lordweary

@flungoutofspace Thanks for your great reply, Flung. Yes, I think EGS is more legit than it's given credit for, but the drawbacks you list are serious; I think there's a way to shoehorn pretty much any specialty into their milieu—but perhaps not. I will be meeting with an alum soon to ask whether my pursuit of poetics and versification could actually be nurtured there, or if, by various deflections, it will stagnate as I become some sort of radical continentalist. Meanwhile, the cost is considerable. Thanks again for your reply.

@urbanfarmer 1. I'd go with English literature for exactly the reasons you mention: pubs are the real end-all be-all, so I'd rather diversify my qualifications etc. 2. You raise a series of wonderful points, especially about those intangibles which an online experience cannot get you, such as networking in particular. Distance work, in light of these points, seems like an inferior option. 3. There is a possibility of pursuing my Master's in English locally — this idea is becoming increasingly tempting, as it would allow me to hold on to a section here, while also letting me really polish up the ol' transcripts. If my current cycle of PhD applications flops (it may well, and perhaps ought to), I was thinking this might be a good alternative. Thoughts? 4. Yes, the things needing paying for would probably offset any benefit of holding onto some sections—you show how it's at best a wash, and more than likely a financial decline, compared with the small stipend lifestyle. 5. Landing something online while doing the PhD seems like a really good solution, mate. I will definitely look into that. Thanks so much for your thoughtful reply! I'd appreciate feedback about the Master's idea, if you care to keep helping me; otherwise, thanks for your feedback!

Hello, everyone. I'm new to the site, and I'm glad to be here. So, I'm an MFA'd adjunct who works at a place I like very much—the security is nil, and I've had to pick up classes at other local colleges to make ends meet. I've been considering going for a PhD for years, and finally bit the bullet and applied to a few schools this past December. (Wish me luck!!!) Even this was a hard decision, because a PhD is hardly a guarantee of an improved job, and I've got my foot in a couple of doors in this town— —which got me to thinking: might a distance learning option be wise? I've done a lot of googling on the topic, and have been astonished by the relative lack of information. Of course, it's a more expensive option, and that's a serious obstacle; however, if it allows one to continue to teach, shouldn't the option be seriously considered? Do any of you have experience, either your own or another's, with distance learning programs in the humanities? A friend of mine went to the controversial European Graduate School, and his academic situation has improved greatly since. I am struggling even to pin down which universities are worth their salt; it's just an entirely new world, and I'm a little overwhelmed at the prospect of learning about it. I would appreciate ANY feedback, as I am really at a loss. My apologies for the ill-formulated question. I'll keep this thread open and respond to any follow-up questions you may have, since I've surely not provided enough info about my situation. Thank you.