Contacting POI for Masters

[C A]

Hi,

 

I've been reading a lot of stuff about people currently emailing Professors of Interest (POIs). I was wondering, I'm only interested in doing a terminal masters program. For these kind of programs, do I need to still contact one of the professors and see if they're accepting students? I was kind of under the impression that is if you are doing a PhD. Or should I still contact the Prof even if I am just doing a masters?

 

So: Is contacting a POI necessary for Masters programs? What about for Terminal Masters Programs?

 

Thanks for any help!

[HermoineG]

YES! Definitely. It looks really good on your Statement of purpose if you can mention couple of profs you talked to at the school. Although it is not mandatory, I would say definitely do it. A lot of (research based) Psychology programs use mentor-based program so before the dept takes you in, a prof should be interested in working with you and taking you under their wings.