Acceptance Advice

[karma897]

So I was accepted at 6/8 programs that I applied to in Sociology and two have made offers being Kent State and UMass Boston and a third SIU-Carbondale will most likely be able to offer funding but will not know anything for a couple of weeks. UMass Boston is strictly a masters program with an applied focus but with strong connections to other schools in the area in the event I wanted to continue on to Doctoral program from there while Kent State has a doctoral program and I have spoken with my potential adviser and would be able to work as an assistant to the department and possibly with her. Does anyone know anything about the reputation of either of the schools Sociology programs or have any helpful advice on how to choose between the offers?

[ineedcaffeine]

I think it really depends on your emphasis. All 3 programs are not ranked (I believe) so that makes your interest and the availability of a mentor to be more significant. I know professors who graduated from Kent State. They liked the program and I think it is big on gender and criminology/deviance. SIU-Carbondale has a very famous faculty called Robert Benford. If your interest aligns with him, it would be great. I'm not familiar with UMass Boston at all but you are right in mentioning that the very location of Boston opens up many doors - academic and non-academic.

[coqui21]

I think it really depends on your emphasis. All 3 programs are not ranked (I believe) so that makes your interest and the availability of a mentor to be more significant. I know professors who graduated from Kent State. They liked the program and I think it is big on gender and criminology/deviance. SIU-Carbondale has a very famous faculty called Robert Benford. If your interest aligns with him, it would be great. I'm not familiar with UMass Boston at all but you are right in mentioning that the very location of Boston opens up many doors - academic and non-academic.

I heard that Benford's leaving SIU. Make sure to check on this before making a decision based on whether your interests align with his.