UMass Amherst Philosophy

[Tables_And_Chairs]

I thought I'd post here in case anyone has information that could help. I am currently waitlisted at several programs. After speaking with the departments, it's very likely I'll receive an offer from at least one of them, so I'm trying to make contingency plans in case I'm accepted to more than one department. Among the places I've been waitlisted is UMass Amherst. They are a great fit academically, since there are many people who are working in my area of interest. However, I don't know very much about the department. Does anyone here (maybe if you've been accepted or if you are currently attending) know much about what life is like there? How is the funding? Are graduate students supported by faculty? Do many students take courses outside of Philosophy?

I would honestly appreciate any information. Thanks!

[Self-ignorant]

On 4/8/2020 at 6:10 PM, Tables_And_Chairs said:

I thought I'd post here in case anyone has information that could help. I am currently waitlisted at several programs. After speaking with the departments, it's very likely I'll receive an offer from at least one of them, so I'm trying to make contingency plans in case I'm accepted to more than one department. Among the places I've been waitlisted is UMass Amherst. They are a great fit academically, since there are many people who are working in my area of interest. However, I don't know very much about the department. Does anyone here (maybe if you've been accepted or if you are currently attending) know much about what life is like there? How is the funding? Are graduate students supported by faculty? Do many students take courses outside of Philosophy?

I would honestly appreciate any information. Thanks!

Tables, I don't attend UMass, but I'm also on the waitlist and spoke with a few students via email in the last couple of days about the climate there. All of them have said, more or less, that the culture there is collegial and supportive. A couple said they couldn't say enough good things about the relations between faculty and grads, and amongst the grads themselves. I realize I may be providing you with information that may cause you to choose UMass should you get off the waitlist before me, and that this would be to my detriment, but I wanted to share just in case this helps provide you with some clarity for this very important decision.