TeacherNC

Sorry, I thought you all were talking about options after the program. While you are in the program, your funding opportunities would be university affiliated so I assume you would be good with any visa issues.

Jobs out of UNC are similar to jobs elsewhere, as far as I know: university placement as a professor, work for an educational institution that is either private or affiliated with the government, or work directly with school districts or schools. As has been the case the past ten years, new jobs and fields are being created in education that couldn't necessarily have been predicted when entering a PhD program, so there is also the possibility that the specific job one ends up with has not yet been created. Of course, it's a PhD in the Social Sciences/Humanities field, so most likely you'll just end up working at a coffee shop or tucking your tail between your legs and asking for your old job back. Kidding, sort of.

I am sure both programs are good, I would just say that in making your decision, I would rank the concerns/issues you described in this way: 1. Funding (both aren't guaranteed, don't know PSU situation but in my discussion with UNC PhD students all have indicated they have been able to work some kind of hustle and get some funding, though I know statistically all aren't funded.) 2. Where you want to live 3. How you feel about the program based on contact with POIs and others. ...... 99. USNews ranking.

I would assume that's not a clear cutoff and that with your experience you would certainly should consider applying, though of course I don't have inside knowledge. My deal was that I am 12 year veteran in the classroom, but pretty much no research experience or other professional experience, so I was in a very different boat from you, but I think my situation was fairly unique. Are you talking about the MA in Teaching? If you are done with the classroom, don't do that.

I have been admitted to this program, but applied at the December deadline. Even still, I don't get the sense that they roll decisions out at one time and really would not read too much in to my acceptance as far as timelines go. I have lived in the area for some time now and am fairly familiar with the program. It's a wonderful place to live. There is enough culture, food, music, etc.. in the larger Chapel Hiill, Carrboro, Durham, Raleigh to satisfy anyone short of those for whom only a top 5 metropolitan area will do. Even then, it offers many of the same things without the hassle. I lived in the Bay Area for several years and then moved here and don't regret it, and I loved the Bay Area. As far as the program, the cons are that the funding situation seems a bit tight, and the morons running the state the past few years aren't helping matters with the financial and political pressure they are placing on the UNC system. That said, most PhD students I have talked to have managed to work the hustle and get funded. Also, due to state policy regarding education there is some measure of teacher flight happening, so that the teacher education program cohorts have gotten smaller, which would seemingly limit some TA opportunities. Pros: it's a traditionally strong program with a good focus in social justice but rooted in practical application. My sense is that students feel strongly supported by faculty and that it is overall a very supportive atmosphere. Faculty are connected and doing good work and students coming out of the program seem to be competitive in the job market on par with any of the other public universities. When I went to the Open House, current students were honest, but very positive about their experience.

Honestly, congratulations, but that seems like whistling past the graveyard a bit. I am not sure what revelatory information can be gleaned from learning that you are now receiving materials already associated with your admission, which was already official. I am sure you mean no ill will.