UNC vs. UCI

[Fizzy Bubelach]

I just found out I got into University of North Carolina Chapel Hill! Before that, I was set to go to UC Irvine.

I saw one poster mentioned UCI's strength in social networks. This is my main interest as well. I'm interested in social networks, social movements, radical groups. Along those lines. Right now, I'm leaning more towards something non-academic post graduation, and I saw someone mentioned that academic jobs are a bit tougher coming out of UCI...I don't think this will be a factor for me. Also, my funding offer was higher for UCI (~30%), but part of that could be living expenses? Not sure.

Does anyone have any thoughts??? I never thought I was going to be in a position of choosing between schools!

Thank you!

________

Edited the names of the schools

Edited April 5, 2011 by Fizzy Bubelach

[Doctor Jimmy]

University of California-Irvine & University of North Carolina- Chapel-Hill? Not sure which exact schools you are referring to.

I just found out I got into UNC! Before that, I was set to go to UCI.

I saw one poster mentioned UCI's strength in social networks. This is my main interest as well. I'm interested in social networks, social movements, radical groups. Along those lines. Right now, I'm leaning more towards something non-academic post graduation, and I saw someone mentioned that academic jobs are a bit tougher coming out of UCI...I don't think this will be a factor for me. Also, my funding offer was higher for UCI (~30%), but part of that could be living expenses? Not sure.

Does anyone have any thoughts??? I never thought I was going to be in a position of choosing between schools!

Thank you!

[Fizzy Bubelach]

Sorry about that. University of California-Irvine & University of North Carolina- Chapel-Hill

University of California-Irvine & University of North Carolina- Chapel-Hill? Not sure which exact schools you are referring to.

[Doctor Jimmy]

I'm not all that familiar with the particular strengths of each program. However, as overall programs: UNC is always ranked as a Top 10 program (and actually currently tied for 5th). It is one of the best sociology departments in the country. Unless you feel very strongly about UCI... I think UNC is the clear choice. (But make sure to consider me only one opinion. I'm interested to hear what others think)

And as far as the funding package. Try using a cost-of living calculator. My inclination is that the UNC package will be equal when you factor in how much more expensive California will be. ( http://www.bestplaces.net/col/ one to try )

[Fizzy Bubelach]

Hi Dr. Jimmy,

Thanks for the reply. I'm trying to cast a wide net on opinions for this one. It's a tough call for me because of the work Carter Butts is doing at UCI. Also, you were right on the Cost of Living between CH and Irvine. The funding is roughly the same...

Any body else want to take a shot?

THANKS AGAIN!

I'm not all that familiar with the particular strengths of each program. However, as overall programs: UNC is always ranked as a Top 10 program (and actually currently tied for 5th). It is one of the best sociology departments in the country. Unless you feel very strongly about UCI... I think UNC is the clear choice. (But make sure to consider me only one opinion. I'm interested to hear what others think)

And as far as the funding package. Try using a cost-of living calculator. My inclination is that the UNC package will be equal when you factor in how much more expensive California will be. ( http://www.bestplaces.net/col/ one to try )

[goodmp]

Several of the graduate students that I met at the UNC recruitment weekend were interested in social movements. I know Dr. Kurzman does a lot of work in that area and his graduate students spoke about him in glowing terms. I didn't hear many people talk about social networks, but I wasn't really listening for it since it isn't my focus.

I had a really good time at the UNC recruitment weekend and I've had good interactions with the other graduate students and the faculty overall. I also think the prestige thing is definitely worth considering. There are also a lot of opportunities for non-academic work given the presence of the research triangle.

Let me know if there is anything else I can clarify.

Edited April 5, 2011 by goodmp

[Fizzy Bubelach]

Thank you for the replies!

I hope I did not come across as ungrateful for my position. I'm very lucky. I have only great options. I'm just hoping that people on this board can help me think of some angles that I won't think of...consider it an exercise in the strength of weak ties...we do want to be sociologists don't we?

Thanks again!

Thanks for asking this question Fizzy. I'll be applying to programs in the fall and I'm focused on social movements/ urban space/ pubic sphere stuff. I too have been drawn to both UNC and UCI as departments with strong contingents of social movement people.

Let me first say congratulations to you on your acceptances and funding packages. Although you have a hard decision ahead of you, there are many who probably with they were in your shoes right now.

I have two questions for the board:

1) Previous posters have mentioned the importance of "tier" with regard to placement in academic positions. In that case, UNC has the obvious advantage. That being said, as a "top 25ish" school, UCI is no slouch. Does anyone on these boards have any sense about programs' potential for movement up/down tiers? That is, UCI is a very young program relative to UNC. Can we expect to see UCI move into the top 25 and forgo its current "top 25ish" ambiguity? And if not in USNWR rankings, perhaps at least in general prestige among professional academics in the field. I imagine there is some movement within tiers, but probably very little across tiers.

2) It's clear that UNC has a better placement record than UCI, especially among top tier programs. But, if in my professional career I am more concerned about tenure at an R1 university with decent funding than necessarily landing a job at a "top 10" program, then does it make a huge difference? Will a degree from UCI (or equivalently ranked program) doom one to a lifetime of post-doc positions and community college adjuncts? I know we talk a good deal about "fit" and "happiness," but long term professional satisfaction and productivity (not to mention job security and income) seem highly dependent on program prestige. Can anyone speculate as to the quality of life and work for an academic ten or twenty years out of school with a doctorate from a top 10-15 versus a top 25 program?

And again, congrats to you Fizzy for being in such a pickle!