Yale termnial MA in history?

[Septimius]

After being not so confident of my chances to get into a top-flight PhD program (primarily due to GRE scores--590V/610Q/6.0AW), I've been looking at some MA programs that are out there with the intentions of: achieving a higher degree, writing a stronger work that would be a better writing sample (a masters thesis most likely), and that after some more time in academia the GRE will raise itself up to a more competitive number.

That being said, there a number of terminal MA programs out there, some offering full-funding, others partial, and of course some offering no funding or tuition breaks whatsoever.

The one that caught my eye was that of Yale.

There is no funding, no scholarships, and the tuition is pretty hefty (c. $35,000). This is the significant downside. Yet, for me it is do-able, not desirable, but it is do-able.

I was wondering if anyone here knows anything more about the program, as the website has a pretty limited description of the program.

Also, in general, is going for a terminal MA with the intentions of then going for the PhD a bad idea?

My focus is ancient history, and as far as classics is concerned, this route is one that is very typical.

Any feedback woulod be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[JerryLandis]

I was also looking at Yale's masters program, but since I'm applying to their PhD program I figured it wouldn't be a good idea to apply to both. I was wondering if they ever offer admission to the MA program to people who are rejected from the PhD program. Anyone know?

I don't think getting an MA would hurt your chances, but then I have no experience of this. I know that some programs say they are not designed for PhD hopefuls, rather for those wishing to teach at schools or community colleges (UPenn says this, but I'm applying anyway). In any case, it's common for people not to apply for PhD programs until after they have done a few other things with their adult life, so I don't think getting an MA would count against you. Of course, in some cases it might improve your chances as you'd then have more experience in the field. I am trying to apply to MA programs that include a language component so I can improve that part of my future applications.

[TMP]

Don't let your GRE to be your ONLY reason for taking the MA route and give up the idea of trying to get in for PhD. You need to have other reasons- languages.

If you want to hone up through a MA program, look into getting a MA in Classics like at Penn. Excellent programs like Penn's will focus heavily on preparation for the PhD, especially in languages. It's also a great feeder to top PhD programs.

If you're intending to use your MA thesis for writing sample, I have to speak from experiences. You have to be DONE with your research, like, almost everything by beginning of fall term so you have September and October to organize and write the draft. Then November and December for revisions and polishing. I actually got my research done so when I came back, all I had to do was... start writing. I'm working as hard as I can to get a decent sample done by December 1st for Michigan. It definitely looks much better to be able to send in a chapter or two of your MA thesis in time.

Which means... you sort of have to figure out your MA thesis topic by the beginning of your second semester, which is early for a lot of MA students.

[virmundi]

Terrific advice, Ticklemepink... to which I would add that unless you happen to be independently wealthy, you should avoid at all costs going into debt for graduate school in the humanities. Getting a tenure-track position in and of itself is extremely difficult and shows no prospects of improving. If you are one of the lucky, you'll have the prospect of a lifetime of mediocre pay. Going into significant debt (and I would argue that $35,000 + living expenses is very significant) can be a crippling burden to have to bear. If nothing else, please speak with professors whom you trust intimately and who will give you blunt advice regarding these financial matters. Also, talk to young professors. The job market/financial picture has changed a lot even in the last 15 years, so try to gauge your options by speaking with professors who're in the beginning stages of their careers.

Good luck!

[mastermind1886]

I have been advised that masters students often get lesser or little interaction with professors, who focus their energies (perhaps rightly, perhaps not) on doctoral students. Be careful to find a program, and I honestly don't know if Yale is like this, that treats masters students like more than just cash cows.

How to figure this out? No idea! Maybe talk to terminal masters students, see how much they actually interact with professors?

[Jeppe]

I have been advised that masters students often get lesser or little interaction with professors, who focus their energies (perhaps rightly, perhaps not) on doctoral students. Be careful to find a program, and I honestly don't know if Yale is like this, that treats masters students like more than just cash cows.

How to figure this out? No idea! Maybe talk to terminal masters students, see how much they actually interact with professors?

As a current MA student at Yale, I have to say that my experience with student-faculty interaction so far has been really good. Don't worry about being treated as a second-class citizen here, in general I think that sort of stuff happens more at universities with large groups of MA students who aren't seen as part of the 'grad student community'.

[Thanks4Downvoting]

Don't let your GRE to be your ONLY reason for taking the MA route and give up the idea of trying to get in for PhD. You need to have other reasons- languages.

If you want to hone up through a MA program, look into getting a MA in Classics like at Penn. Excellent programs like Penn's will focus heavily on preparation for the PhD, especially in languages. It's also a great feeder to top PhD programs.

If you're intending to use your MA thesis for writing sample, I have to speak from experiences. You have to be DONE with your research, like, almost everything by beginning of fall term so you have September and October to organize and write the draft. Then November and December for revisions and polishing. I actually got my research done so when I came back, all I had to do was... start writing. I'm working as hard as I can to get a decent sample done by December 1st for Michigan. It definitely looks much better to be able to send in a chapter or two of your MA thesis in time.

Which means... you sort of have to figure out your MA thesis topic by the beginning of your second semester, which is early for a lot of MA students.

Thanks for the advice! Your post is particularly helpful.