Going from PhD waitlist to MA?

[HomoLudens]

Like many of you, I have been waitlisted by a few programs. I only applied to 4 programs, and have been rejected by 2 and waited by the others (Duquesne and Loyola Chicago). Is it the case that when an applicant is waitlisted for a PhD position they are automatically considered for an MA spot (assuming that the program offers a terminal MA)? I have received word from Duquesne's DGS that I will be extended a MA offer automatically after April 15th if I do not get off the waitlist. Is this common? Can I expect the same from Loyola, which does have a terminal MA?

I hope some of the veteran members can help answer this question. What has been your experience with programs with terminal MA?

[Nothingtown]

Not a veteran, and I probably can't answer this question quite as well as some others will be able to. 

I did just want to chime in and say that Duquesne is so kind and really goes out of their way to help you in this process. They seem unique in their application processes and are one of the few programs I've seen forward applications to the MA committee with the chance of funding. Most places just tell you to apply to the MA program in a mass letter and don't help you with that process, much less give you a shot at a funded MA, but myself and a few other PhD applicants had our rejected PhD applications sent by Dr. Selcer to the MA committee at Duquesne. 

I have seen a few other places award MAs if you just barely miss the PhD cut, but it doesn't seem like it's the norm. In my experience, Duquesne stands out as different from other programs in how they handle things. I wouldn't count on other schools doing the same. Just my two cents. 

[ghostofvulpix]

At Boston College, their application has a checkbox where you indicate whether you'd like to be considered for the MA instead if you're rejected from the PhD program. It seems to really streamline the process (though BC doesn't fund master's students).

I'm also wondering: if you (or I) already have a master's in a slightly different field (for me, MA in Religion with a concentration in philosophy of religion), is it unwise to go for the second master's in philosophy?