Advice on M.A. or PhD

[Vita Passiva]

I realize these kinds of posts probably get old, but I could use some advice on applying to History programs. 

 

I have a B.A. in Theology (GPA 3.4) and an M.A. in Theology (3.6) from two different small, unrecognized schools. I'm interested in doing a PhD in Early American History with a focus on religion and politics in the colonial period, as well as, Early modern Europe.

 

I realize my GPA is not great. This is primarily because I worked full-time during my program and have a family. I need to retake the GRE (my current scores are 155 Verbal, 149 Quant, 4.0 Writing). 

 

I also realize my majors are not in History (though I did have quite a bit of History in both programs). 

 

Should I pursue an M.A. first? Or do I even have a shot at getting into a funded PhD program? Right now I am looking at Baylor, University of Georgia, Vanderbilt, Florida State University, Yale Divinity (MTS), Harvard Divinity (MTS).

 

Are there other programs I should consider for this concentration?

 

Thanks for any help you can give. 

[Sigaba]

I realize these kinds of posts probably get old, but I could use some advice on applying to History programs. 

 

I have a B.A. in Theology (GPA 3.4) and an M.A. in Theology (3.6) from two different small, unrecognized schools. I'm interested in doing a PhD in Early American History with a focus on religion and politics in the colonial period, as well as, Early modern Europe.

 

I realize my GPA is not great. This is primarily because I worked full-time during my program and have a family. I need to retake the GRE (my current scores are 155 Verbal, 149 Quant, 4.0 Writing). 

 

I also realize my majors are not in History (though I did have quite a bit of History in both programs). 

 

Should I pursue an M.A. first? Or do I even have a shot at getting into a funded PhD program? Right now I am looking at Baylor, University of Georgia, Vanderbilt, Florida State University, Yale Divinity (MTS), Harvard Divinity (MTS).

 

Are there other programs I should consider for this concentration?

 

Thanks for any help you can give. 

 

I recommend that you take a look at the University of Texas at Austin as well as the schools already on your list.

 

Generally, I think that all aspiring graduate history students should apply to at least one doctoral program. I'm aware that this POV is not the consensus--I simply feel that students should not self-select themselves out of opportunities.

 

Also, I understand that to many, metrics are the coin of the realm, but it is never too soon to start thinking of yourself as a historian with research interests that while embryonic and provisional, are legitimate -- because they are of interest to you. What are the big picture questions you want to help answer? What are the leaves on the trees you want to investigate to help bring the forest into sharper focus?

 

Finally, don't sell yourself or your schools short. If they are "unrecognized" it is because others haven't been paying attention. Comport yourself with the frame of mind, with the quiet confidence, that you are going to be part of the process that gets the uninformed to lean forward and take notice.

 

HTH.