NewScientist12

Hi, I am wondering, are there research jobs available for people with an MPH? And if so, what is their general nature? What types of research are available, what skills are desired, and which programs (if any) specialize in this area?

Anyone heard of these? I'm thinking they may be a way out of those back and shoulder problems I hear so much about from grad students. From what I've read online people almost unanimously extol the benefits (better posture, increased productivity, a feeling of "floating" rather than sitting, etc.) A few of the models have even been featured at the Museum of Modern Art for their design. The cost is kind of shocking at first (~$800 for the main players), but when spread out over 5 years it doesn't seem as hefty. I damaged my sciatic nerve pretty badly some years ago, and with a recent flare up that rendered me immobile and hospitalized I've been thinking more and more about preventitive measures. After researching a bit, and given how long we are at our desks, it seems they could be relevant to you all, too.

And this may sound dumb to an insider, but what exactly is a research internship? In social psych, profs were running studies around the clock it seemed, so volunteering as an RA was no problem, as they were usually looking for extra hands. Are the work opportuniities in anthropology more competitive or involved than this?

Thank you for the advice so far. As far as her interests go, she's likes cultural, but is still open to other areas. She's pretty curious, so I imagine that in the end it might be hard for her to settle on one. And regarding research experience, you mentioned internships and field practice... do the skills and more research-oriented tacit knowledge usually come by way of these opportunities? Are there opportunities or expectations to work on research with a professor or professors throughout the school year? Thanks again.

The answer is of course no. If you go to Chicago you will be neck deep in debt. IIT would have to be superior to LA's program by a longshot for you to be even considering this. You primarily go to graduate school to learn skills that will enable you to become a good psychologist. If you want to live in a city, get a 9-5 job for a few years and reapply.

Hi, all: My girlfriend is thinking about pursuing an academic career in anthropology. My general question is: how competitive are PhD programs in this field? In my field (psychology), it's not uncommon for top programs to admit only 1 or 2 applicants out of pools of ~50 for each division. And from my experience in applying this season, it seemed that to have a shot at a decent/top program, programs were looking for something like 1300+ GRE, 3.5+ GPA, 2 years of research exp in a couple of different labs. How does anthropology compare in competition? Any advice for my girlfriend on next steps to take? She's just going into her 2nd year of undergraduate...

Hi, all: My girlfriend is thinking about pursuing an academic career in liguistics. How competitive are PhD programs in this field? In my field (psychology), it's not uncommon for top programs each year to admit only 1 or 2 applicants out of pools of ~50 per division. And from my experience in applying this season, it seemed that to have a shot at a decent/top program, the typical candidate had something like 1300+ GRE, 3.5+ GPA, 2 years of research exp in a couple different labs. How do linguistics programs compare in competition?

1350 GRE, 3.58 GPA, 2 years of research exp in 3 labs. I applied for PhD, and no I'm not going there for the GA master program.

Yes. I was admitted last month, along with many others. BUT, If you click on the "results search" tab at the top of this page and search for "psychology," you'll see that NYU has been making offers as recently as today. This means that they still have available spots, and in the case that one or all of those aren't filled, you might still have a shot.

Ultimately this is your decision, but if I were you, I would wait a year, boost your GREs, and reapply. It seems there is little to lose by waiting a year, but possibly a lot to gain. It could mean the difference between 5 years of massive debt and walking away with little to none. Plus, if your current app got you into Pacific this year, it's likely that you'll get in again next season, either to the same or a comparable program.

High-ranking A vs Middle-ranking B??? Torn... guaranteed funding at University A for 5 years + Outstanding Scholar Fellowship. At A, the research fit is good, but I do not mesh well with my adviser. Some red flags (hard to get a hold of, poor feedback on writing - as in - literally no feedback). How big of a concern is this generally? Would you "suck it up" or stay away? Intuitively going in with this expectation of being my own mentor in a sense just doesn't feel right... At B, I was warmly welcomed, felt somewhat of a "spark," and hit it off pretty well with my adviser. Big strength, relative to A, is the collaboration opportunity, particularly with three established and respected researchers in my field. On rankings alone, I'd pick A, but do these really matter THAT much in this situation? At school B, I can build a solid network any way and hopefully work my way in that way... Thoughts?

I tend to approach research from a creative, big picture side of things, but, at the same time I also can often get lost in my own big ideas. From anyone's experience as an undergrad or grad, do you think I'd fare better in a more structured environment or one that affords me opportunities for free exploration? In graduate school it's obviously a balancing act, but if you were (or are) in my shoes, what would you do? I have two great offers, one to work with a mentor who is more structured, and the other who takes a relatively "hands-off," almost even lax approach. 2 weeks to make some big decisions... any input would be appreciated.

I tend to approach research from a creative, big picture side of things, but, at the same time also tend to get lost in my own big ideas. From anyone's experience as an undergrad or grad, do you think I'd fare better in a more structured environment or one that affords me opportunities for free exploration? In graduate school it's obviously a balancing act, but if you were (or are) in my shoes, what would you do? I have two great offers, one to work with a mentor who is more structured, and the other who takes a relatively "hands-off," almost even lax approach. 2 weeks until big decisions... any input would be appreciated.

^ Haha, glad I wasn't the only one who was incoherent. When one of my top choice POI's broke the news, a flood of exitement rushed in, and still in half-disbelif, I bumbled through the entire conversation. I must have sounded terrible!

I was also e-mailed ads for the Social Stigma Lab at UCLA and the Psychology of Belief and Judgment Lab (joint with Decision Research Lab) at UChicago. The details are in PDF's, so I can't share them, but PM your e-mail address if you want a copy of either or both.