jlk88

Hear, Hear! I agree. Don't look at a Master's program as anything but an opportunity. I know now that the two years I have spent in a Master's program as well as the work I've done as a graduate assistant have been invaluable to me as a scholar, future employee, and a person in general. Not only have I had more time to consider what I want and what my true interests are, I've gained an extraordinary amount of experience, both academic and real world. So, regardless of how my PhD applications turn out, I won't regret it.

The Pitt admissions are worrying me somewhat... So, we have one on this board for a PhD and one on the results board for a Masters? What time were your notifications sent (if you don't mind my asking)?

I'm a Pitt applicant. Still waiting.

I wouldn't necessarily qualify what I do as teaching. Our department does not have TAs (other depts do, such as in the sciences), but I have designed and run computer lab assignments, etc. I can't fathom that it would be looked down upon.

Duties vary by GA assignment and what the responsibilities and interests of the GAs' supervising professors are. Most GAs (including myself) are shared by 2 professors. All GAs are responsible for occasionally grading assignments, covering classes, proctoring exams, and research. Our department runs the Ohio Historical Center of Industry and Labor and some GAs are assigned to work at the museum. I'm assigned to the 2 professors in my dept that are editors in chief of academic journal, so while I do grade, cover classes, proctor, and research occasionally, most of my time is devoted to acting as the editorial assistant for one journal and as the assistant editor or the other.

I think that unfortunately, due to a number of factors ( changes in the academe, changes in the history discipline, the economy, and just the passage of time) the application process just gets harder and harder. I have fabulous mentors who've guided me through the process, but even with all their advice and connections, things change so quickly that applicants are still flying blind to an extent. At least in this -- the struggle to put together the perfect application and the concern over whether we'll be accepted -- is a worry we all share.

I too have been invited on an all expenses paid visit to one of the programs I applied to. Was told no formal interview and am hoping this a good sign. Talk about nerve wracking. Good luck!

Youngstown State University in Ohio offers a funded MA program in History. There are approximately 9 GA slots, which provide tuition remission and a stipend. There aren't 9 slots open every year since Grad Assistantships are renewable for a 2nd year. I can't speak to GRE requirements, but you do need to have 16 hours of undergraduate history coursework.

Guess I spoke too soon - rejection email from Indiana just arrived. Oh well.

I haven't heard from Indiana either, so don't know if that's a good sign or not. Oh, we'll, I guess what happens will happen. :-)

I'm not sure what kind of museum you're looking to work in, whether art or history, etc. However, I'm currently in a History MA program at Youngstown State University in Ohio. In our program you are able to focus on Museum/Curation -- but the best part of our program is that we are the one of the only (perhaps the only) history departments in the United States that runs a museum.

Haven't heard anything yet either. Good luck to you both!

I'm a finalist for admission at Penn State, and I've had a phone call from the Deptartment Grad Director and have been invited on a visit in three weeks. Though neither the phone call nor the visit was/is supposed to be a formal interview, I'm sure they act as an interview.