Applied for PhD but got admitted to an Ed.M Instead

[naomi6]

I'm completing my MA degree this Spring Semester. I applied to a few Doctoral programs in the field of education. I recently received an acceptance letter; however, it is to a Ed.M. program which I did not apply for. I find it strange that I was considered for the Masters program when 1) I checked no on the application for consideration into the master  program and 2) I'm currently completing a Master program.

 

Why didnt they just reject my application?

 

I can't fanthom the idea of spending another 2 years for another master degree... plus the cost (My current school debt is $40,000).... It took me three years to finish my current MA program (attended part-time due to full time job)....

 

The school I'm currently attending doesn't offer doctoral degrees in Education.

 

If i was to attend the Ed.M., will i increase my chance of getting into the PhD I initially applied for

[PhDerp]

Definitely contact them and make sure it's not a mistake, before anything else. It could be a clerical error. You may be surprised!

[naomi6]

I don't know if it was an error.... 

 

Letter from admission:  "Congrats you got accepted to the program. Although your Doctoral application was a strong one, we deem the Masters of Education is more appropriate at this time"

[EngineerGrad]

What an awful school... Run away

[bakalamba]

This same thing happened to me. But in my case I did apply to both the MA and PhD. They were more specifically because I contact the POI myself - apparently I didn't write a substantial thesis for entry into the PhD. Although it seems they're the only program who are making that distinction (I've gotten flat rejections and non-conditional acceptances from everyone else). So whatever.

[naomi6]

I think i might take the offer... I received $12K and there's a possibility of transferring up to 30 credits... which would leave only half to complete the program...