Help! choosing between funded MA programs in two disciplines...

[solonsreforms]

I've been offered a $16,000 stipend to the University of Kentucky's MA in geography program, and a $20,000 stipend to the University of Delaware's MA in history program. I'm leaning toward the option with more funding, although I am not 100% sure I want to go the history PhD route afterwards (due to truly dismal job outlook), and I think geography might offer more practical skills like GIS that I could take outside academia. That said, I can always get an online GIS certificate, and I can do a Museum Studies cert at UDel. I'd rather live in Lexington than Newark, but it's only two years, so I'm not *that* worried about location. Any advice? POI at both schools have been very generous- the prof at Delaware shares a bit more of my research area. 

[Nothalfgood]

I'm surprised that you are torn between vastly different fields because I am in a similar situation. I am sure you are right that the geography route makes more practical sense than history in terms of job prospects. Additionally, I would guess that your UKentucky stipend is comparable to your UDelaware stipend when adjusted for cost of living, so that probably shouldn't much of a factor.

You have basically worked yourself into a corner where you have two vastly different options, neither of which is obviously better than the other nor obviously bad. Maybe you need to ask yourself again what it is that you are pursuing a Master's for. Is it because you want to chase down more research in something that excites you? Then UDelaware is the obvious right choice. Is it because you want to grab job opportunities with a skill level-up? Then UKentucky is the obvious right choice. If you don't know which option is right, then you might prefer to take a gap year and hone your interests. Don't take my advice, though. I'm sure you know deep down what's best for you.