MA vs. PhD in English

[lightinaugust]

Hello all, I could really use some general consensus feedback...

I'm Canadian but did my BA in the States. In Canada, we tend to place a fair amount of emphasis on the MA, but in the States, if you're continuing on to doctoral work, it seems people really try to skip the MA altogether. I've been accepted to MA programs at U of Toronto, McGill, and MAPH Chicago (which, I gather from this site, is not held in very high regard). None of these are funded but Canadian programs are pretty affordable, so that's not a problem. What's more, I feel I could use the year to strengthen my research/writing skills.

On the other hand, I was accepted to the PhD program at CUNY without funding, a fact that makes me extremely hesitant. Nonetheless, between all the teaching opportunities they encourage and the fact that I'd soon become an NY resident, tuition should be covered pretty quickly and I'd be able to feed/clothe myself.

So what's the consensus? Is it important to grab the PhD offer (as my professors are advising), or is it a sound call to take the year in Toronto and reapply to potentially funded PhD's in a year?

Thanks!

[runonsentence]

I think that it is definitely a trend, to "save time" by launching into a PhD as quickly as possible. In my own case, I'm really grateful I was able to take the time to do a master's degree first. (I was lucky in that I was able to find a funded MA program!)

I think that MAs, especially generalist ones, can be really valuable in teaching you to navigate grad school before you're launched into the PhD, in helping you decide (or solidify, or clarify) what it is you want to do, and for the reasons you mentioned (strengthening critical writing and research skills). I, for instance, came into my MA thinking I wanted to study Romantic literature, but now I've realized that I am better at (and better enjoy) rhetoric and composition.

My personal vote would be one of the MA programs. If you got into one PhD program this year, I'm sure you can get into at least one again next year!

[lyonessrampant]

I personally would not take a Ph.D. admit that isn't funded. I think doing the MA at Toronto and then applying again to Ph.D. programs is a good idea.

[sportsnerd]

I personally would not take a Ph.D. admit that isn't funded. I think doing the MA at Toronto and then applying again to Ph.D. programs is a good idea.

I agree with the above responses, and would also add that on top of not being funded, New York is an INSANELY expensive place to live in general. I completed my first (unfunded) MA there, and it simply drained my bank account. I'm still recovering two years later. There's enough stress in graduate school without having to worry about your finances. Ideal Scenario: Use the extra year to earn your MA, pad the bank account a little, build up your CV, then sit back & watch the funded offers roll in!

[lightinaugust]

Thanks for the responses! I happened to read them just as I was starting to crack, thinking, I'll never get in again so I better grab what I've got! But instead of entering huge financial stress while undertaking a PhD, I think I will take the sane (read: Canadian!) route and spend the year in T.O. It might be freezing cold up here, but at least I won't have to leave my dog!