MA or PhD?

[K of K]

Hello! I'm a rising senior applying for entry to history graduate programs beginning in fall 2012. Since there are many veterans here who have survived the process I thought I might as well ask for some advice.

I'm a student at a mid-sized university ranked in the low 30s. My overall undergraduate GPA is 3.69 and my major GPA is 3.85 – and my fall term grades should push my overall GPA into the 3.7s.

I have not yet taken the GREs (and am more than a little nervous about the new format): if performance on previous standardized tests is any indication, I should do pretty well on the verbal and writing sections and only so-so on the quantitative. I plan to spend a couple of months going over a test prep book, but it's unclear which ones are the best for the new GRE (any recommendations would be very welcome!).

Otherwise, I can count in my favor an independent research project in my sub-field for which I received a generous grant. I hope to publish the resulting article in one of my university's student-run journals this fall. For what it's worth, I gave a presentation on the results of my research at my university's undergraduate research symposium.

I'm also currently working on my honors thesis and will be doing some archival research later this summer. My plan is to use a chapter of my as-yet-unwritten thesis as my writing sample for applications.

In language preparation I may be a bit weak. My field is British history so languages aren’t a dire concern. However I do understand that French and German are required for modern European history: I have no experience with French and only one year of German (though I will be taking German throughout my senior year).

That's about it! My adviser has been encouraging but I'm very nervous about the upcoming year. I'm still trying to figure out what mix of PhD and MA programs I should apply to. I hope to get into a terminal MA program at the least but I don't really know if I can count on that at all: like everyone I would of course prefer a fully funded PhD program . However, I would be willing to take on the debt necessary for a master’s degree as long as there’s a reasonable expectation of getting into a PhD program afterwards.

I’d very much appreciate any advice. I’ve gathered from lurking that many here at the grad café have taken terminal MAs. I’d love to know what qualifications are necessary to get into an MA program (though of course it must vary widely between universities and fields of study). I’d also love to hear any thoughts on my prospects for a PhD, if indeed I have any prospects at all .

[pudewen]

I think you would likely be competitive for a PhD program; and depending on the quality of your writing sample, statement of purpose and recommendations, possibly a very good one. That's not to say you shouldn't apply to MAs as well; it's always possible that your PhD apps won't work out, but I wouldn't give up on a PhD program with the background you have.

That said, on the subject of languages, taking German this year is a must, and if I were you I would look into the possibility of doing an intensive class in German, French, or some other language you think could be useful to your future research next summer. Then, mention that plan in your statement of purpose. If you are working in British history, entering with either the equivalent of three years of German study or two years of German and one of French should be plenty. You'll have two years of coursework to improve your languages further.

Other than that, your GPA is fine, and if the GRE goes as you expect, that will be fine as well (the Q section is ridiculously easy, and even if you do badly, it doesn't matter for history programs other than history of science). What you said about your research in your post sounds like about the level many successful applicants are at, so all in all, you're good to go. Apply to a mix of programs (though only ones you'd be happy going to), and be wary of taking on debt; try to find MA programs (even if less highly ranked) that offer the possibility of funding. Going into debt to get a graduate degree in history just isn't a good financial bet.

[TMP]

Are you planning to take any time off? What do you really want to do a PhD? What do you hope to get out of your experience as a graduate student for the next 8-10 years?

[goldielocks]

K of K,

1. For the GRE, have you considered taking a prep course? If this is financially feasible for you, you might consider it. I know that in my city, there are a couple of options for this, and the cost varies significantly. For instance, the Kaplan courses are pretty costly, but the local community college also offers a prep course for about $100 per section. Just something to think about.

2. The research project will be a definite strength on your CV, especially because of the grant. If you can publish the article, like you mentioned, this will look stellar. Definitely focus on that. And also, from what I've been told, conference experience looks great too.

3. The thesis and primary source research will help you too.

4. I also work on Britain, and while languages are not a huge deal in the long run, it does matter on your application. Since most programs require one (usually two) proficiencies, it will serve you well to demonstrate that you have some preparation in at least one. Be sure to point out your preparation in your SOP. Language prep will help to demonstrate that you are a well-rounded applicant, and also show the committee that you won't need a lot of time/$ to advance to reading proficiency, should you enter the program.

5. The MA vs. PhD debate doesn't really seem to have a concrete answer. When I was asking the same question, I got a variety of answers from my professors, which I'm guessing you are experiencing right now. I decided to pursue the MA because I went to a highly ranked public program for my BA, but did not write a thesis, and worked full time, so I didn't have many opportunities for things like conference experience, language prep, etc. I thought that the MA would be a great chance to really sharpen my skills, develop a stellar writing sample, work on my languages, and increase my chances at getting into a strong PhD program. For me, it was the right choice. Fortunately, I found a funded MA. I'd suggest applying to a mix of MA and PhD programs. It really depends on what you want to get out of it.

Good luck!

PS: This book is fantastic.

Edited July 30, 2011 by goldielocks