Funded MAs

[Cranston]

I was one of the poor saps who was rejected across the board by PhD programs. It's not the end of the world - I love my job and don't mind staying another year - but I do still want to apply again in the next admissions cycle. Since I didn't look at MA programs this time around, my plan is to apply for both PhDs and MAs. I have my PhD list together and am now looking for well-regarded, funded MAs (of which I know there aren't many). Since so many program websites are vague about funding potential, I was hoping I could turn to the collective wisdom of all you wonderful people. Which MAs have given you a good funding package? Which don't tend to offer any money at all?

If it helps narrow it down at all, I'm a modern Europeanist (or will/would be), with a focus on post-war immigration. I know this is a really vague question but I'm just looking for some direction to focus my search. Thanks a ton in advance for any help you can provide!

[anxiousapplicant]

I think Fordham University might fund MAs.

[Squawker]

Villanova University doesn't guarantee funding, but you can apply for a graduate assistantship and possibly secure a tuition waiver and even a stipend.

[Joe Lordan]

Villanova University doesn't guarantee funding, but you can apply for a graduate assistantship and possibly secure a tuition waiver and even a stipend.

Northeastern is the same way

[soleprovider14]

I also was rejected from all of the PhD programs I applied to, however, as I anticipated this, I applied to three MA programs and was accepted at all (two with full funding). I don't know about well-regarded but I was accepted and received full funding at both Bowling Green State University and Kent State, and was given a vague promise for potential funding later on in the program by the University of Vermont. I only applied to the above schools due to the presence of a potential adviser, not the prestige of the program. With both Kent and BGSU, I would be able to work with a very highly regarded professor in the field I am pursuing.

[Nikki]

I'll be attending East Carolina in the fall with full funding.

[student35]

I might be wrong here, but it seems that programs with the MA as the highest degree are more likely to fund than programs that offer the doctorate.

I'll add Illinois State to the list that funds MAs (tuition waiver + assistantship).

[pickles]

Oregon - if you check a box on the app, you'll be considered for a TAship which covers tuition, health insurance, and offers a tiny stipend

[historydork]

I agree with student35. I'm finishing up my master's now at a large public university without a PhD program. Since there aren't many history grad students, getting full funding for both years was quite easy.

Also, look into funding opportunities outside of the department. My first year I worked for the campus tutoring center as a graduate assistant (I taught supplemental history classes for high-risk freshman). It included tuition, health insurance, and a better stipend than the one I'm getting from my PhD program!

[goldielocks]

I just wanted to second the advice about programs that offer the MA but not the PhD—this is what my undergrad adviser told me.

[Cranston]

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone!

It was a little daunting trying to research the hundreds of history MAs out there, so it's great to have an idea of the general type of school I should have on my radar. Thanks again!