funded program vs. top tier unfunded school

[Stately Plump]

Thanks for your response, Doctor Cleveland. I'm wondering---is Georgetown's program usually considered as one of these "generalist" programs?

No. Georgetown offers a very reputable MA in English. The "generalist" programs are those--like Chicago's MAPH--that are not actually programs in literature. Chicago's program, for example, is a Masters of Arts in "Humanities." While this is a very reasonable option for some people, you would not, technically speaking, get trained specifically in literature.

If I was seeking admission to a PhD program and was thinking about applying to some MA programs, Georgetown would be very, very high on my list. They can offer funding (not always the case with an MA program) and they are a large, Research One university that doesn't have a PhD program in English (which only strengthens their MA program). I have heard it said (I don't know how true this is) that terminal MA programs at schools that also have PhD programs are a bit suspect; anytime a program admits a bunch of unfunded MA students, the "cash-cow" starts ringing some bells.

I personally think Georgetown is a great option for pursuing an MA. That's just me

Edited March 22, 2012 by Stately Plump

[Doctor Cleveland]

No. Georgetown offers a very reputable MA in English. The "generalist" programs are those--like Chicago's MAPH--that are not actually programs in literature. Chicago's program, for example, is a Masters of Arts in "Humanities." While this is a very reasonable option for some people, you would not, technically speaking, get trained specifically in literature.

Yes, this is exactly right. And these programs are not useful stepping-stones for applying to literature programs.

I agree with statelyplump that going unfunded is a bad thing. And her point that Georgetown is a good choice because it doesn't have a PhD is right on the money. At schools with a PhD and a terminal MA degree, the usual problem is that the PhD students soak up all of the faculty's attention, leaving none for the MAs. (Bad for your learning experience, and not so good for getting rec letters.) A strong English department that only has MA students invests faculty attention in those MA students.

[mcs717]

Stately Plump and Doctor Cleveland: Thanks so much for your responses regarding Georgetown. I am definitely thrilled to have been accepted for the very reasons you've listed, but its also really nice to get some reaffirmation that its a respected program from you both. I am going to the open house on Friday and hope to be further reaffirmed on how stellar of a program it seems like---but for the time-being, I am currently unfunded which complicates my end decision.

Like I stated earlier, I am new to posting on this board but have been lurking for a while now, and I am so appreciative of what an honest and helpful community this is---what a great resource you all are. Thanks for weighing in, I hadn't been able to find too many posts on Georgetown here, so its great to hear your perspectives!

[Chanel L]

I would have to take the entire 60,000 in loans. I probably will not go to to the Chicago MAPH. I'm still waiting to hear from the U of Washington, but I have at least two other MA offers which are funded with TA-ships. Maybe I can re-apply to the Chicago PhD after I complete my MA at one of those institutions.

Thanks to everyone for your input!