Just Accepted, What to Expect?

[nymilchite]

So I am one of the many humanities students who have been dismayed from pursuing a Ph.D. (English, to be precise). I was just accepted to the Pratt Institute's Library Science Program, which I really applied for on a whim. I do have a bit of an interest in it, particularly researching and working with rare books. My primary question is this: What should I expect from the program, and upon graduation? Does the more intellectual work of academia end since this is a "professional" degree? If I intend to stay within academia, will I be expected to continue researching and pursuing scholarly work? Just what is the schooling and subsequent work like?

[jacquelinemary]

I can't answer your question, but when did you apply? My gf is waiting to hear from them too!

[dalek]

The academia work only ends with a professional degree if you make that decision; however, if you want to continue on in academia, DO NOT go to Pratt. I am a student at Pratt now and there is some cross over between my program and library science. Overall, it's a horrible school. You will most likely feel the way many other master's students do after a semester or two: depressed and completely uninspired. There is no real emphasis on learning or academic inquiry--most students in my master's program seem to have barely passed fourth grade writing. I will say that Pratt has a lot of connected teachers so if your goal is to work in NYC, then by all means, fork over the $60K in exchange for the networking (you would have great internship opportunities). If you believe NYC is not the centre of the universe, want to live/work somewhere else later in life, or want to actually get something for your tuition, go elsewhere. Seriously. I have been here for less than a year and just finished applying to a bunch of different master's programs. Some of my peers that I respect are staying just to get the piece of paper, but have acknowledged they will need a second master's upon completion of their current degree. Others are also leaving because they want to be competitive in their field, or continue on in education. This all sounds gloom, but I wish someone had warned me.