MLA before doing a Sociology PhD?

[avdarling]

Hi there aspiring and current sociologists!

I'd applied to Soci / Demog PhD programs in the US and didn't get in this year. I'm pretty gutted but have some options in the UK in Devt. Studies / Geography (my research interest for a thesis is inherently interdisciplinary between soci, geog and econs, which I think may not have helped in US apps). I bombed the GRE quant, although verbal and writing were decent, and my LORs and 2 years experience as an RA were plus points in the application, I think!

I'm writing to ask how it would be seen by US Adcomms for a candidate to have done a Masters in Liberal Arts, with a focus on Sociology / Econs? I have the option to do one at a school where I was rejected from the Demog program (separate admissions to Soci - I would try for entry to the Soci PhD next year instead. I already have an external scholarship for the MLA, that I would have used for the PhD program, had I gotten in. I am wondering whether anyone knows how an MLA, and not a terminal MA in the subject per se, is perceived by Adcomms? I see in some forums that an MLA seen as non-specialized, and an "easy route" into a top ranked institution. And that it may not be useful for employment stand alone, but it could be a decent prep. route for a PhD.

Has anyone out there taken this route?

Any and all insights are much appreciated! Thanks in advance.

[tt503]

I think any relevant additional experience can be a plus. I highly doubt that any program would think less of you for getting an MLA related to sociology, especially if you do good research when you're in that program. I took an "easy route" to get into a more respectable school/program after my first MA (at an unranked, no name institution) because people didn't consider my previous program to be "academically rigorous" (their exact words) and therefore, questioned my abilities due to my low undergraduate GPA (this was after spending 3 years "proving myself" --having a great Master's GPA, publishing, presenting, and teaching two college level classes as an adjunct). Since being in this program, I've heard nothing but positive feedback from my professors who probably have higher hopes for my PhD applications than I do, have done excellent research, got even more experience as a TA, and taken way more classes as electives (another intermediate language, taking statistics and GIS in the fall 'for fun', three graduate courses on social theory (one 700 level), having "known" professors give me letters of recommendation...I feel that this program has made me an infinitely more competitive applicant, without which I would not be taken seriously at the programs I plan on applying to for a Ph.D. I say, if you're not paying for the MLA, go for it!

TL;DR: More relevant coursework and more experience are almost always going to be beneficial.

[avdarling]

Thanks for the advice tt503! It sounds like you've taken a really varied and interesting route. I empathize with the "making up for lost time" part. I had an average undergrad record, did some volunteer work with an NGO overseas, before doing an MS back in the UK with the aim of articulating a substantive research area and getting the best thesis grade I could (in the UK this is pretty important for PhD applications). After that, I've spent 2 years at in the public policy department (again overseas) publishing and presenting at conferences thinking that that might swing it for the US apps. I think I've been pretty naive about this, especially with the crazy ranked schools I'd applied to. Grades in undergrad and masters seem to be super important (and your thesis topic, much less so) along with GREs.

With your experience across research and teaching, it sounds like you have a really strong profile. Good luck with this years round - let us know how you get on! I'd applied to Madison and Harvard on your list, I didn't get into either's Soc program but did get into the Devt Studies program at Madison. That doesn't have any linked funding like the Soc dept, but could be one to consider depending on your interests (you can specialize in Soc). I'm considering doing this MLA at the other school and deferring entry to Madison whilst looking for funding sources next year, in addition to applying for Soc programs elsewhere. The search is eternal but the rewards great (one hopes)!

[Darth.Vegan]

Hi avdarling,you applied to both development studies and the soc department at Madison? I thought that Madison did not allow submitting more than one application per cycle!?

[tt503]

Hi avdarling,you applied to both development studies and the soc department at Madison? I thought that Madison did not allow submitting more than one application per cycle!?

You can apply to 3 programs (http://www.grad.wisc.edu/education/admissions/faq.html). The information listed on the sociology site is just specifying what your degree will look like if you are admitted to the environmental track or the sociology track.

For someone who has spent two years researching programs...this should've been a basic question. ;-p

(I'm just kidding...it is kind of confusing based on the sociology dept.'s website.)

[Ladril]

For someone who has spent two years researching programs...this should've been a basic question. ;-p

The American higher education system is so complex it's no wonder even Americans have a hard time keeping track of all options.

[Darth.Vegan]

You can apply to 3 programs (http://www.grad.wisc...ssions/faq.html). The information listed on the sociology site is just specifying what your degree will look like if you are admitted to the environmental track or the sociology track.

For someone who has spent two years researching programs...this should've been a basic question. ;-p

(I'm just kidding...it is kind of confusing based on the sociology dept.'s website.)

I think I zeroed in on this little tidbit:

Can I create 2 applications?

Not for the same term. If you create another application, it will

not be processed. Only the first submission will be processed. If you have any questions or encounter any problems with your application, please contact webapp@grad.wisc.edu.

Can I apply to an MS and PhD level in the same program?

You should apply to only one degree within a program. If you select both the MS and PhD, only the PhD will be entered into our student admin system. If you are unsure which program to apply to, contact your program.

and completely missed the other section that said you could apply to 3 programs with the same application.