fanon_fanatic

I would suggest looking at the placement rates for both programs. Are you planning to go further into academia, or into a job after this program? That might help you figure it out. Also, I agree with Sigaba. While the social things are important, as a graduate student they are pretty limited as you balance everything else. I would suggest you get in touch with some other graduate students at option B and ask them how they juggle TAships outside of the department. For the most part, even if your job is outside of a particular department, schools are reasonable about how they expect students to schedule their work. But I think current students can give you a sense of how this works for them. It also seems like there's a strong advantage to school B in not having to pick a track if you really don't want to have to pick a track. How you get trained, and the focus of your program (which one "fits" you best) really makes the difference in your ability to last a program. Just from the outside, it seems like you are more comfortable with option A because it's what's familiar. That could be good or bad depending on how you view it, and whether you want a challenge or need to be comfortable when going to school. The cons for option B are all possible to solve, including moving. I think all of us looking into school have cold feet when it comes to rigorous programs, but generally we rise to the occasion. The adcomm had enough faith in your previous work to say that you were worth admittance and funding. So the questions I would ask you are, what are your goals leaving the schools, what are the placement rates, which school's research/focus fits you best, and what insight can you gain from current students who are in a similar situation with the TAship at option B?

I had a similar choice to make and chose the name-recognition school for my MA. While many people may have made a different decision, I'm glad I made mine. It put me on a path I never would have been on had I not chosen it, and now I'm headed into a Ph.D program fully funded for 5 years (with only 1 year of teaching) that is beyond my hopes and dreams. My advice is to sit down and look at your finances, figure out where you can cut costs, and look at what you expect to make over the course of the next 10 years in your industry. See if current students do any part-time work on the side for extra money. Then, look at the placement rates for Schools A and B, and maybe even get in touch with some alumni to get a read on job prospects and how long it took them to get employed after school. If a program is a professional program with really stellar placement rates and strong salaries on the other side, and your industry is high-paying, it might be worth it. At the end of the day, you're the only one who can make that decision though. Consider carefully what you're comfortable with, your other debt obligations, and how you plan to pay back the money.

I would also recommend How to Write Your Dissertation in 15 Minutes a Day for students going into a Ph.D or MA program that requires a lot of writing. I read that book for my MA thesis and got so much valuable advice for developing a writing practice that can not only get me through a big project, but help me complete conference papers, course papers, and just writing in general. It's a super easy read--I did it in under 3 days with a ton of other reading to do. The suggestions are really practical and encouraging and manageable.

I know a little bit about that program--I was accepted for their Ph.D program but decided to go with another offer. I liked the Comm department quite a bit when I went there but they didn't fit my research interests as well as I needed to feel comfortable. I'd say if they are a good fit for your interests, its worth a try. It is very good to get full funding at the MA level in Communication. Syracuse and a handful of other schools offer it. Beyond that, very few offer full funding for a terminal MA program. So that's something to consider, because in many cases, you will be paying for an MA fully out of pocket, tuition and all. And the cost of living in Atlanta is actually very reasonable (so your dollars can stretch farther than you think). I think if you want to go on to get your Ph.D, but you don't think your portfolio is competitive enough to get into a Ph.D program with full funding next year, then I'd suggest giving this opportunity a serious look. On the other hand, if you think you could have better results next year, either because you apply to different schools, or because something in your portfolio changes (applicable work experience, research experience, publications, conferences) then perhaps that's the better option. But that is also the option with no guarantees. I decided to do a MA program instead of reapplying to Ph.Ds the first year I was turned down, and it made a big difference for me in terms of my academic growth and raising the competitiveness of my applications for Ph.Ds this year. Unlike you, I wasn't funded but I felt the money was still very much worthwhile and well spent. That's my 2 cents. Others might have different opinions or more insight based on their experiences. Good luck with your decision!

I think that as long as you can make a compelling case for why you want to go into strategic communications, your SOP can serve for answering questions that the admissions committee (adcomm) has about why you are applying into this field at this time. Tell a bit about the story of why you came here to the decision to work on strategic communication--are you an avid Twitter user? Do you like following media campaigns? Were you given a responsibility at your current job that sparked your interest? Let them know why you're interested. You have to be able to articulate what you want to study and why very well. I would also encourage you to expand your search beyond the uber-competitive programs you list above. It's good to shoot high always. But you'll need to decide if you want to go to those programs because they are "premier" in the field, or because they actually have people you want to work with. At the MA level, you're looking more at mastering a skill or a specific field, and so look for programs that have a high reputation among strategic communication professionals. That's probably the best way to fill out your list. The schools you name are "big name" schools. Make sure to do the extra research about their actual strategic comm programs, since in many cases with graduate programs their reputation is more based on the work and speciality they have as a program, as opposed to their affiliation with the school. Finally, all of us on this forum would probably say that fit is the #1 thing that affects your applications. I don't know that it matters whether or not you majored in Comm in undergrad (that will be case by case, based on what the programs are saying their application requirements are). What does matter is that you can connect your experience and interests to their specific program, research and specialties. Do some more research around this forum by searching "Strategic Communications" and see if you can find some more folks who've been through the process and know more about that particular degree. Communication is such a big discipline, and goes in so many directions, that the help traditional comm. majors may be able to offer you (like myself) is limited to what we know about the Communication discipline as an academic pursuit. Good luck with your applications, and with pursuing a new and exciting interest!!

Based on your interests, I'd suggest looking into Media Studies programs in conjunction with Communication. Many are related (such as UT-Austin's Radio-Television-Film), but it will help you when researching programs to find the ones that fit best to use that terminology. Also, check out any American Studies programs that have strengths in television and media studies.

@Saviya, I eventually chose Brown, and am very excited about it. It was a really hard decision though for me at the end between Brown and UNC. I'm still struggling a little bit over whether or not I made the right decision, but I can't change it now! Are you headed to USC? @vcash, I don't know anything about any of those programs, and most of the folks on this thread are looking at research focused Ph.Ds. However, I can say that generally speaking, just from the standpoint of decision making with programs, that the fact you listed BU first and that your gut seems to tell you that is the right school for you, that it is probably the best pick for you. I think what you'll need to weigh most is what you want on the other side of your degree--are you looking to go into the professional world again, or on to a Ph.D program? If you're heading to a professional job after the degree, I would check out the placement rates at each program in terms of where they are placing graduates and how quickly they're finding jobs. In professional programs I think the most important aspect is that the faculty have connections and are adept at their various areas of expertise, and that means you can go anywhere that fits your interests and that faculty have excellent networks. Take some time to really figure out which program most fits what you want to do.......a theme on this website (you will discover) is that fit is king. People turn down some amazing programs because of a lack of "fit" with what they're trying to do, because at the end of the day fit is what will make you feel like your time and money are well spent. I wouldn't worry too much if BU doesn't have an LA campus--poll some current graduate students or alumni of the program to see how they dealt with that aspect. Plus, with BU, it seems you can "have your cake and eat it too" by spending time on both coasts! However, whatever you decide, it looks like you really can't make a bad decision, and that is awesome. If you don't get anymore answers on this thread, I would encourage you to repost (if you haven't already) in the Decisions, Decisions section and you might also get some more feedback there. Good luck with your decision!!

Really?! Hmmm...I'm going to private message you and we can connect!

Thank you all so much for your honest and helpful feedback. I'm putting in my "yes" to my #1 option. I'm not sure how relocation will work out, but I do think in the long run it's a better option for me and the family. Thank you again for sharing all your thoughts!!!

@new_to_kin, thanks for your thoughts. I will revisit the conversation with my SO, though I have prepared mentally for exactly the situations you described, and have started training in a variety of ways so that I can get a job no matter what. I think that I am coming to terms with the fact that I may not be the person who can go to any job in any place, and that means I won't always be an academic the way that many people are. I'm actually ok with that. I've had most of my jobs in higher ed, and really enjoy the variety of things that I've done, so as long as I'm working at a college and have the chance to teach (even as an adjunct on the side while I hold another administrative position), I'm ok with that. I also respect that not everyone feels this way, and that they have to do what they must in order to secure the positions they want. But your advice is well-heeded, and I think that as we get closer to leaving the Ph.D program, we'll be better able to have those conversations. I also know my SO is going to pick a place that is highly populated and has lots of colleges, so hopefully with my additional training I can figure out something. Beyond that, I just plan to publish quality work in my field.

@arandall--Sure! She was really honest. She basically said that academe is at a tipping point, and we're not really sure which way it is headed. On one hand, she pointed out that there is a lot of institutional support (read, from college presidents, deans, etc) for interdisciplinary programs and scholars. So, there are a lot of jobs for folks who are doing postdoctoral work, want to work in research centers, etc. And, some disciplines (specifically the humanities and the area studies programs such as ethnic studies etc), are headed in the interdisciplinary direction. That being said, with so much emphasis on interdisciplinarity (is that even a WORD?! lol) the actual disciplines are starting to dig in their heals. So the tenure track positions are remaining within the actual departments, and many (but not all) departments who feel threatened are essentially insisting on disciplinarity. So while many departments will give interdisciplinary studies surface praise, they don't always actually know how to include people in their departments that aren't trained within their disciplines. Add to this the fact that many of the areas for underrepresented groups (area studies, women's studies, etc.) are very much on the front lines being cut in the face of the economic downturn, and there are a lot of interdisciplinary scholars in these areas. Another trend we talked about were centers and institutes, where a lot of Ph.D holders have jobs. The trend as of late has been to try to turn centers and institutes into departments, because departments have tenure lines and stability; centers and institutes can be defunded, combined, and eliminated according to the needs of a larger school. So while many centers are turning into departments and creating tenured positions for interdisciplinary-minded scholars, other centers are losing their funding and disappearing. She really emphasized that academe is at a turning point, and her sense is that it will go the way of interdisciplinary scholars in the end, because we are generally problem-based, trained in multiple methods, and can come at research from multiple angles. That being said, it will be a fight from those who really want disciplines to rule. She also mentioned that tenure is declining everywhere, and I'm assuming this actually means that for those of us entering Ph.D programs right now, our ultimate goals may or may not be tenure--we may have to reinvent what the professoriate means in the future, which could be both good and bad. For what it's worth, I choose interdisciplinary programs, even if it's within a discipline (like communication) because I cannot do my research any other way. So I think of my program as training myself to become a scholar who can think flexibly and across different disciplines and methods. As for jobs, I think I could be a professor, but I also am trying to think through what other things I'm training for. So, for example, I am considering training in the public humanities (museums and such), and the digital humanities, digital scholarship and digital technology in classrooms/curriculum (because that is SO POPULAR RIGHT NOW). Neither of these things are my primary area of research, and one of them (the digital stuff) is really more of a "trade" I am learning alongside my academic training--it literally means learning things like how to build WordPress sites, how to contribute to wikis, learning programming languages, etc. I've accomplished learning most of these skills through on-campus employment outside my department. But I'm happy with knowing these extra areas so that in the event a tenured job doesn't pan out, I have other options where I'll be just as happy and be able to teach and be on a college campus. I hope that's helpful. It's like, we're on the cusp of who knows what?!

Thanks Mosabstrakt! Your response is really appreciated and obviously carefully thought out. The other discipline for me is Communication, which is arguably an humanities/social science, though the department I am at leans heavily to the humanities, with most of their emphasis on Performance Studies and Cultural Studies. Your response actually has me checking out the unemployment rates at each place, because I was told my a professor at the state school that the job market is highly saturated for the area for any kind of skilled employment, making it notoriously hard for partners to get jobs. The stipend at the state school doesn't even come close to "my end" of the bargain between my partner and I, so they would definitely be working more and that could pose a problem if they can't find a job in quick order.... Thank you again for your response, and congratulations to you for your own Ph.D accomplishments. I recently talked to one of my mentors, who told me that there is a lot of money behind interdisciplinary programs right now, but that disciplines are trying to dig in as well....and so no one really knows what will happen in the next 5 years with jobs. However, she said the glimmer of hope is that people trained in the interdisciplinary humanities will have more opportunities in the future. I guess we're on the cusp of something new--and it's either going to take off and be amazing, or fizzle out and we may have to reinvent ourselves....and hence, I begin my existential question that comes a little too late: WHY do I want to do this again??!!

Thanks Rosamund!! That is really solid advice. Do you study interdisciplinary humanities as well?

So, like many of you, I've spent most of this past week and weekend commiserating over a really great problem--choosing between two great options for Ph.D study. I've lost a lot of sleep and cried a few times, and now just want to hear some thoughts from other people (kind, please) about my decision making process and the options laid before me. I'm a little older (not THAT old, but not in my 20s anymore), and have a family (SO+two step kids in tow who may, or may not, be with us). My decision seems to come down to choosing either what I think is best for my family overall at a program where I could achieve my academic goals, or choosing the program I'm most excited about but will be more challenging for my family. My SO is supportive and has said they will relocate wherever I want to go for school, provided that they can choose our next move in 5 years. I am fine with this arrangement. So, am I being selfish in choosing the program I want? Or am I avoiding unnecessary stress by choosing the one that's better for my family? I've profiled them below, with the program I like more first: Option 1: A brand new program (I'd be part of the second cohort) at an Ivy school that I never ever thought I'd get into Things I like: The cohort I'm coming in with The program is really supportive, and the faculty are available I'd be able to nurture my creative side (lots of poetry writing in addition to my studies!) There would be support for me as I navigate family challenges (a question I asked many times) Classes I would really enjoy taking The money is right (5 years guaranteed + 4 summers with a great stipend) and would relieve a lot of stress on my SO Lots of attention because there aren't many graduate students Only have to teach 1 year Things less great:Not really the best fit for my family overall, though we could make things work Still figuring out exactly which professors I would work with (this may be a function of the fact that everyone in the department studies something related to what I study, and less about a lack of fit) The "discipline" is new, and interdisciplinary, so will I actually get a job when I'm done? Have to figure out how to relocate while we're super short on funds (which in this economy is like......sigh....) Option 2: An established program at an excellent state school (R1) that used to be my dream school a few years back Things I like: The cohort I'm coming in with Things will be much easier on the family I could chart out my whole dissertation committee almost and could identify an advisor and a mentor The program has good placement rates The discipline is established We live in the same state as this school so relocation, while still a challenge, isn't a deal breaker Things less great: [*]The money is barely right the first year, and not right at all in the following years, which adds a lot of stress to my SO [*]I would likely take some classes at a nearby private school because the state school doesn't have everything I need (this could also be considered a plus); so it'll be a challenge figuring out how to negotiate family schedules [*]Would have to teach for 4 years, but only a 1-1 load (still, again, draw on family time) [*]The program is larger, and I get the sense I could sometimes get lost [*]I get the sense the school is probably not so accommodating with family challenges (not because they don't care, but because they are a larger institution) Does anyone out there have any insight, or are you making similar decisions between family (or something else) and your academic dreams?