Accepted into Columbia MA sociology-why are people so down on it?

[elindy]

My story is I applied to the Columbia PhD program and didn't get in but was accepted into the Masters. Even though I was hoping for the PhD (to a large extent because of the funding) I was still quite excited to be chosen for the MA. To me it feels like a big deal. (I was rejected from CUNY and NYU, FYI.) Then I started reading the “Fall 2015 Acceptances (and Rejections) Thread” and it’s been a bit of a buzzkill. Commenters are talking about the MA being a money-making scheme, that it’s an “expensive way to look good,” that it won't really strengthen a subsequent PhD application, and that it might be better to go to a lower-tier more cost-effective school.

 

Trust me, I get it about the cost. And I’m working on figuring that out because I most likely will accept. But I get the sense from people that accepting somehow makes me a sucker, and that Columbia only has the MA program to fund the school and not because they care. I know it shouldn’t bother me what others think but what can I say, the whole process has been so stressful that I’m a bit sensitive these days…

 

Long story short I just kind of wanted to vent and maybe get some encouragement rather than a “why would you want to go there?” response. Also, my story is a have zero background in sociology (I’m 40 and have been a photographer for 15 years) so as far as I see it I have no job prospects in the field without at least starting with an MA. I’d be fine with not being an academic so there’s a chance I wouldn't even try for a PhD, and instead try to get into the work force quickly and hopefully start making some decent money to offset the cost. ALSO I've been in the Continuing Ed program and know I like the faculty and students. So that's a big thing. 

 

BUT if I chose I could go to Kean University in Hillside, NJ--it would be way more convenient (15 minute drive vs. over an hour on NJ transit and the subway), and is half the price. Even so, it seems crazy to turn down Columbia for a school with, as far as I can tell, no reputation in the field. Am I right about that?

 

Anyhow, thanks for listening. 

[awash_]

As my mother likes to tell me: do you, boo! If Columbia will make you happier for the reasons listed above (you like the faculty, students, and prestige), then go ahead.

 

Columbia is pretty hit-or-miss with graduate programs. I wanted to apply for their Urban Planning program, but the feedback wasn't all that great. And I wasn't impressed with their portfolio or professors. A lot of the people who I've encountered feel the same way, and those who accepted feel cheated out of thousands of dollars (not only on these forums, but some planning forums and discussion groups I follow).

 

At first glance, it seems like Columbia's grad programs are an afterthought. Money making scheme maybe, but definitely poorly presented.

 

If you're not pursing a PhD, then brand name doesn't really make a difference. Some will recognize Columbia and be really impressed, but most don't care. At the end of the day, your mileage will vary. It's what you make of it.

Edited February 24, 2015 by awash_

[geographyrocks]

I think any program that doesn't offer funding is a money-making program.  A lot of people would advise you to not pay for a graduate degree.  I don't really like telling someone what they should or shouldn't pay for, but there are a ton of programs out there that won't put you in debt. 

[elindy]

I think any program that doesn't offer funding is a money-making program.  A lot of people would advise you to not pay for a graduate degree.  I don't really like telling someone what they should or shouldn't pay for, but there are a ton of programs out there that won't put you in debt. 

Part of the problem is I don't have a lot of choices. I have a family and kids in school and can't move, so really could only apply to a few places--which means not having access to programs that might actually fund me. So it really comes down to Columbia (which was the only place that has accepted me) or Kean (which I haven't applied to but assume I would get into). And Kean is seriously unknown--not like a little bit unknown, like a lot unknown--from what I can tell. Also, their sociology program has only been around for a couple of years so there's no track record to go by. Sigh.

[elindy]

Woke up feeling much better about my decision to attend, posted about it elsewhere. Thanks.