UFGator Posted January 19, 2011 Posted January 19, 2011 Received a call from my #1 school today. I have been in touch with one of the professors from this school, who urged me to apply. The call was from the executive assistant in the department who said I need to withdraw my application because I do not have the Masters degree required to enroll in the program. This was unknown to me even though I read the requirements for the degree multiple times, where it is not mentioned, and was recommended to apply by the director of the program who is fully aware of my background. Oh well. Just feeling bummed.
hopefulapplicant Posted January 19, 2011 Posted January 19, 2011 My advice is to send an email to the director of the program and explain the situation. Explicitly mention the name of the professor you contacted. Given that they have been so encouraging, they may be willing the waive the requirement if they feel you have sufficient background. The worst that could happen is for the director to say no. Good luck!
fangsout Posted January 19, 2011 Posted January 19, 2011 As much as I hate the Gators, (FSU and UT alumnus ;o)) I would say ditto to the advice above. I have a hard time believing the director would not be able to get you in if he/she was familiar with your qualifications when they told you to apply.
communications13 Posted January 19, 2011 Posted January 19, 2011 Do they have a masters program, and would you be willing to take the extra time to get your masters first? If so, you can ask that they consider your application for the masters program instead.
Strangefox Posted January 19, 2011 Posted January 19, 2011 I agree with all said above. I am sure it is just a misunderstanding and they will waive the masters requirement once they know all the details. Good luck! And please tell us about the results! I want to know what they will answer.
EricaMarie Posted January 19, 2011 Posted January 19, 2011 This. I'd email the person again, explain what's going on. If you don't ask, the answer's always no. On a separate, albeit related, note, I thought most Ph.D. programs allow you in straight from undergrad if you're good enough. I'm in history, though, so I could be wrong.
UFGator Posted January 19, 2011 Author Posted January 19, 2011 This. I'd email the person again, explain what's going on. If you don't ask, the answer's always no. On a separate, albeit related, note, I thought most Ph.D. programs allow you in straight from undergrad if you're good enough. I'm in history, though, so I could be wrong. I believe that is pretty much the standard. Oh well, it made me realize I am going to have to put in more applications now lol! I was pretty much banking on getting in there. Now I will apply to some masters and Ph.D. programs in similar topics elsewhere. Applying for Public Policy and Economics programs now. Will probably end up somewhere in state as that's where I have applied. 1340 GRE with a 3.7 upper division / 3.8 major GPA . This wait will undoubtedly kill me haha.
Tiglath-Pileser III Posted January 19, 2011 Posted January 19, 2011 On a separate, albeit related, note, I thought most Ph.D. programs allow you in straight from undergrad if you're good enough. I'm in history, though, so I could be wrong. This really depends upon the program and the school. While this is normal for most schools/programs in the US, in Canada a masters is normally required before advancing to the PhD. While I cannot speak for other programs in this regard, with Ancient Near East programs generally, a masters is the norm since there is so much to know and so many languages to learn in order to achieve academic competency. Interestingly enough, while one is more likely to be accepted into a program going straight from a bachelors to a PhD, those who go from a masters to a PhD overall have higher probability of graduating.
ZeChocMoose Posted January 19, 2011 Posted January 19, 2011 (edited) I would say it depends on the field. It doesn't surprise me that public affairs requests a master's before you go onto the PhD. Usually applied fields that look for a blend of practical experience with academics will request a master's before a PhD. In my field (education), a master's is a requirement at most (but not all) programs before applying to the PhD. Ideally, it would be best to have a gap between your master's and PhD to gain more experience in the field, but this doesn't always happen. I would not be surprised if this was the case (requesting a master's before the PhD) for the applied and professional fields (business, social work, public policy, library science, etc). That being said, it never hurts to ask whether they can waive the requirement. Good luck! Edited January 19, 2011 by ZeChocMoose
Bumblebee9 Posted January 22, 2011 Posted January 22, 2011 Yes, it really depends on the field, the program, and even the size of the department. I'm applying to one program that requires applicants to have a master degree for a number of reasons. But the top reason: they are a very small department (subfield of English offshoot) and can be as picky as they want in searching for the most qualified candidates. Interestingly, their masters degree is terminal (more private sector-oriented than teaching degree) and does not automatically gain you entrance into the PhD program--usually does not. That being said, there are always exceptions to "the rules." If you've got a contact who knows all about your situation and encouraged you to apply, I'd say pursue this with at least a phone call.
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