TXang143

Got it. Thank you.

This is probably a stupid question, but do I do both programs at the same time?

Interesting....

Greetings my fellow history nerds! Let me start by saying that history buffs are awesome. Now, onto the business at hand. I am trying to decide between applying for DS or MES for graduate school. I will be applying for PhD, not a masters. My aim is to research ancient religions and the impact Islam had on their development, as well as the impact ancient religions had on the advent of Islam. Specifically, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, and Christianty. I am deeply interested in religion, although not religious myself. Islam intrigues me because it is newer and more controversial. The historical aspect is so fascinating. But also, I am intrigued by the comparisons of other religions and the similarities between them. What do I do?

For someone who doesn't know what they're talking about, you covered the bases pretty well. I am familiar with the rules of the GI Bill enough to know I can't take courses that don't count toward my degree, I wouldn't consider using my full benefits "wasting" them if I get a useful degree out of it. The TESOL is a good idea that I had not considered. Regardless, I think I'm going to pick up a minor in foreign languages in order to postpone my graduation until I'm more confident with my language skills. I still have 20 months remaining. That's plenty of time to be able to read 2 languages, one of which I can already read fairly well.

The "minor" idea was quite good! I'm working with my advisor now to add a foreign language minor.

Unfortunately, I'm not allowed to take any more electives because I have taken as many as are required for my degree. I only have 2 semesters remaining before I graduate. I thought maybe I would switch my degree plan to Foreign Language, then I would have an excuse to take more language classes while dragging out my graduation to fully utilize my benefits. The trouble with that plan is that the language I need is not offered as a major or a minor; it is a "lesser taught language". However, I could still benefit from studying a more common language, like French, in the meantime. I seem to be playing a loophole game, and I don't enjoy it.

Well, I read the details of the program and there are no stipulations I didn't already know about. Thank you for your suggestions.

Right. That's the answer I expected, but was not hoping for. I will check into the stipulations of the GI Bill. Thanks.

I would be attendig a different university than my current one, unfortunately, because the language I need is not offered except as a "lesser taught language". Thus, I cant major or even minor in it. Further, the GI Bill does not pay for classes that do not apply toward a degree. That is a downside. I can only take "necessary" classes. Therefore, I would have to apply to a degree program.

I am using the GI Bill to finish my Bach. Degree, and I will graduate in the spring with a degree in History and Philosophy. I fully intend to apply to a PhD program, but I also have about a year remaining of my GI Bill benefits. I was wondering if starting, but not completing, a second undergrad degree would look bad on a graduate school application. I want to fully utilize my benefits since it is free school, and I would apply the remaining year of free tuition to a foreign language degree in order to strengthen my language skills prior to graduate school. Any advice?