[Underwhelmed by MSc Program - Switch Out?]

I wouldn't give up after just one month.

If your master's program is anything like mine, you have to get through the theory first, before you get to the practitioner-level skills you are looking for.

We were told that we needed to do all the basic theory first to make sure that everyone was on the same page.

I often felt like some of the courses in my first year were a complete waste of time - as I can done more, and covered things in greater depth, in undergrad.  Fortunately I had some courses that introduced new topics, taught me new skills, and actually seemed like real, graduate-level courses.  Now in second year, I'm finding all my courses are challenging, teaching me new things (or covering topics I was introduced to in undergrad, but now in greater detail), and requiring a LOT more work.

Do you have the opportunity to take many electives in your program?  I've found my electives to be some of the more interesting and stimulating courses, as I can choose to explore something new, or something that I want to learn more about.  UofT has SO many departments, with all kinds of interesting courses being offered.  It can be hard to find them, though, as you have to go to each department's individual site to find out what courses they offer that are open to students in other programs.

[Heading back to grad school after a professional life?]

I'm an older student.  Not only am I completing graduate school at an age much older than that of my peers, I actually did a second undergraduate degree, after many years as a working professional.  Why?  I wanted to change careers and become a registered dietitian, and the only way to do that in Canada is to attend a Dietitians of Canada accredited undergraduate program as a first step.

Two of my profs (one at my undergrad institution, one at my graduate one) did their PhDs in their 40s, and didn't become faculty members until their late 40s/early 50s.  While it's not typical, in can be done.  I'd say it is easier in fields that don't have an overabundance of PhDs.  For example, in my field, there aren't a lot of individuals with both their RD credential and a PhD, so it is relatively easier to find jobs than for those in oversaturated fields.

I'm completing a master's now (typical in Canada to do a master's before a PhD, plus my master's is getting me the internship experience I need to get the RD credential - which is the other piece required to be an RD after the undergraduate part).  I'm starting to work on my materials to apply for a PhD for Fall 2016.  Sure, I'll be in my late 40s by the time I'm done, but I'm told I look between 5 and 10 years younger than I actually am, and I know I'll be able to find work as an RD, at the very least (according to all the human resources projections, there currently aren't enough RDs to fill the positions available, and there won't be enough for anytime in the near future).

[10 Steps to PhD Failure]

While true, I feel like you're boiling down a several paragraph discussion of "why" not to go to the same school to the bullet point "don't stay at the same school". And in my response to RunnerGrad, they seemed to be using the same metric for success (i.e., TT job in Academia) as the authors of the post likely were- just using anecdotes to wave away a general message, which I take exception to. 

There are lots of reasons to stay at the same school (family commitments, good research fit) but anyone doing so should also realize the long term implications of that.

The title of the article is "10 step to PhD failure."  Yet people have had success doing all of their degrees at the same institution.  My point is that someone is not a failure for doing all of his/her degrees at the same institution.  It can lead to success.

Maybe it depends on your field, and what country you are studying in, as well.  In my field, in Canada, there are a tiny number of accredited institutions, and an even smaller number of them have PhD programs.  Plus, several of the accredited programs are in French.  So if you want to study in English, your options are further limited.  It also depends on the type of research you want to do.  One of my research interests requires me to be at an accredited program, as I need access to students in accredited programs.  That said, my master's institution is different from my undergraduate institution, although my PhD institution will likely be the same as my undergraduate one.  Everyone I've talked to in my field, in Canada, tells me that's not a problem, including the chair of the department for my undergrad and hopeful PhD program, and the recent search committee chair for hiring a professor in my field in my undergrad department.

I've seen in outside my field as well, in Canada.  There's even one department I'm aware of, outside my field, but related to it, that has quite a number of faculty members who did all their degrees at one institution.  They are a variety of ages, as well, so at least in that department, they don't look down on those whose degrees are all from the same institution.

[10 Steps to PhD Failure]

I always laugh at the "Don't stay at the same university" advice.  I know professors who have their bachelor's, master's and PhD all from the same institution, and they are now assistant, associate, or full professors at that same institution.  So they didn't move at all.

Of course, they are in the minority.  But the fact that I know of several, just off hand, shows that it is certainly possible.  Especially in niche fields and in a country like Canada, where there may not be a lot of programs available in your field of choice.  And I've seen it not just at the smaller schools in Canada, but also some of the larger universities.

[Second Year Students Fall 2015 How's It Going]

My practicum portfolio was approved, so I've a "pass" grade for my summer practicum.  One step closer to being a registered dietitian!

Also realized I have to get working on CIHR applications.  The internal due dates are early this year for a few universities.  Need to see how many reference letters, etc. I need as part of the application.

[How many grad applications are/have you submitted?]

I applied to 2 masters programs, and I'll be applying either to 1 or 3 PhD programs.  I  geographically constrained due to my husband's career, plus, there are a small number of accredited programs in my field in Canada, do if I'm not accepted to my PhD program of choice I will work as an RD (which is actually my first choice; PhD programs are backup plans, because I love research).

[How do you address your professors?]

Like many, it's always been "Doctor" or "Professor" and then "Sir" or "Ma'am" until told otherwise.  The two profs I worked closely with as an undergrad wanted me to use their first name, so I did.  Now that I'm in graduate school, we basically take our cues from the profs.  If they use their first names, we use their first names.  If they use their titles, we use their titles.  It's not overly complicated.  When in doubt, I always err on the side of formality.  If I address someone as "Doctor" or "Professor" and they'd rather I use their first name, they'll let me know.  I don't want to unintentionally insult someone by being less formal than they wish.  Some profs like a bit of formality, but not a lot, so they'll ask to be called "Dr. *first initial of last name*"  One of my profs told me that she's noticed a lot of international students call her "Dr. *firstname*".

Also, since I'm in a school of public health, there's the whole issue where some professors are MDs and PhDs.  So "double" doctors.  I normally refer to those individuals as "Doctor" until told otherwise.

[Second Year Students Fall 2015 How's It Going]

It's nice to read everyone's updates!  I'm finished my summer practicum, now I just need to create a poster presentation for our research day about my practicum experience, and then I can just relax until September 14th, when classes start!

Starting to think about SoPs for PhD applications.  Hoping my MPH with major research project will be acceptable - most PhD programs in my field in Canada want an MSc with thesis.  I don't want to do a second master's degree, so if my MPH isn't good enough, well, then I'll just enter the workforce as an RD and see where that takes me.  I do love research, though.

 

[Grad. School Supplies?]

hmmm that's neat!

Are your notes searchable with that type of pen?

Once I've sync'ed the pen with the computer, the notes on my computer are searchable.

[Grad. School Supplies?]

I take notes by hand.  I have a Livescribe pen that I love.  I commute a long way to school, and there's no way I'm carrying a laptop all that way.  I retain information better by writing it down as well.  I do have an iPad mini I use for reading articles on, and highlighting/annotating documents, but for pure note taking, handwriting rules.

[dual degrees and socioeconomic disparities-MPH]

Hi don't know about U.S. Programs, but in Canada, at UofT, you can take a public policy specialization as part of any MPH program.

[Second Year Students Fall 2015 How's It Going]

I still have another three weeks left of my summer practicum.  Then I have two weeks off before the Fall Semester starts.  This fall will be nice, as I only have to commute two days a week.  They are both very full days of class, but I have a day off between them.

 

I've also just started thinking about PhD applications!  I'm going to have to start asking for reference letters for the PhD programs soon.  I have to start working on my SoP as well, which will be interesting, as a PhD SoP is quite different from one for a professional master's.

[2016 Applicant Profiles and Admissions Results]

A lot of these things don't apply, as I'm in Canada, but I'll add my details to the thread:

 

Undergrad Institution: Canadian "Comprehensive" University, considered one of the best in the country in food science and nutrition, undergraduate nutrition program accredited by the Dietitians of Canada
Major(s): Nutrition
Minor(s): Not "allowed" as part of the nutrition program
GPA in Major: Not calculated, but all nutrition and departmental courses were 90%+
Overall GPA: Again, not calculated, but 95% average for the last two years of undergrad, all courses 90%+ except for one elective (86%)
Position in Class: Top of class
Type of Student: Domestic (Canadian), female, non-traditional

 

Graduate Institution: Canadian university, ranked either #1 or #2 in the country, depending on which ranking you go by
Major(s): MPH in Nutrition & Dietetics
Minor(s): N/A
GPA in Major: 4.0
Overall GPA: 4.0
Position in Class: No idea, but won scholarship for being one of the top-ranked master's students
Type of Student: Domestic (Canadian), female, non-traditional

GRE Scores (revised/old version):
Not required for my program in Canada

Research Experience:

Biological Engineering/Food Engineering Design Project (4 months)

NSERC USRA in Food Science (4 months)

Undergraduate Research Assistant in Food Science (4 months)

Senior Honours Thesis in Nutrition and Dietetic Education (8 months) - one publication submitted for this work (3rd author), one publication being prepared (3rd author)

Undergraduate Research Assistant in Nutrition and Dietetic Education (4 months)

Planned: Graduate Research Elective Winter 2016 (4 months), Graduate Research Practicum Summer 2016 (4 months)

Awards/Honors/Recognitions:

Governor General Bronze Medal

Numerous undergraduate scholarships

Dean's List Every Semester

NSERC USRA

PEO Gold Medal for graduating at top of class

Convocation Award for graduating at top of class

Volunteer Award for nutrition volunteer experience

Pertinent Activities or Jobs:

Nutrition Practicum / Dietetic Intern

Group Fitness Instructor - 10 years +

Numerous nutrition volunteer experiences

Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help:

Non-traditional student with many years work experience as a Federal Public Servant, including some time in public health

Runner - I've completed three full marathons, over a dozen half-marathons and two triathlons

Will be eligible to write the CDRE to become a registered dietitian when my MPH is finished, so I will write it in November 2016 and, with luck, pass and have my RD credential

Special Bonus Points:

Being a female is nothing special in my female-dominated field, I am, however, a non-traditional student, with two undergraduate degrees (you need to complete and undergraduate degree accredited by the Dietitians of Canada in order to become a registered dietitian in Canada, so I had to do a second undergraduate degree).

Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter:

The advisor for my undergraduate honours thesis told me I'd be welcomed back for a PhD at any point - the only issue is if I will be accepted to the PhD without having done an MSc with thesis.  I'm hoping my MPH with major research paper/project will be considered equivalent, but it might not.  The departments I'm interested in applying all say they require the MSc with thesis, so we'll see what happens.

Applying to Where:

University of Guelph - Family Relations and Applied Nutrition - Applied Human Nutrition PhD - Nutrition and Physical Activity Intervention Development and Evaluation

University of Guelph - Human Health and Nutritional Sciences - Nutritional Sciences PhD - Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals in Clinical Nutrition Practice

University of Waterloo - Public Health and Health Systems - Health Studies and Gerontology PhD - Dietary Patterns and Dietary Assessment

Univesity of Waterloo - Kinesiology - Physiology and Nutrition PhD - Determinants of Dietary Intake in Older Adults

[Mindfulness Research (Grad Schools)?]

There is some mindfulness work being done at Guelph by Michael Grand.

http://www.uoguelph.ca/psychology/page.cfm?id=683

[What's your favorite big event that happens during the school year?]

My big non-academic event is in August every year - the CanFitPro International Fitness Conference. I'm going to miss it this year due to my practicum. Fortunately I have enough continuing education credits to maintain my fitness certifications. Another big event that I will miss this year, due to lack of funds, is FanExpo in Toronto. Again, every August. Huge comic book, sci-fi, fantasy expo. Had George Perez sign one of my comic books several years back at that event.

[Should academia reduce the number of graduate students they admit to doctoral programs?]

In my discipline, there isn't a lot of adjunct/sessional labour used, because in order to maintain accreditation, a certain number/percentage of those teaching future professionals in my discipline need to be tenured and/or tenure track professors.  Too many adjuncts/sessionals/grad students teaching and not enough TT/tenured profs, and your program loses its accreditation.  Now, of course there are some adjuncts/sessionals used, because people still take maternity/parental leave (one year in Canada), go on sabbatical, retire before they can be replaced, move before they can be replaced, etc.  But it's not a huge problem.  Not a lot of people in my discipline go on to get PhDs either.  Most, at least in Canada, top out at the Master's level, because that's pretty much all you need if you want to climb the career ladder in my discipline, other than in academia.

[Miserable B.A., go for Master of public health? Opinion needed! Field change?]

I know plenty of people who completed a second undergraduate degree in order to be competitive for health care programs in Canada. At least one third on my cohort had two undergraduate degrees. Others choose to complete a college program and then apply to one of the bridging programs that allows them to become a qualified health care professional.

Most health care university degrees in Canada are extremely competitive, which is why many individuals end up completing two undergraduate degrees in order to obtain the GPA required for admission. There are also many health care careers that require a specific undergrad degree, and so some choose to complete a second undergrad in order to acquire the required credential.

[Athletic training and grad school]

I'm not in a PhD program, but a Master's program.  Fitness is an essential part of my life!  I am at the gym or going for a run almost every day (I take one day completely off each week).

 

I love running and training for marathons, although the half-marathon is my favourite distance.  Sadly I'm coming back from an injury right now, so I'm stuck with a run/walk program, but I can't wait until I can run and train for another race again!

 

Being active is important for both mental and physical health.  It helps with stress relief, memory, concentration, sleep, mood, ability to learn, in addition to all of the physical health benefits (lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, some cancers, osteoporosis, etc.)

 

Marathons can become "all consuming" depending on what training program you use and how fast a runner you are.  I personally like Hal Higdon's training programs - I find they prepare you adequately for the distance, without requiring the marathon training to "take over" your life.

[Favorite current TV show?]

We don't have cable/satellite or Netflix/Hulu.  So we watch TV on apps or websites - i.e. CTV hosts its current shows on its website and app, starting the day after they air the show on TV, and free for a week.  Using this method, my husband and I watch:

 

Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Gotham

The Flash

Arrow

and we're still watching The Big Bang Theory

 

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is definitely my favourite right now.  Looking forward to Legends of Tomorrow, which is supposed to debut in 2016.  Supergirl also looks promising.

 

With no cable, I do miss watching my History and Discovery channel shows, like Mythbusters.  But I'll be able to catch up one day when I'm done with school and working.

 

We also have lots of shows on DVD: Smallville, Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis, M*A*S*H, Sanctuary, The Muppet Show, WKRP in Cinncinati, which we enjoy watching.

[What aspect of graduate student life surprised you the most?]

A couple of things:

 

- The number of people that don't do the assigned readings!  Yes, I know there is a lot to read, but at least skim the abstract, results, and conclusions!  Or the methods, if it's for a methods class.

 

- The number of people who don't contribute in class or seminar.  This may be tied to my first point, but often we are talking about thoughts, opinions, experiences, etc.  I guess some people are just shy, or don't like contributing.

 

- The number of people who are on facebook, Youtube, or other non-academic sites during class!  I thought once we got to grad school, people would actually be interested in the subject matter, and so want to pay attention, take notes, and contribute.  I mean, if you are going to spend the entire class on facebook, why even bother coming to class?

 

- That "highly ranked" institutions do some things incredibly backwards.  For example, there is no central repository listing all the graduate courses offered by the varous departments.  It makes looking for interesting electives in other departments difficult.  One of the benefits of going to a large, highly ranked university is the wealth of opportunities out there.  But if you don't know they are there, because there is no central repository, it is very easy to miss out on some incredible experiences!

 

- The number of "reflective papers" I've had to write.  It seems for every. single. course. there is a reflective paper (exceptions: Policy and Nutritional Epidemiology).  While I try to make meaningful reflections, often it feels like I'm just writing B.S.

[First Year Students Fall 2014 How's It Going]

Grades posted today. I made two A's. I can't believe it. Now preparing for my two classes this summer. I'm so excited! !

Congrats!

[First Year Students Fall 2014 How's It Going]

Grades are finally posted!  I ended up with two passes (these were pass/fail courses), two As (in courses where the prof said an "A" was for meeting graduate-level expectations and an A+ only if you absolutely wowed her/blew her away - same prof for these two courses), and two A+s.  I'm very happy, especially considering I've been struggling with post-concussion syndrome all year.

 

Now I'm completing my first summer practicum, part-time (again, thanks to post-concussion syndrome).  I'm loving my practicum!  I have great preceptors, interesting projects, and I'm learning a lot.  My preceptors also have a great deal of faith in me, and threw me right into projects that I said were within my skills and comfort zone.

 

In other news, my undergraduate thesis research looks like it will finally be published.  I'll be third author, but we should get two publications out of it.  First author is the grad student I was working with, second our advisor, and I'm third!  Very excited, even if it isn't in a super-high impact journal (impact factor about 2.5).

[Freaked out about grades. Thoughts please.]

Look at the policies in place at the PhD programs that are of interest. In my case, many of the PhD programs I intend on applying to require a minimum of an A- in all graduate-level courses.

[Do course retakes really do much good on a graduate application, or is it a waste of time and money?]

In my experience (and it may be a Canadian thing), you are not allowed to repeat courses you passed, and graduate programs don't look kindly on retakes.

I have two undergraduate degrees (I needed to take the second in order to become a registered dietitian). The dietetics program (2nd degree) wanted me to retake biochem, despite having a 92 in the course, because they felt it had been too long since I had taken it as part of my first degree. I was not allowed to retake it, as I has passed it the first time around. I would have needed special permission to retake it if the dietetics program had insisted on the retake.

[Things you do yourself to save time/money?]

Clothes I buy on sale. I don't buy from Goodwill or swap sites, due to worries over bedbugs. Having dealt with bedbugs once, I don't want to deal with them again (I'm extremely allergic to their bites and have a severe reaction to their bites).

I cook my own meals, in bulk, from scratch, on the weekends. So I make my own pasta sauce, chili, etc, and freeze the leftovers. It's healthier and saves money, compared to buying processed foods.

I shower at the gym at the university (free gym membership for grad students), which saves on water, and water heating, costs.

I don't have cable, or Netflix, or Hulu. We watch shows for free via TV websites. Yes, new shows are only available for one week after airing, but that's enough for us. Older shows or movies we can borrow from the library. Our library also has all kinds of e-books and audio e-books available via an app for free.