BA and MA at Same University

[CaffeineCardigan]

Hey everyone! I tried seeing if this information was easy to find anywhere else in the forum but didn't come up with anything, and if it's a question I'm having it might be a question someone else is having, too. It's looking like if I'm going to grad school this year it will be at the same university where I did my undergrad. Now I have heard in the past that it is frowned upon to do your BA and MA at the same school, but I wanted to ask what you all thought about that. Do you think it has a negative effect on PhD choices to have two degrees from the same school?

Edited February 22, 2017 by CaffeineCardigan

[orphic_mel528]

I've never heard of this being frowned upon, and have seen it in many faculty profiles. I really wouldn't worry about it.

[JessicaLange]

I think the idea is that you would just be working in the same environment with the same professors for too long, but honestly I think this is a bigger consideration for PhD programs. A lot of people get joint BA/MA degrees, and I definitely don't think that's looked down upon so I would say you're fine. I just wouldn't try to do your PhD at the same institution if you do continue onto that.

[imogenshakes]

In my experience, it wasn't a hinderance. I was afraid that it might be, but was limited in my ability to apply to other MA programs at the time (and I also just love my department and never wanted to leave, ha). My advisors also thought it might make it difficult for me to get into any "top" programs. But...let the record show that it's possible to do that and still get into a (or a few) great PhD programs!

[Abyss21]

I had this dilemma last year and asked for a lot of advice about it. This is what it all seemed to come down to - don't do ALL 3 degrees in the same place. So, you can certainly get your BA and your MA from the same university but then you definitely shouldn't get your PhD there. If you really love your university and want to be there for as many years as possible, then I recommend doing your MA somewhere else because it's short and coming back for your PhD. Who knows? Maybe after attending a different institution, you won't even want to go back. That's what ended up happening to me. Hope this advice helps!

[thepriorwalter]

I did my BA and my MA at the same institution (with time off in between) and had a successful application season when applying to PhD programs. I redid my MA (because I chose a program that wouldn't take my MA credits), but it didn't hinder me from getting in places. This is unlikely to be something that holds you back! 

[KikiDelivery]

I have a BA and soon to be MA from the same university and have been accepted into 4 programs so far! Mind you, I did not apply to any top 20's but I do not think it should be much of a hindrance regardless.

[yanicus]

I think for your MA it should be okay especially if it's a great fit, although as a matter of signalling on the job market, and your professional growth, I imagine some of the same dynamics apply for this as it does for not doing your BA and your PhD in the same school. Specifically, it can't hurt to have more schools (implicit validations) listed on your CV, nor can it possibly hurt to have as broad a range of exposure as you can to different faculty.

N.B.: This is just me regurgitating what some of my mentors have told me. I may or may not be sad that I love them so much and they want me to go elsewhere for my PhD than for my undergrad.

[Silabus]

Professors at my Undergrad told me that it was not exactly frowned upon to get your MA at the same place you got your BA but it was better to go elsewhere---especially to a different state because it showed you were adaptable. Now, they did tell me that a smart idea would be to go get your MA at a place you want to get your PhD at because normally you have an easier time getting into the program. (Though when I talked to folks at the University of Houston they made it sound like many of their MA candidates did not get selected for their PhD program...so who knows.)

Take that for what it's worth.

[Hartley]

So is there any stigma attached to going straight from one's BA to a program where they receive their MA en route to the PhD?  This would mean the MA and PhD would be from the same institution. 

[orphic_mel528]

3 hours ago, Hartley said:

So is there any stigma attached to going straight from one's BA to a program where they receive their MA en route to the PhD?  This would mean the MA and PhD would be from the same institution. 

Considering how many programs offer this option, and even accept PhD applicants to MA/PhD programs when appropriate, I wouldn't think there would be a stigma attached to it.

[CaffeineCardigan]

Thank you all! I'm glad to hear this is more a scary story passed down to grad hopefuls than an actual rule. I'm not too worried about showing I'm adaptable after moving to Japan to teach for 2 years, so I'm thinking going back to where I did my BA won't be such a bad thing. Thank you again!