MA strategy advice for a mediocre interdisciplinarian

[jamesposthorn]

Hello all,

 

I’m looking for some strategy advice on the path through a terminal MA and into a PhD in a top philosophy department. Brief background––I attended a small liberal arts school and pursued interdisciplinary interests in a rather careless manner, ending up with a degree in Religious Studies (Theology), minors in Music and Philosophy, and a spate of languages, advanced Lit coursework, and study abroad. I graduated 2 years ago with a 3.89. In the interim I have done little to garnish a CV besides travel to the ends of the earth and futilely strive to be published as a poet.

 

My path is further complicated by my firm AOI: Continental Aesthetics, Existentialism, and Philosophy of Literature. So at this point it seems obvious that a MA in Philosophy is essential. I imagine you'd agree. But I have investigated the terminal MA field enough to suspect that the top programs, let’s say for example Georgia State or Tufts, may be out of my reach. 

 

So there’s my first question: am I right in thinking I’m subpar for a top MA? (Incidentally, and for reference, I am a compulsive test perfecter and anticipate an excellent GRE.)

 

On the other hand, I live near Gonzaga University, which has an undeniably unranked but energetic MA program in Philosophy that has several Continental philosophers on tap and costs less than half what Tufts/Brandeis would. What if I got my MA there? Can I reasonably expect that, if I perform excellently, publish, etc., I will be competitive for a top PhD afterward? Gonzaga has placed a few students in ranked programs over the years, but its not exactly a majority.

 

One last element to my situation is that, for logistical/family reasons, I would be able to start at Gonzaga a year earlier than anywhere else, as my partner is studying for her MM locally for another two years. Ergo a decision to hold out for top MA options would mean I have to wait even longer to move forward, becoming more “non-traditional” by the month. However, I could potentially use that time to take coursework, seek publication for my writing sample, etc. What's the best move?

 

Thanks for any input!

 

Edited July 6, 2016 by jamesposthorn

[dgswaim]

11 hours ago, jamesposthorn said:

Hello all,

 

I’m looking for some strategy advice on the path through a terminal MA and into a PhD in a top philosophy department. Brief background––I attended a small liberal arts school and pursued interdisciplinary interests in a rather careless manner, ending up with a degree in Religious Studies (Theology), minors in Music and Philosophy, and a spate of languages, advanced Lit coursework, and study abroad. I graduated 2 years ago with a 3.89. In the interim I have done little to garnish a CV besides travel to the ends of the earth and futilely strive to be published as a poet.

 

My path is further complicated by my firm AOI: Continental Aesthetics, Existentialism, and Philosophy of Literature. So at this point it seems obvious that a MA in Philosophy is essential. I imagine you'd agree. But I have investigated the terminal MA field enough to suspect that the top programs, let’s say for example Georgia State or Tufts, may be out of my reach. 

 

So there’s my first question: am I right in thinking I’m subpar for a top MA? (Incidentally, and for reference, I am a compulsive test perfecter and anticipate an excellent GRE.)

 

On the other hand, I live near Gonzaga University, which has an undeniably unranked but energetic MA program in Philosophy that has several Continental philosophers on tap and costs less than half what Tufts/Brandeis would. What if I got my MA there? Can I reasonably expect that, if I perform excellently, publish, etc., I will be competitive for a top PhD afterward? Gonzaga has placed a few students in ranked programs over the years, but its not exactly a majority.

 

One last element to my situation is that, for logistical/family reasons, I would be able to start at Gonzaga a year earlier than anywhere else, as my partner is studying for her MM locally for another two years. Ergo a decision to hold out for top MA options would mean I have to wait even longer to move forward, becoming more “non-traditional” by the month. However, I could potentially use that time to take coursework, seek publication for my writing sample, etc. What's the best move?

 

Thanks for any input!

 

I wouldn't count out Georgia State. I know people with backgrounds very similar to yours that have been admitted. You should definitely apply. Your chances are probably stronger than you think. Given your interests, I'd also recommend looking into Miami University of Ohio's MA program. Well respected program in continental circles. I'd be remiss not to throw in a shameless plug for my MA alma mater, LSU. There are people here doing stuff that would interest you. Greg Schufreider regularly teaches courses in continental aesthetics and philosophy of art (John Protevi is interested in that stuff too), Mary Sirridge has done way cool stuff on aesthetics and the philosophy of dance, Jon Cogburn is (among many things) interested in philosophy of literature and fiction (he just taught a course on the philosophy of HP Lovecraft), and then Francois Raffoul and Debbie Goldgaber all things French and continental. I was the token analytic dude in the department doing phil science stuff, so I didn't work with any of these folks very closely (except Cogburn, who was on my thesis committee), but they're all really smart and super nice. You should apply!

I'd recommend against Gonzaga, unless you're okay with doling out some cash. The funding package is pretty meager (I was admitted there when I applied to MA programs), and you should really aim toward a fully funded spot. That's a lot of debt to take on for a field without a lot of income prospects. Anyway, Miami of Ohio, GSU, and LSU all seem like they'd be nice fits for you. Best of luck, and hope this helps!

 

[AnxiousAndy]

Definitely don't count GSU out. There are lots of students who didn't major in philosophy (maybe 25%?) and most folks don't enroll straight out of undergrad. Your GPA seems fine (http://philosophy.gsu.edu/graduate/admissions/admissions-data/) though your writing is more important.

Sebastian Rand is probably the prof that best matches your interests. He taught a course on German Idealist aesthetics not long ago. 

-GSU Grad