AsterNox

Hello there, I have recently sent out applications for a PhD in marketing with a sociology subfield, as I study marketing in the context of sociology. While I have only heard back from two schools both were rejections, with one school recommending I pursue a Master's in sociology, and then reapply. As the rest of my schools might not get back to me until April I decided to begin applying to the schools that would grant me a Master's, due to 1.) Having a background in sociology already that I really enjoy, 2.) I had foresaw this and located Master's programs that are still accepting applicants and that I'd love to study under, and 3.) I do not want to wait to hear back from the other graduate schools, as that would be after all of the Master's schools' deadline. With that said, my ultimate goal is a PhD. I do have an interdisciplinary background, strong LOR, research experience spanning five years, work experience, and a senior thesis. I have mediocre GRE scores, as I do not test well (I make this up in practical experience). I received my BA about 4 years ago. If my ultimate goal is the pursuit of a PhD... what do I put as my Master's statement of purpose? Should I indicate that this degree will be a stepping stone to a PhD, or would it be frowned upon? Does anyone have any advice about how to phrase this topic? As I said, I would be genuinely elated to study with these schools and I certainly love the idea of pursuing a Master's; I simply jumped to PhD applications in hopes I could avoid one for the sake of time and finances. Cheers, AsterNox

Hello everyone, I come to you all looking for a bit of advice as I begin my investigation into Masters programs. I graduated about 2 years ago from Hampshire College, an interdisciplinary school that offers a BA in a concentration, rather than a major. My concentration can best be described as "Consumer Behavior", wherein I combined sociology and (to a lesser extent) psychology with business. Hampshire College is not a traditional college and sets itself up to be like a Masters program and allows its students to design and complete their own curriculums with an emphasis on interdisciplinarity. This worked very well for me, and I was hoping to continue this method in my Masters work. I've begun looking into Masters programs that would either A.) Allow me to concentrate specifically in Consumer Behavior or, B.) Allow me to develop my own degree, which would give me the opportunity to develop my degree as I see fit. I am aware that there are a few programs in the US that would allow me to do the former, such as Purdue, or get a closely related marketing degree, such as at Kellog. My concern however, is the lack of interdisciplinarity; they tend to be too focused, which I feel is a bit constricting. As such, I've begun looking at alternative programs, such as Skidmore's MALS program or Harvard's Extension School. I have, however, heard mixed reviews on such programs, ranging from "Completely valid and well-regarded" to "Not worth the paper the degree is printed on". Does anyone have any experience or knowledge of well-regarded interdisciplinary masters programs? Or is my best bet to follow a traditional route and go to a Marketing program? My goal is to acquire a PhD, and thus to further my education rather than immediately go into the work force. Cheers, and thank you so much for reading!