funded MA programs?

[oseirus]

My master's program (which I'm convinced utterly prepared me for phd apps) has a number of ways to gather teaching experience. While we don't get tuition waivers, we get academic credits for TAing. So, they treat the TA as a class, where you learn strategies from the professor, constantly reflect and write about it, lecture, and receive a grade. this is somewhat betterthan being handed a stack of papers to grade (which I see other depts do). Once you've completed the TA class, there is the possibility of funds to TA. Either way, if you've TAed or plan to, its great to list as teaching experience as long as you emphasize its efficiency in preparing you for college level teaching.!

oh how nice it would be to combine the good elements of TAship w/GAship ... :: sigh::

[soleprovider14]

There are many funded MA programs in history. Just a few from personal experience, UW-Milwaukee, BGSU (Ohio), U of Akron (Ohio), Kent State (Ohio), Vermont. And most of these schools provide tuition waivers, a stipend, and allow you to gain valuable teaching experience (discussion sections, lecturing, grading, designing assignments).

[oseirus]

There are many funded MA programs in history. Just a few from personal experience, UW-Milwaukee, BGSU (Ohio), U of Akron (Ohio), Kent State (Ohio), Vermont. And most of these schools provide tuition waivers, a stipend, and allow you to gain valuable teaching experience (discussion sections, lecturing, grading, designing assignments).

Now time to find a cool locale that has a funded MA program ... yes I'm that vain!

[Caganer]

I guess so, although most GAships probably can't be maintained for 5-6 years. I also think it would be hard to maintain a 20 hour work week as a PhD student while studying for comps, etc. I know that TAships are extremely time consuming, but they're at least usually in the field of history, whereas a GAship could have you doing anything. To fund a master's program, I would totally recommend it, but for a PhD program I think it would be a difficult path.

All that being said, it's been great for me. I accepted the admission offer at my program hoping but not knowing for sure that I would end up with this arrangement. It's given me valuable work experience AND kept me out of the poor house!

I second this. I am doing the same, although I did it in reverse. I applied to an administrative position at my school before I applied to my program. I work full time in another department but I get health insurance, a paycheck, retirement plan, FSA etc. but the best part is that my school gives me two courses worth of tuition free every semester, including the summer. More people should take advantage of this sort of an opportunity. Also, since you are working in academia you are able to see how departmental politics function, have personal contact with professors, hear about great opportunities, etc. I dont think I would work and study in the same department though, that might get a little incestuous.

[kotov]

Now time to find a cool locale that has a funded MA program ... yes I'm that vain!

Ohio University funds its MAs and is the #1 party school in the country. I almost took that offer over a funded PhD offer at CMU. Also, things are looking good for them in roundball terms right now too.

[oseirus]

Ohio University funds its MAs and is the #1 party school in the country. I almost took that offer over a funded PhD offer at CMU. Also, things are looking good for them in roundball terms right now too.

Get outta here! Really? They can't touch FSU can they?