MA vs PhD Anthropology

[BrookieDol]

If anyone can give me their opinion/advice on this topic it would be greatly appreciated...

Although an MA program is the longer and more expensive route to an eventual PhD I feel like it would be beneficial for me to get my MA first and apply for MA programs only right now. I do not feel I would be accepted for the competitive funding/admissions of PhD programs. (average GPA/years out of school/scattered anthropology experience here and there). I am looking in California and within Medical Anthropology specifically. What are the  downsides of getting an MA first? To those of you who are in a PhD program already, did you already have an MA? Does a masters degree in Anthropology really help you gain admissions/funding for a PhD program later on? Thank you!! 

[rising_star]

The main downsides are the additional time it will take. But, it sounds like you already have compelling reasons to do a MA first. If you can find funding, the research experience you gain during a MA program can definitely make you a more desirable applicant for PhD programs.

[museum_geek]

I did a standalone MA (in interdisciplinary social sciences, not specifically Anthropology) before starting my PhD and I think it has been useful so far.  Doing the MA first helped me to formulate more concrete research interests which was nice for PhD applications.  It was also helpful in that I had the opportunity to write a thesis and do a few conference presentations, which provided me with better writing samples than anything I would have had applying straight out of undergrad.  Spending an additional two years in grad school before starting a doctoral program was certainly a pain in the ass, but on the whole I think it was a valuable experience and I certainly got offers from schools that wouldn't have given me serious consideration were I applying with only a BA.

[GreenEyedTrombonist]

Something to consider that I'm running into now. If you would like to apply for external funding for your PhD after your MA, the NSF graduate student research (grant, fellowship...don't remember the official title) is only for graduating seniors and graduate students in their first year of grad school. It is possible you will be unable to get funding through NSF to help offset the cost of a PhD program (external sources of funding can make you look pretty good as an applicant).

That being said, I also did a terminal MA and it helped quite a bit by giving me research, presentation, and publication experience that has made me a stronger candidate (imo). 

[BrookieDol]

thank you everyone for your input! all good things to consider !