Difference between MA and PH.d. admissions

[cooperstreet]

I was preparing this fall to apply to Ph.D programs in Middle East History, but now I am having some doubts. I'm afraid that my Arabic language skills are not advanced enough. I have been studying the language for a year, through semi-private (non-graded) classes and self-study. However, there is no way for an adcom to measure or compare my skills without grades or certifications. I will most likely do a short (2 week) intensive program overseas before applications are due, to build my skills and get some certification done.

This unease has encouraged me to think about applying to MA programs in Arab/Middle East studies to build my language skills, and then apply for Ph.d. programs when I'm nearing completion of my (second) MA. I'm thinking specifically of NYU, Georgetown, and U-Texas. If I attend any of these programs it will have to be funded. I already took out enough loans when I earned my MA in History.

My question is: How will admissions committees view my application if I already have an MA? I've spent a lot of time reading about Ph.d. admissions processes, but I'm afraid the criterea may be markedly different for a funded MA and a Ph.d. For one, my undergraduate GPA was poor (3.1), but of course, my graduate GPA was much higher. My ticket to Ph.d. admissions is my writing sample (a ~25 page article that has a decent chance of getting published in a top journal) and my conference presentations. I'm afraid adcoms for these MA programs may not weigh these as heavily as, a Ph.d. program. Some schools don't even want a lengthy writing sample! Will the MA adcoms be more concerned with my undergraduate GPA than my graduate GPA?

Thanks.

[rising_star]

If possible, you may want to apply to additional programs. Definitely inquire about the availability of funding before you apply, as there's no reason to apply to schools that won't fund you as a MA student. One advantage of UT is their CASA program in Egypt. You might also look into schools that have solid MA programs, either in Middle/Near East studies or a related "traditional" discipline, and have FLAS fellowships for Arabic available.

At most schools, the people reading applications to the MA program are the same people reading them for admission to the PhD program. Yes, they apply different criteria and expect to see a bit more from PhD program applicants, but it's not as if they will be somehow ignorant of what it means to write lengthy research papers and present at conferences. After all, they are academics too. In general though, they will pay attention to the things you did as a master's student because they demonstrate your ability to succeed at the graduate level.

[cooperstreet]

Thanks.

Do you know of other schools that offer funded MAs in ME Studies?