DigDeep(inactive)
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Posts posted by DigDeep(inactive)
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I'm an Africanist, focused on very current political processes--so, a hot topic. I have a lot of field experience in the region of interest but doing completely different stuff, and have actually not been to some proposed research sites. I don't have an Masters degree, a fact I have been obsessing over for a while. MAs are very tricky. You have no idea how much they'll help you and they're almost always out of your own pocket. Generally a big gamble that is probably best avoiding if you can. You can become exceptionally well read in your topic of interest on your own anyway. It's possible that shows a level of commitment too--learning and engaging outside of a MA program.
No offense, but please do not offer advice about an Masters degree when you have not even acquired one. Any hopeful MA/MS etc. applicants would be wise to ignore this paragraph. A Master's degree is not "almost always out of your pocket", nor is it "a big gamble worth avoiding". It may not be right for you, but your experience certainly does not warrant a normal distribution. To imply that you can "become exceptionally well read" on your own, and that it would equate to the benefit of a Master's degree, straddles the fine line between optimistic naivety and ignorance.
- daykid and ArchaeoGeek
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I have to respectfully disagree...most programs make comments such as this on their sites:
We expect applicants to have a background in archaeology, which is normally provided with a baccalaureate degree in anthropology or archaeology; however, undergraduate or graduate degrees in historic preservation, history, American studies, art history, Classics, Egyptology, sociology, and allied fields are accepted if the applicant demonstrates sufficient background and potential...Those admitted who show solid potential but insufficient background may be required to take select undergraduate courses in addition to the regular graduate curriculum to compensate for the deficiencies in background that might affect their performance at the graduate level. A better option for such students seeking admission – since they will be competing for a slot in the program with those who have the requisite undergraduate training – is to boost their background beyond the already-awarded bachelor’s degree by taking undergraduate archaeology courses before applying.
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Students with an MA that is not in Anthropology may petition the Graduate Committee to determine whether or not they are required to obtain a ... MA in Anthropology before entering the PhD program.
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Entering students should have a completed a bachelors degree in anthropology, history, geography, or a related field and have at least a 3.0 GPA (on a scale of 4.0) for the last 60 hours of undergraduate work....Students with an undergraduate degree in related fields may apply to the program and, working with an advisor, they can devise a plan of study that allows them to overcome their background deficiencies.
And with previous conversations to the departments and professors...it is just a lot more effort and work to try and compete for one of the few positions graduate programs offer when you're competing against people with degrees in anthropology.
Sociology is considered a 'related field and like one of the comments stated, you would have to work to "overcome background deficiences"' ...
Thus, it is truly up to you, but I would recommend speaking with the graduate department at the schools you are interested in to see what your chances are...I think anything is possible...but again, you're going to be competing for a spot so you're going to have to work really hard and prove yourself.
Note the first sentence - Archaeology is a total different ball game. Your advice is stems from your bailiwick, and is warranted to archaeology applicants whom do need to have particular skills. I stand by my statement that it is very common for students to get into MA programs in Cultural Anthropology without a Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology (I know plenty). However, it appears that the OP is looking for PhD programs, and in this case I agree with you, it will be more of an arduous task that perhaps I initially made it seem.
OP: To that end, a post-bac is a definite option. I would also suggest using your M.Ed degree to try to get a job at a Community College teaching Anthropology; it's worth a shot. PhD programs in the US are not looking for full-research proposal style applications, so you do not have to worry about having a whole research-design laid out. However, as AKCarlton put it, you will be competing with other applicants that probably do have it figured out. So, you need to figure out a way to bring something to the table your self. Other than a post-bac, or teaching at a CC, look for local non-profits to volunteer/work for. You also have the summer before applications, I would suggest trying to nail an internship this Summer in related research - that is the course I would take.
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Whether it be about research, life, or landing a job - have you ever been given such sound advice that it served as a catalyst for your success? Perhaps a bit more prosaic, is there something in particular that an advisor has told you that has helped you be a better student?
The best advice I have ever received was this: During your first year as an MA student, do not shy away from the power of collaboration. Ultimately, it is not uncommon for graduate students to take a "renegade" approach, and attempt to do everything by themselves. However, by embracing your new cohort and building projects together, you can achieve so much more during your graduate studies. This is particularly true for Master's students, as they have a short window of time. Start a journal club, collaborate on poster/paper ideas for conferences, and do your best to foster a professional atmosphere of collaboration within your cohort by including as many as possible who are willing to contribute.
Following this advice, I was able to accomplish much during my graduate studies and through the process I have gained friends and colleagues and learned with them and from them in the process; something I have learned and will take with me for doctoral studies.
Hopefully contributions to this thread will be a benefit to us all.
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.all the schools I looked at highly HIGHLY recommend an undergrad in anthropology -- like rarely ever except people without one.
Although the first part of that sentence may be true, the second is not. It is very common for individuals to be accepted into MA programs without a Bachelor's in Anthropology.
To OP: You asked, " 1) What I'm wondering is, do people usually have some sort of research experience in anthropology in undergrad to be able to get accepted in Anthro for admissions?; and 2) If research is needed or helps, do you have any ideas how an individual who is no longer a college student can get research experience in the area?
1). Research is very common as an undergraduate, however it is not needed to get into an MA program if your research interests are aligned with that a particular professor's research well (i.e., fit). It sounds like you have figured out what your research interests are, and your background in Political Theory and Sociology thrive in the same realm that Anthropology does (I would look into Political Ecology, if you already haven't). Therefore, you would not need a second degree, nor a post-bac in Anthropology. What is a more likely scenario is that you will get accepted and have to take some undergraduate courses your first year - this happens a lot and is no big deal. I know many individuals who come from a wide-range of degrees including Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Biology, and Business. One could argue that you might even have a better shot at MA programs given your background, because the mere fact you're making such a change speaks to the fact that you have thought about what you want to do. Sadly, this is not always the case and students applying to graduate school just say what they should say in order to get into programs (not recommended). In sum, yes anthropology undergraduates do research, however given your background, your lack of research will be understood. When you begin e-mailing persons of interest (POI) at your prospective graduate programs, make sure you discuss your potential research extensively enough to be able to mention it in your Statement of Purpose (SOP). This will show the admissions committee (Adcomm) that you are not "scared" of research, but in fact eager for it - and have already lined it up with Dr. [professor].
2) If you wanted to try to get some kind of independent research in order to stand out, keep in mind that it should be quite related to what you would like to do. That will make it a worthy endeavor. Since you're not an archaeologist, volunteering at museums does show initiative, but I'm not sure how much that would really matter given your interests. If it were me, I would focus on independent research (reading Anthropology Journals in my research interest), further lining out my research interests through these readings, and identifying potential advisors that truly are a good fit. As you will find from a simple perusal of the forums, the most important thing in graduate school applications, hands down, is fit. If you find the right professor that does exactly what you want to do - you will get in, regardless of past research. In regards to this, I would suggest the following journals:
and check out the Center for Political Ecology
Peruse through those, and if you can't get access just copy and paste titles into Google Scholar and you may see that it's free. Also, look in ResearchGate and Academia.edu. Don't shy away from applying to programs due to lack of research. Follow your interests and the passion that drives them and you will be just fine.
Best of luck to you.
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Grats, Sarab!
San Diego is so awesome.
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UC Davis Statistics, Masters (F14) Rejected via E-mail on 4 Apr 2014 A 4 Apr 2014
- I received two rejection emails from this program, one of them stating that I had not been admitted for the 2013 year. I wonder if I discovered time travel?
Purdue University Electrical And Computer Engineering, PhD (F14) Rejected via E-mail on 3 Apr 2014 I 4 Apr 2014
- Purdue you f***ing a**holes. My POI told me he was impressed with my resume and now this sh*t. I f**ing can't believe it. You ruined my life Purdue. Go to hell.
hahahaha nerd rage
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Hahahahahaha!
This. The part where you laughed heartily in his/her face and made me choke on my coffee.
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Talking about the weather to a meteorologist, however, will get you a few solid hours of conversation in at least
Touché. In that case, I would bring up the wind map! http://hint.fm/wind/
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It depends entirely on what you hope to do in grad school. If you're thinking MA programs (governmental affairs, public policy, etc.), then go with the language. If you have any inkling you may want to do a Ph.D., most def. take advantage of the opportunity to write a thesis. It may help you on the job market for think tanks, too.
Agreed. In the end, you can't go wrong with either route. Since you already have foreign language experience, I'm not sure how how much the other language would help. I think deep down you're trying to convince yourself that it would, because you know that an honors thesis would be much more work
. Think on that one. I would, however, suggest the honors thesis. The thesis gives you your first opportunity to actually delve into something more intense than a simple class paper. If you tailor your thesis to your interests it could also help you figure out how soon you want to go to grad school, and even what exactly you would like to do. When you do apply, this thesis plus your work experience will serve as catalysts into great programs. I think you will get that internship with or without another language, as well. Plus, you can take up foreign languages as independent studies - you cannot do the same with a thesis.
I also suggest a thesis because I was involved in an Education Science research program that investigated the success of students who chose undergraduate honors theses versus those that did not. Although an honors thesis is not a single identifier for success as a student (most, including my self, would agree with this) the success of honors students was clear: An overwhelming majority of students (I have been trying to find the paper, but alas, cannot) of that chose the honors thesis route succeeded with high GPAs and went on to grad school. They were also more likely to score higher on the GRE and attain independent research. Although, eventually we figured out that those students who chose undergraduate theses were also incoming with high GPAs already, which spoke to the work-ethic of students that chose that route. But, that speaks to the qualitative aspect of having an honors thesis - it makes you stand out as an ambitious, serious, and driven student among a sea of other applicants, whom are probably just as qualified as you.
Regardless, what's more important is what will set you up most to succeed (i.e., make you happy). Education is a marathon, not a sprint. And as long as you are happy doing what you're doing, then you're doing it right!
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Start with a friendly compliment. Everyone likes compliments! The type of compliment depends on the situation, of course (i.e., conference = research compliment; date or new friend = clothing, music, or jewelry compliment). Regardless, flattery always seems to work. Small talk kind of sucks. Conversation is an art, and talking about weather, travel, or movies (sorry above guy/gal) is like my 3 year old nephew's finger paintings - they suck. You might as well just say: "Hey! I'm boring and I have nothing interesting to say! Nice to meet you!".
Honestly, I always use a compliment and then judge their reaction (i.e., body language or facial expressions). You can tell if someones not in the mood to talk. Usually it follows up with, so what do you do? (If it's a friend you want, you'll probably ask; if it's at a conference, the prof is bound to ask). True, this usually always lead you to talk about your research, but hey this is the best practice to get your "elevator talk" down. Besides, if you meet someone who is truly interested in your research you have definitely made a new friend/colleague! I mean...people that actually care about your research? It's a miracle! (at least, that's how it feels sometimes..heh).
But, as St. Andrews Lynx says, it should morph to dialogue after that. In my experience, confidence and a smile seems to take you far regardless of the situation.
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ahh that makes sense. And, if we are just AFFILIATED on paper without taking classes , we can probably just still apply
If by affiliated you mean enrolled and not taking courses, yes. It varies per grant. For example, some grants ask for transcripts showing current enrollment. That is, some are merit based and require transcripts only and some are research based that require proposals be written. Most undergraduate to graduate school grants are the former, and most graduate grants, the latter. However, it's not always so black and white. They all require lots of research, time, and work..That's why most do not apply for them.
I think the easiest grants (smaller pool of applicants, easier access, general familiarity with process, etc.) are those that are inter-departmental. Whilst in grad school, travel grants are usually given without even an application as long as you are presenting something. However, there are also larger research grants that require proposals, and these should always be applied for, in my opinion.
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generally speaking, do you have to be ENROLLED in an institution to be able to apply to most of these.
Yes
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I used it for a conference in Denver this year. It was quite convenient and cheap. It was a little far from the conference, but well worth the money spent. The only odd thing was that the couple I stayed with apparently got into "pickling" and had mason jars everywhere. Also, they sat silently at their kitchen table for hours on end every night on their macbooks whilst listening to NPR.
But, hey! I saved lots of money.
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Okay, so now I am back. It's been kind of crazy around here. Finally finished my BA in the last couple of weeks, so I am starting to move forward in prepping for grad school. So many things to learn before hand.
Is there a "dress code" that is expected? Is it considered a professional atmosphere in comparison to undergrad? What should I expect for the reading?
I live in the area where my school is already, so I don't need to visit the school, or explore. I can use all that time to mentally prepare myself for what's coming, and getting myself in the mindset of being a grad student.
Also, this will be very different for me, because I haven't experienced the "college experience" on a campus before. All of my undergrad classes have been online, as a distance learning student. My associate degree classes, well, I don't really count them as part of the "college experience", because all I did was just go to night classes, and the life was kind of boring. For grad school, I will be attending classes on campus, and most likely will be spending a lot of time on the campus studying, doing research, etc.
My husband has been a terrific supporter in this, but I want to prepare him for this too.
Tami
Here's the thread on dress:
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To begin, check out Dukes amazing website: https://researchfunding.duke.edu/List.asp?SearchTerm=&Category.CatID=15&Eligibility1.E1ID=9&StartDate=&EndDate=&StartPostDate=&EndPostDate=&AmountNumber=&SearchType=Advanced+Search
National Science Foundation Dissertation Improvement Grant (SBE DDRG: https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=13453)
[different than above]
National Foundation for Global Scholars (http://www.foundationforglobalscholars.org/) - Travel grants, study abroad
The McNeal Center for Early American Studies (http://www.mceas.org/dissertationfellowships.shtml)
Wenner-Gren Foundation - http://www.wennergren.org/programs/
National Geographic Grants and Fellowships (http://www.nationalgeographic.com/explorers/grants-programs/)
Smithsonian Fellowships and Internships (http://www.smithsonianofi.com/)
Leakey Foundation for Human Origins Research (http://leakeyfoundation.org/grants-overview/)
Social Science Research Council (SSRC: http://www.ssrc.org/fellowships/)
Russel Sage Foundation (http://www.russellsage.org/how-to-apply)
Horowitz Foundation (http://www.horowitz-foundation.org/)
National Institute of Health (http://obssr.od.nih.gov/funding_opportunities/foas/)
Harry Frank Gugenheim Foundation (http://www.hfg.org/rg/guidelines.htm)
- 1leafy, DigDeep(inactive) and sarab
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I love that archies get dig-related tattoos. I know a few folks with trowels, projectile points, glyphs, etc. (usually hidden). I've been slowly planning a full sleeve for my right arm, & I fully intend to have a skull (with modified dentition, of course) & cross-marshalltowns at the top. Coolest kid in town right here, I swear.
Other terms I love:
- Moving dirt: trying to tackle an enormous project area in a short amount of time. Speedy excavation or shovel test pit-digging..
- Pounding ground: same as above, but for pedestrian surveys. Related to long or short miles; some days you walk 2 long miles, & some days you walk 12 short ones.
- Native American sex stone: when a crew member, usually the new kid, pulls something non-cultural out of the ground. "Hey, crew chief, what's this?" "It's a Native American sex stone." "What?" "It's just a f**king rock."
That's awesome. Sounds like someone has visited the CRM world! Still doing CRM or working for the government or was it just for experience? I have never enjoyed the projects, my self. Fun trips, but not my idea for a career! (no judgement on those who have chosen that path)
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Anyway, Geography jargon: how about "spatiotemporal" and "scale"
Or "spatial and temporal scales"
Or "varies throughout time and space"
woot!
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Hi Kaitri,
My advisor explained the basis of this decision to me in a really helpful way. She said that your masters research is essentially about your ability to carry out a well-rounded, cohesive and coherent small-scale research project, and discuss and write in your field at an advanced level, so you can show PhD program committees that you are capable of doing this kind of stuff independently - that they can trust your abilities and you will be a valuable contributor to their team, and a good investment. Which school's environment will help you accomplish this goal? I stopped looking at the "prestigious" schools because, to me, that is only worth so much at the end of the day. It made me realize that my current school will give me the flexibility, finances, independence and supportive environment that I require to accomplish the aforementioned goals. And. I know that my advisor and my committee will go to bat for me for my LORs for Phd.
Personally, since I am also doing Med anthro and because I too considered McMaster and Toronto (but got better funding and a better advisor elsewhere), I would go with McMaster. The faculty seemed really great, the advisor I was thinking of going with was amazing and it seemed like the environment fostered learning and collaboration rather than competition - the latter is often considered a negative trait of U of T's environment. My advisor and some of my colleagues were trained at McMaster in bio and med anthro and absolutely loved it. Coincidentally, one of my friends just last week chose McMaster over Toronto, Alberta and USask.
Just my two cents. It's a difficult decision, no doubt, but whatever choice you make will be the right one.
Excellent advice. Kudos, circus.
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Hey guys. This year was a total wash for me. Honestly, I know I'm qualified and I know I have a pretty damn competitive application, I really think the problem was that I applied to do Maya bioarch with Andean bioarch POIs. I really don't think they're willing to consider anyone doing anything other than trauma in Peru! So next year my entire application strategy is going to be different. I'm going to focus on mortuary archaeology for those programs with strong Maya foci and apply to bioarch programs ONLY at schools with POIs who work somewhere other than Peru. I've only found two places that focus on Maya bioarch, and they weren't taking people this year. So perhaps it just wasn't meant to be.
Sorry about this year's results! I know you are qualified and damn competitive, as well! It's good that you have identified the problem already - you will dominate next year. I think you would have excelled at BU - Saturno's loss! Keep in touch!
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Hello all!
I'm deep in the throws of my thesis and I love writing/working to music. Preferably without lyrics. Please share albums/bands that you have discovered over the years that are particularly unique and help drive your work. It's easy to go off and throw out a huge list, but try to keep it to your favorites (if you want to post more just do so later!).
I'll begin:
Jeremy Soule (Did the scores for Skyrim, Morrowind, Guild Wars etc.)
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I've been having this issue a lot. Be gracious. Thank them for everything sincerely. Let them know that you hope to continue to work with them in the future. If there are personal reasons why you are choosing one place over another, tell them those. I told UT that a big part of my decision was that after having made such a big move back in November, we wanted to be a little closer to home (which is Jersey). So, that ended up being one of the deciding factors as to why UT was a no.
This!
Also, remember that you can always have outside committee members! I ended up doing that with one of the POIs I had to "break up with" (hehe). Now, he will be a reader on my committee and I still get to work with him.
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I don't homebrew but I definitely enjoy craft beer. Somehow it doesn't surprise me that the person who starts a homebrewing thread is an archaeologist
hahaha!
Just saw this article in Scientific American, they got a new-subspecies of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) from a protecid whale fossil.
Article vs. Dissertation PhD
in Anthropology Forum
Posted
I am doing a three-article dissertation at Boston University, and have colleagues doing the same at Texas A&M University. This is a newer trend and will not always be on the websites. You can e-mail the DGS (Director of Graduate Studies) at various departments of interest - their job is to answer questions like this. Also, it is something you can potentially negotiate with your committee when it comes to defending your PhD Proposal.