Education PhD in Penn State U

[Set0514]

Hello everyone, it is my first time starting a new topic here. Feel excited! I got an admission from PSU Edu Theory and Policy program without visit day and funding info yet.  No threads(at least recently) about PSU are posted here. I am surprised that   As far as I know they have a great reputation in higher ed, ed administration and ed policy. Welcome friends who applied to PSU to share thoughts here. 

 

It is kind of obvious that it is not as popular as the ivy programs. But how do you compare PSU with programs in SUNY Albany, UNC chapel hill, etc?

 

Generally, how about the research environment, faculty quality and funding opportunities in PSU?

 

I am still waiting for decisions from several other programs( most of them are more challenging). Best wishes for everyone in these DECISION MONTHS!

[so_it_goes]

OP, when I was applying to programs, PSU's higher ed program was on my original list (I'm originally from NJ), but their that program (and I believe the ed policy program, too) had recently gone through a restructuring and faculty transition that was a bit of a turn-off for me. The programs have since then quickly regained stability, but I think that contributes to the lack of postings about PSU.

 

I would argue an additional factor is location. PSU's campus is in a college town that is away from a major city, which may not provide the resources for grad students (especially those who may not apply straight from undergrad) that may pose concerns (ie: spousal employment, travel, etc.). Truthfully, I think regardless of reputation that is a big selling point for UPenn, Harvard, Stanford, etc. 

[Set0514]

thanks for sharing. !!the doctorate program is not as sensitive to places as master's. but l am still concerning about the potential opportunities in a place far from any big city even as a phd. does that matter much?

[so_it_goes]

I agree that location is less important to the individual enrolled in the doctoral program, but I was trying to explain why PSU may not have numerous threads on the forum. In fact, I'm currently attending a doctoral program in a college town, somewhat distant from a major city, and we also don't have much coverage on this website either.

 

From my personal experience, location has not affected my studies or the opportunities available. It really comes down to the experience you have and your goals post-graduation. For example, if you are hoping to work in DC after completing your degree, it is important to be able to hold internships and gain practical experience, which is a bit more difficult in college towns. On the other hand, if you are hoping to do research, location is significantly less important, so long as there are faculty in the department with similar interests and can provide you support along those lines. Just food for thought - like I said, PSU's program is great, so if you find that it seems like a good fit, I'd go with your gut.

[Set0514]

I like the " go with your gut" thing! This week I got the official admission letter from PSU rather than the informal one weeks ago. Exciting. In the letter they say the funding decision will be made in the coming weeks. PSU is awesome but they indicate not all individuals enrolled in get fully funded. Would it be helpful to email the program coordinator to request funding opportunities? Thanks for sharing!

[so_it_goes]

I think that's a personal decision. I'm usually of the mindset to wait a week or two and see if they contact you regarding funding, and then contact the program coordinator if you don't receive any information. On the other hand, if it'll ease your mind, it can't hurt to email the program coordinator to gauge the likelihood that you'll receive funding or the opportunities available for the cohort and/or to be put in contact with a current student to get their impression on how funding generally works. Usually, that information is covered during the admitted students visit, but ultimately contacting them is up to you.