LOR from someone with only a Masters (currently getting 2nd Masters)

[Student88]

Hi all,

 

I had a colleague who was also my mentor that I worked with. I work in academia. However I only have a BSc. She had a MSc and is currently in a MPH (Masters of Public Health) program. I am also applying for an MPH program and wondered if she would make a good LOR. She will be able to give me a great LOR but I worry about perhaps the level of education she has may not be enough for the admissions committee. What do you think?  

Edited December 9, 2013 by Student88

[meowth]

Does she have an advisor with a higher level of education that could perhaps at least co-sign the letter? That's what was recommended to me when I was considering asking a student with only a master's for a letter last year (I had taken three of his classes but didn't know his advisor at all). It was also said to me that if I did that, at least make sure the other two letter writers had their PhD / doctorates. I would say that it also helps to consider the selectivity of the program, if you think she could write a really persuasive letter, and if you actually have other options.

 

But I can't really same more because in the end I just decided to wait another year, and this year I was able to get three letter writers with PhDs. The same same student with a master's actually ended up getting his PhD over the summer, but I ended up not asking him because he was so new and had likely never even written letters of rec yet.

[IRToni]

I think for MPH program, this is a lot less problematic than for PhD programs. However, I would still go with someone with a PhD, if possible.

[Student88]

Thanks all! I will see what I can do.