UGA vs. Emory for American History PhD

[whir]

I was wondering if anyone could give input on the PhD programs in American History at the University of Georgia and Emory. 

[serenade]

What period in American history are you interested in? For early America, UGA has Michael Winship, Peter Hoffer, Claudio Saunt (Native American) etc. who are strong in that period. But it depends on what era you want to study. 

[AP]

1 hour ago, serenade said:

What period in American history are you interested in? For early America, UGA has Michael Winship, Peter Hoffer, Claudio Saunt (Native American) etc. who are strong in that period. But it depends on what era you want to study. 

Absolutely. 

Also, do you also want a comparison about broader issues (resources, funding, etc). 

[whir]

In general, I am interested in late 19th and early 20th century history of the American South. I also want to be involved in digital scholarship. I know that Emory offers a graduate certificate in digital scholarship and have been told that the certificate has helped recent graduates with job placement. However, it looks like there are opportunities at UGA with the DigiLab. It seems like Emory might have more opportunities for interdisciplinary study. I'd really appreciate input on any aspects (faculty strength, research methods, preparation for teaching, atmosphere, connections, job placement, etc.). 

Edited February 19, 2016 by whir

[Riotbeard]

7 hours ago, whir said:

In general, I am interested in late 19th and early 20th century history of the American South. I also want to be involved in digital scholarship. I know that Emory offers a graduate certificate in digital scholarship and have been told that the certificate has helped recent graduates with job placement. However, it looks like there are opportunities at UGA with the DigiLab. It seems like Emory might have more opportunities for interdisciplinary study. I'd really appreciate input on any aspects (faculty strength, research methods, preparation for teaching, atmosphere, connections, job placement, etc.). 

What are the differences in funding? At UGA, is most of your funding based on TA'ships? At Emory, is most of your funding non-service based? Non-service based funding can be a huge deal, especially once you are ABD.

[AP]

On 2/19/2016 at 7:00 AM, whir said:

In general, I am interested in late 19th and early 20th century history of the American South. I also want to be involved in digital scholarship. I know that Emory offers a graduate certificate in digital scholarship and have been told that the certificate has helped recent graduates with job placement. However, it looks like there are opportunities at UGA with the DigiLab. It seems like Emory might have more opportunities for interdisciplinary study. I'd really appreciate input on any aspects (faculty strength, research methods, preparation for teaching, atmosphere, connections, job placement, etc.). 

I am more familiar with Emory, so I can help with that side. There, you are offered at least five-year waived tuition, 100% health insurance, and 11-month stipend. I have friends there that are on a 12 month but they said is rare. This is not service-based. You have to TA and teach as part of your PhD requirements, but that's it.

I went to the AHA in Atlanta and hanged out with Emory grads, they were quite friendly. Were you accepted? If you were, you should definitely consider going to the Admitted Students Weekend. That will tell you a lot about the atmosphere and you can ask students about connections and job placements. 

Have you contacted any graduate students? Also, consider talking to Allen Tullos, who is the director of the certificate in digital scholarship (at least he was last year). You might also want to contact people that had a digital track but in other examples. For example, Brian Croxall (now in Brown) did his PhD in English there and worked for the Emory Center for Digital Scholarship for many years. 

Finally, you might also want to weigh living in Athens vs living in Atlanta. 

I hope this helps! PM if you need more help!