MAPSS vs. MTS

[dr. t]

I'm going to put this here rather than in the decisions forum because I'm specifically interested in feedback from other medievalists.

 

I have standing MA offers from both UChicago's MAPSS program and Harvard Divinity's MTS. Both are schools with professors I want to study with. The breakdown:

 

Chicago: 1 year, less expensive over all, highly focused program, new professors, institution, and perspectives; necessary gap year afterwards, would have to live apart from my spouse for 9 months.

 

HDS: 2 year, less expensive per year, professors I know and have worked with, access to GSAS classes & Harvard Library; have already taken many course offerings,more diffuse program (must take 4 courses outside area of specialization), uncertain second year financial aid (not married on this year's FAFSA, will be next year, and she has a real job).

 

I'm honestly entirely torn. Opinions?

[Sparky]

What is your goal for the M* program? Is it just something to do before the next round of PhD admissions? Or do you have something specific in mind that would make you a better applicant next time, like "more advanced language work" or "more manuscript skills"? Do you *want* a broader basis in religious studies, in addition to history of religion?

 

As far as input wrt medieval, and medieval history--one of the medieval historians in my cohort has an MTS from Harvard and obviously succeeded in PhD admissions with it. (PM for more details if you're interested.) I recall that my app year, someone who specialized in modern history blamed the MTS instead of a specifically history background for not getting her into her top choice program (but was accepted to several great schools, go figure). And yeah, the lack of history might hurt you at some places, but I don't know how the MAPSS holds up in that respect, either. But Harvard Div has several important religious medievalists who are well known in history, which helps.

 

I don't know anyone here, in any department, who has come through MAPSS, but we are only one school.

 

On the other hand, it *can* look better to do a master's somewhere besides your undergrad, to show you can work in multiple environments and that your success is not linked to your school. Yet, my BA and MA (theology, by the way) are from the same school, and I also did all right for myself.

 

I will say that *I* think I am a better scholar because of my religious studies background, and my advisor agrees. But I don't know if it was a disadvantage in PhD admissions.

[dr. t]

What is your goal for the M* program? Is it just something to do before the next round of PhD admissions? Or do you have something specific in mind that would make you a better applicant next time, like "more advanced language work" or "more manuscript skills"? Do you *want* a broader basis in religious studies, in addition to history of religion?

 

My goal is solely PhD admissions. My languages are fairly solid (4 years college Latin, 1 year French for reading, 1 year German for reading), and I've taken courses in Paleography from a Div School prof (I've taken 3-4 HDS courses in my time in the SSP). Two of my LoRs were also from Div School professors. The advice I've gotten after being rejected from all the PhD programs I applied to, which were in fairness all very strong programs, is that because of my relatively crap first attempt at college (see: Harvard Extension School), and the relatively unfocused course path in my BA due to course availability, a MA would both alleviate any concerns as to ability while showing focus. 

 

Thanks for your response!

Edited March 24, 2013 by telkanuru

[JosephineB]

I am in a closely parallel field, and my UG background was in art history and comparative religion.

What is your concentration if you are willing to say it? If you study canon law or church history (for example..) I could see how the MTS would be the better choice. If you have more of a "secular" interest the MAPSS might be more appropriate.

Honestly though, both of those programs scream "cash cow" to me. Yes they have big names, but you are essentially paying to put their name on your cv. It's really not all that prestigious or financially realistic to shell out that kind of money for a graduate degree. Even with your non-traditional background your languages put you far ahead of most MA applicants. The odds are probably pretty good that you could find full (or at least some) funding at a less prestigious school.

[dr. t]

I am in a closely parallel field, and my UG background was in art history and comparative religion.

What is your concentration if you are willing to say it? If you study canon law or church history (for example..) I could see how the MTS would be the better choice. If you have more of a "secular" interest the MAPSS might be more appropriate.

Honestly though, both of those programs scream "cash cow" to me. Yes they have big names, but you are essentially paying to put their name on your cv. It's really not all that prestigious or financially realistic to shell out that kind of money for a graduate degree. Even with your non-traditional background your languages put you far ahead of most MA applicants. The odds are probably pretty good that you could find full (or at least some) funding at a less prestigious school.

 

I study gender & depictions of sanctity in the high to late Middle Ages, although I've recently become distracted by 12th c. monasticism.

 

With respect to your second point, both programs offered me 1/2 tuition, and I was rejected from 8 PhD programs this Spring, so I'm not so sure.

[JosephineB]

I study gender & depictions of sanctity in the high to late Middle Ages, although I've recently become distracted by 12th c. monasticism.

With respect to your second point, both programs offered me 1/2 tuition, and I was rejected from 8 PhD programs this Spring, so I'm not so sure.

Do you think there is a chance you just had some bad luck this year or a certain part of your application was weak or vague? It is pretty impressive to be offered half tuition at traditionally unfunded programs - it means you are doing something right. If I was in your position and money wasn't an issue I would go to harvard. If I was in your position and money WAS an issue I would reapply to phds and mid ranked MAs next year. You may not be giving yourself enough credit. I am not sure what programs you applied to, but being rejected from 8 elite phd programs your first cycle and getting two half-tuition MA offers at "cash cow" programs (which is an accomplishment!) means that your are not hopelessly out of the running.

[LeatherElbows]

I am not familiar with Harvard's program, but I would say that in terms of applications, the 2-year program is safer. As you said, with Chicago you are stuck with a gap year. You also only have one year to make connections and utilize resources. That's a lot of pressure.

 

With Harvard, you have a full two years to work on your MA thesis. With the work spread out over two years rather than one, I'd also assume there would be more time available for part-time employment, should you choose. That combined with even a possibility of funding the second year makes Harvard seem more attractive to me.

 

As to reapplying, I would weigh any money concerns against if you think the results will be different next year. Taking either MA program has a 100% chance of improving your PhD applications, whereas another year leaves you in the same position at best. Not everyone is fortunate enough to receive a full funding PhD offer the first time around (myself included) and given the caliber of the MA programs you were accepted to, I'd definitely consider this application cycle successful.

 

I also don't think 9 months of distance marriage would ever be worth it.

[sacklunch]

I would go with HDS. The level of competition from others with multiple masters in your field is a real threat and getting a solid two years in graduate courses, I think, will give you an edge (or at least put you on the playing field). 

 

As for HDS being a 'cash cow'....meh. Word around the street is they are facing financial troubles like everyone else. Several years ago they often gave full rides to may of their masters students (unheard of in almost any other field), but now it seems the new standard is 50%. 

 

And because this isn't in a religion section (as most questions relating to HDS are), I will say that it is more or less expected to have one M* degree (and in my field I think two makes you competitive). It is unfortunate (and most other fields in the humanities do not seem to need this), but it's the reality. You could consider waiting a year and reapplying, but knowing a lot of doctoral students in religion/theology myself, you will unlikely get a spot unless you had a VERY focused BA.

 

cheers

[dr. t]

Thanks all! What you're saying is in line with what my current professors are saying which is great. 

 

I think my decision also got a lot easier because I learned how to read. I thought HDS had offered me a $19k grant on $35k tuition and $3k in fees. What they actually gave me was a $19k grant on $25k tuition and $3k in fees. I'm pretty sure that's the ball game, though I'll still go and look at Chicago.

 

In other news, I'm a huge derp.

 

Thanks again for all your help!

Edited March 26, 2013 by telkanuru

[Emdave]

 though I'll still go and look at Chicago.

 

Are you going to MAPSS visiting days in April?

[dr. t]

Are you going to MAPSS visiting days in April?

Yep. Already had the plane ticket and booked meetings with professors, and it's a top choice for PhD, so it's still worth the visit.

[Emdave]

Me too! But I live in Chicago, so all I'm billing them is a $30 L pass for the week.