MAs with or without funding

[Lamantin]

This is my situation: I've been accepted to two MA programs, both strong programs (one generally regarded as top 10, the other top 20). Both would be excellent fits in terms of research and location, but neither has offered any funding to me as of yet. Now, that "as of yet" may be important. The longer the longer this process drags out, the less confident I feel that I'll get some kind of funding package from either school. Do programs usually take so long to compile packages? or should I count myself out? Word from the department has been tentative at best. 

 

My goal is to get a PhD, and I did have an interview for a great PhD program, but I was passed over. Would it be worth taking an unfunded MA, or should I try for better luck next season? Part of me feels it would be irresponsible to do so. There's the possibility that I would do better next round, but I might also do worse. Thoughts?

[juilletmercredi]

I think it depends on the field and the cost of the MA program, but generally speaking I don't think MA programs in art history are typically funded.  It seems like you got into some good programs, and there's no reason to believe that you're more likely to get funded next year than you were this year, so if you really want to get an MA and then a PhD in art history, I think you should take one of the offers you have.  The only way I wouldn't is if you think you are competitive for PhDs and it was really just a freak accident that made you not get in anywhere this year.