U Alberta vs Boulder MA in Classical Archaeology

[LorenzoilMagnifico]

Hey guys -

 

This website has been so helpful in research and guidance for the craziness that is finding a graduate school. I have one final question to ask of my fellow Classicists. I have been offered admittance to the University of Alberta and the CU Boulder, but here's the kicker - no funding for either program. My research speciality is in gender in Classical Greek art - but this has been mostly from self study, and what I am hoping to get from my masters is a thorough grounding in general classical art and archaeology (and lanugages).

 

There are so many factors contributing to any potential decision I might make for my situation - cost of living, tuition expenses (Boulder stated there is very little chance of getting funded in the second year), relocation, quality of the professors and their connections to phd programs, and the reputation of the school itself. Honestly, Alberta was a last minute, hail-Mary, application, and I hadn't really been excited at the idea of going there, but it looks like they are the best choice, purely looking at finances - they cost 3x less than Boulder.

 

As such, any and all feedback would be appreciated on the premise - I'm fairly close to just asking my Lucky 8 ball. What should one in my situation do?

 

 

[wintry_grey]

Don't ever pay for an MA/PhD in the humanities. Unless you're a trust-fund baby, there's zero compelling reason to take on any debt for a degree that in all likelihood will only decrease your future earnings, even if you get a nice tenure-track job (lol). 

[heliogabalus]

Yeah, paying for the degree does not make sense. Apply again, or do a part-time program (where you can keep a job that pays well).

[Melian4]

I think both of the above comments are right in many respects. However, in certain situations (if you don't have massive undergrad debt, if you'll be able to work during your degree and get some kind of governmental support) partially self-funding an MA can make sense. I paid for part of my one-year MA in the UK, and it allowed me to gain valuable research experience, expand my network, and go on two digs. If i had applied for Ph.D. programs right out of my undergrad, I would most certainly have struggled to secure a spot at a good and well-funded program. It all comes down to your own individual situation, but I would say that under certain circumstances, funding an MA or a post-bac is not all that crazy. 

[Gladiatrix77]

University of Alberta is one of the schools I plan on applying to next year - was it hard to get in? I'd say go there - it's much cheaper!