kco29 Posted July 27, 2012 Share Posted July 27, 2012 Hi all, I am getting ready for course registration, and I wanted to get some feedback from some knowledgeable sources/people who have been in a similar position. I am starting an MA program in Geography in September. I am doing the Thesis program, so I have 3 courses to take to fulfill my coursework requirements (1 Core + 2 electives). Additionally, my funding package requires that I TA 205 hours, and hold an RA position for my advisor (the times/hours will be flexible on this one). Bottom line: I'd like to take all 3 of my required courses in the first semester. There are 2 electives that look interesting, and relevant to my research interests. What are your thoughts about taking 3 courses during my first semester of grad school, in addition to these other responsibilities? Would it be more beneficial to take 2 courses Fall semester, and then 1 semester in the Spring, so I can get my feet wet without biting off more than I can chew? Any insight you could provide would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chasely Posted July 29, 2012 Share Posted July 29, 2012 I guess it depends on the difficulty of the courses. I am taking three courses (no TA requirement), but one of the courses is very competitive. I think you should ask your advisor and other grad students in your lab their opinions. Assuming your not incredibly smarter (or less intelligent) than the rest of your cohort, following their lead would probably be the best course of action. That TA requirement seems like a killer though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eigen Posted July 29, 2012 Share Posted July 29, 2012 Three or four courses + a TA assignment and/or research is pretty common in my program, but these things will be very program dependent, so I'd suggest asking some current students in your program. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rising_star Posted July 30, 2012 Share Posted July 30, 2012 Honestly, I wouldn't try to take them all in the first semester. I would take them according to whatever schedule most of your cohort is because it will give you a chance to bond with them. Moreover, I wouldn't take more than 3 courses plus TAing in your first semester. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bmw_math Posted August 17, 2012 Share Posted August 17, 2012 Ask your department this question. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quicksort Posted August 17, 2012 Share Posted August 17, 2012 Ask your department. There are different ideas of what constitutes a 'full load'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanteWoo Posted September 21, 2012 Share Posted September 21, 2012 I took 4 courses the first semester. Actually, one was added due to my supervisor's request. I didn't plan to enroll too much courses, anyway, the main intention for a phd is doing research, not attending classes, right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toasterazzi Posted September 30, 2012 Share Posted September 30, 2012 I'm taking 3 classes and teaching 2 classes. That's pretty average for my department. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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