program in 1979, its legacy lives on in our fieldwork class and other projects, as well as the yearly Buckley lecture.

What about the Conservation program?
In 1987, the Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works program was moved to Buffalo because of space considerations.