Switching Research Interests after M.A. Acceptance

[hollyevanmarie]

I applied to the MA program at USC with a research interest in early-mid 20th African American Urban and Educational History. Over the course of the last few months, I have become increasingly interested in earlier (18th and 19th) African American Urban History in the south (specifically in New Orleans). This is something the department could definitely support, and probably better than my original interest, but I may want to work with a few different people. Is this possible? I know one of the benefits of the MA is flexibility, and it's not like my change is something super drastic like going from 20th Century American to medieval europe. Any advice is welcome 

[CageFree]

It really shouldn't be a problem, especially since you have people to work with at the same institution.

[Riotbeard]

Shouldn't be a problem.  I know people at the PhD level who did the opposite switch. 

[ReallyNiceGuy]

I am in a MA program now and I think three people in my cohort have made considerably more radical changes than you are describing.

I think you'll be fine.

[PhD or Bust]

I came into my MA program looking to do American Indian history. I am currently writing a MA thesis on New Orleans connections with Latin America. 

[Emdave]

I would just speak to the relevant people in your program and see what they have to say. If it were me, I would speak to my current adviser, explaining the situation and asking about possible new advisers. Then, I would speak to the possible/most likely new advisers from your program to see if they are willing and able to take you on as their advisee. Then, if you get that sorted out, take it to your DGS or other powers-that-be.

 

I would warn against any other order-of-inquiry than that, but the actual changing of your program topic is ok, if not very common, as long as you can get an adviser.

[Catreus]

There have been a fair number of people in my masters program -- myself included, to a degree -- who have changed their interests over the course of the program.  Thats part of the masters process, in my estimation.  Everyone comes in with an idea about what they want to do, and sometimes you get into a topic and find that your interest isn't as deep as you thought.  Or, as in my case, you take a class that opens up new paths of inquiry for you.  Most masters programs should be flexible enough to facilitate a shift in focus.  And most should anticipate the possibility, as well; its unreasonable to expect all first year masters students to know exactly what they want to do.