Applying to MA and PhD Program? Same School Different Departments

[Triangular]

Hi All,

I have been lurking for a while, but this is my first post. Just want to say first that the advice found here has been really helpful.

I am applying to PhD programs in Communication & Media for the Fall 2017 semester. My top choice program has a lot of research going on specifically in the area I want to study, there are several faculty who can support it, I like the geographical area, culture of the department is apparently very supportive, and it just seems to fit all around. Since my background is primarily in religious studies not communication (though I do have social sciences/quantitative experience), I am worried that I may not make the cut on applications. This same school has a religious studies master's, I think there might be some funding available, and the faculty of that program often work with faculty in my target program on their research. If I were to be able to get funding, I would have no problem with getting a second master's (I have an M.Ed.) if that would help my chances of getting into this Communication PhD program in the future. In other words, I think it is such a great fit for my interests that it may be worth such an investment. 

My question then is whether applying to a master's in a different department (though with faculty doing similar research) would reflect negatively on my doctoral application in another department? Since the PhD program is my ultimate goal, I certainly don't want an additional application to have a negative impact. However, if they would not consider me for the PhD and would for the MA, I would be glad to do so in order to work with these faculty. Any advice on this, or anyone ever in a similar situation? Thanks so much for your input!

 

*Mods, I was a little uncertain about the best place to ask, so if you feel this should be in another category, please feel free to move it!

Edited October 19, 2016 by Triangular

[Ms. V]

seems we're in the same boat. I already hold MA in English lit and I'm applying to phd in interdisciplinary humanities. yet to boost the chances, I'm thinking of applying to another MA, this time in comparative lit and art in the same university. my situation is that both of the programs are interconnected in sharing almost 80%  of faculty members. I personally don't think such a situation would make the adcomm look down on your applications but quite the reverse can be also the case; it is more likely for them to end up thinking that you are so passionate and determined in pursuing your post-grad studies in that university. it depends, however, on how strong your proposed subject researches are and how you can manage convincing the committee that you got serious plans for both MA and phd and MA is not only regarded a rudimentary path for you to pave your way, which is not a bad strategy at all but might affect the adcomm in an undesired way. 
this is how I'm looking at it anyway.
good Luck
and one more thing, in my case, comparative lit has so much in common with interdisciplinary humanities, but how about religious studies and Communication & Media. I mean if you are admitted to the MA religious studies, choose the statement of intent or case studies which have something to do with your phd or at least bridging it; subjects like the role of commercials in religious propagation...something in such a nature...you would know better 

[Triangular]

41 minutes ago, Ms. V said:

seems we're in the same boat. I already hold MA in English lit and I'm applying to phd in interdisciplinary humanities. yet to boost the chances, I'm thinking of applying to another MA, this time in comparative lit and art in the same university. my situation is that both of the programs are interconnected in sharing almost 80%  of faculty members. I personally don't think such a situation would make the adcomm look down on your applications but quite the reverse can be also the case; it is more likely for them to end up thinking that you are so passionate and determined in pursuing your post-grad studies in that university. it depends, however, on how strong your proposed subject researches are and how you can manage convincing the committee that you got serious plans for both MA and phd and MA is not only regarded a rudimentary path for you to pave your way, which is not a bad strategy at all but might affect the adcomm in an undesired way. 
this is how I'm looking at it anyway.
good Luck
and one more thing, in my case, comparative lit has so much in common with interdisciplinary humanities, but how about religious studies and Communication & Media. I mean if you are admitted to the MA religious studies, choose the statement of intent or case studies which have something to do with your phd or at least bridging it; subjects like the role of commercials in religious propagation...something in such a nature...you would know better 

Yes! I am interested in religion and media, so no matter which program it is I would want to study the same topic. That's why I think it might make sense to apply to both, but as you mention my fear is they will see it as indecisiveness about the PhD or something. I'm glad to hear someone else who feels that it could actually be a strength, and I like what you said about making it clear that the MA would not *only* be a method to pave my way for the PhD, so I will keep in mind to make it clear that I see the MA as valuable in itself, with or without the PhD at that school afterward. After all, it will certainly help increase my preparation for doctoral study moving forward. Thanks for your response and good luck deciding on yours as well! Though I think we have both answered our own questions that it could be a very good idea.

[Ms. V]

well, being rather conservative, I have chosen different topics for each program although one of the MA mentors I contacted thought I was referring to PhD supervision, as the MA subject is also having an eye on interdisciplinary nature! I've seen some applicants who applied for PhD but the committee suggested MA admission instead which might be also applicable to your case too. maybe it is not a bad idea to explain in your SOP for the very PhD that you are flexible enough to get admitted to MA as well and that's why you have applied into both to secure your room! let's wait for others to join us in this thread to see what pops up