Anyone know anything about Duquesne's English program?

[caffeinated librarian]

Hi everyone,

Does anyone know anything about Duquesne's English department? I want to apply to their Ph.D program, and I'm wondering if they automatically consider applicants for the MA program. I don't have an MA in English, so I'd like to have that option if I don't get any acceptances this year. I e-mailed the department secretary, and I heard nothing back. I was hoping for an acknowledgement or a response telling me who to ask, but they never responded.

I really like Duquesne, and I think I'd be really happy there. I just need some definite information before I check off "Ph.D" or "MA" on the application. Does anyone know anything about the department?

Thanks!

[anonacademic]

Let me start by saying that I don't. However, I have a couple of thoughts:

1. Ask your professors. They'll know if Duquesne often accepts students from your program, and they might know recent graduates and/or current students. Ask for their emails and shoot them some questions. I did this with several schools; sometimes no one responded, but often my questions were answered and gave me a good idea of what to expect from that program.

2. I might apply anyway to the PhD. If you get accepted, go, but don't like it, you can gracefully exit with an MA in two years. I hear that it's rare that students who complete the MA then apply for the PhD in the same program get in. I'd consider applying to terminal, funded MAs elsewhere. (I'm going to assume that MAs in a PhD program often go unfunded?)

3. Failing #1, you could see if they list TA emails on the department page and contact people that way.

But hopefully someone else will come along with more specific help!

[caffeinated librarian]

Thank you for the advice! Unfortunately, my English professors from undergrad aren't much help, and my master's degree is in another field. I went to school on the West Coast, and no one could tell me anything specific about Duquesne. As for your second suggestion, I think I'm going to just apply for the PhD and have another backup plan. Oddly enough, there are some TAships available for MA students at Duquesne. Realistically, I couldn't attend without funding anyway, so I should get another backup plan in place.

I didn't think to contact TAs. That's a great suggestion, so thank you!