MA vs. PhD SoP

[mooochael]

I'm applying for MA programs right out of undergraduate. Some prior research experience has mostly been along the lines of studying how history and politics affects cultural production/consumption, and more generally how history/politics are represented in creative works.

I realize this is broad research interest - one of my letter writers told me so. But is it OK to be a little vague with letters at the MA level? To be honest, I'm not looking to go on to the PhD level and only want this degree for professional development. Most of the programs I'm considering have either a thesis-track option or a comprehensive exam option, of which I prefer the latter for the more broad exposure to all sorts of research interests.

Is it better to be vague like I have been so far about research interests? Or rather is it preferable to be as specific as possible? At the PhD level, I understand honing in research interests is really important, but should it be something for me to focus on?

[trav]

...I have been wondering the exact same thing.

[George2248]

I have the same question.... Only this is for a MS in Engineer Management. I do not think a specific research interest is as important in my field, but I might be wrong...

[Sigaba]

I realize this is broad research interest - one of my letter writers told me so.

IMO, if this letter writer is a professor in your intended field of study, you have already received guidance on what you should do.

Insofar as you pursuing a M.A. with a comprehensive exam option, please reconsider the advantages of pursuing the thesis option. IMO, writing a thesis will give you greater flexibility if you decide to return to graduate school and to pursue a Ph.D. It will also provide you a greater opportunity to become a SME, to develop your writing skills, and to know the SMEs in your field. Also, depending upon your program and the dynamics of your department, you may be taken more seriously if your professors and your classmates know you've got a lot of skin in the game.

[bksmit13]

I think that the most important thing is that you explain why you want to be in the program. It seems that at the masters level, research is not as huge as a focus so I think that as long as it is clear why you want to be in that specific program, then you will be fine. I am applying to the latin american studies programs and I think I will jsut talk about my study abroad experiences and how they lead me to mayan languages and why I want to learn indigenous languages and study indigenous cultures.

[Hatem]

I'm applying for a masters of biology,however I'm dealing with my masters application as if it was a Phd application.I'm trying to be specific into my research interests as I'm currently pursuing a research project.I don't know if the admission committee deals with masters application more easier and less strict than Phd applicants.Anybody knows?

[finknottle]

No matter what you are applying for, it always help to have research experience and interests. However, just make sure that you explain the reasons for applying to a Master's program well enough in your SOP. You shouldn't come across as someone who is confused about which program he/she wants to apply to. Go through the 'Letter of Intent' section on http://www.cs.princeton.edu/academics/ugradpgm/gsg.php for some useful information regarding your situation. Don't take it too literally, and don't fret too much over it. It's a good thing to be interested in research. Just balance your SOP out with other stuff too.