Master's students at schools also offering PhD

[burrito queen]

In my quest to finally make a freakin' decision between three master's programs, something came up in a discussion with a current grad student: the possibility that at big research institutions that offer both the master's level and the PhD level, the doctoral students are the ones who get the most attention, being highest up on the food chain. This line of reasoning goes to say that at universities who stop at the master's level in a particular field, or are not PhD-granting universities, the master's students are the ones the profs really care about and are given the most resources.

What do you say? Generally true? Or depends on the field/university? Would working in the vicinity of, but not integrally being a part of, really interesting research that higher-ups (PhD students) are conducting outweigh the benefits of being at a school whose resources are entirely devoted to the master's students?

For background, I went to a humongous, public internationally-renowned research institution in a gigantic undergrad major and was just a number the profs didn't give two farts about. Wondering if going with one of my grad options at another different giant public internationally-recognized research institution for my master's (surrounded by PhDs in the department) will make me feel like an underling again.

Edit....or if it will be AWESOME. That's a possibility too.

Edited April 6, 2010 by burrito queen

[shakespearebro]

It sort of depends on the university. I went to one research university where there was almost no distinction between the MA's and the PhD's. That said, though, there was a difference in funding and teaching opportunities. The PhD students had much better TAships and got more of the travel grants and conference and publication support than the MA students. Other than that, though, the support from the professors was all the same and the interaction between the PhD's and MA's was all one big happy family. I've heard, though, this is NOT the case at many other places, where your fears might be well-founded.

As for the research of other PhD students, I've never cared much what they are doing. I'm VERY interested in the research the professors are doing, but as for my fellow students, half the time we can't explain to each other what we're working on. I would weigh interpersonal compatibility and department dynamics heavily, though. You don't want to go to a department full of cutthroats or a lot of cliques. That said, though, if a huge chunk of people in your department are all into x, but you and few others are into y, that might weigh on your decision as well.

Sorry I'm not more help.

[sciencegal]

I'm sure this depends on the university. Have you asked for email addresses for current master's and PhD students? They are likely the best source of information.

I'm at a big public research university and in our department if you are an engaged, interested, productive grad student (master's or PhD, doesn't matter) you get attention. Basically, just try hard and be interested in learning is the name of the game in our group.

[rising_star]

In my field, there tends to be no distinction between MA and PhD students. We take classes together, have group weekly meetings with our advisers where MA and PhD students are alongside, and the funding is comparable. I imagine this is different in other departments on campus.

[coyabean]

This is discussed in "Getting What You Came For" so it must be a common enough occurrence to be a valid concern.

If your concern is investment from professors then I think you that can be researched and used to help you make your decision. Funding, however, is probably weighted towards PhDs in almost every program just due to the nature of that relationship so I'd maybe be less concerned about that. I definitely cosign the earlier suggestion email current master's students to get their take on it. Thanks to "Stumbling on Happiness" that is now my suggestion for everything in life. LOL

[Jae B.]

Financial concerns aside, not to relish being an underling (no sarcasm), but I see great value in attending a program that includes PhD students. I would enjoy such an opportunity to share classes with them, which is quite different than the graduate vs. undergraduate relationship you may recall. PhD students' length of study, knowledge, research and dedication/endurance add something distinct to the academic atmosphere, and I'd want to be around them (and probably model after them) even though I was planning a shorter stay.

I don't mean to put anybody on a pedestal, and Masters students certainly deserve equal access to all their programs have to offer, but PhD candidates have a distinct honorable experience I would not shrink from being exposed to.

Since a Masters is a relatively short program, to make the most of the brief time, I'd go for the most enriching environment possible (highly-regarded and accomplished professors, and most accomplished, dedicated and diverse student body) and be confident in my own ability to still earn attention, benefits, opportunities and to command equal respect. Competition will probably always exist no matter what program you pick, so why not go for the best that's a good fit for you. Remember, professors -- and their opinions -- are a big part of the environment-equation, but so are your peers!

Edited April 12, 2010 by Jae B.