M.A.I.S. Help w/ Finding Advisors/Mentors

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by RosalindGash, Sep 1, 2005.

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  1. RosalindGash

    RosalindGash New Member

    Hello all,

    I'm enrolled in a M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies at Mountain State University in Beckley, WV. While MSU gives some example programs, this degree is basically self-designed. I chose this program because I like the challenge of designing my own degree program, and I like the flexibility. However, I have one problem... I don't know any PhD holders in the field I want to do my degree in.

    I want my degree concentration to be in African-American History or Appalachian Studies. It'd be great if I could morph the two fields into a concentration called Black Appalachian Studies or something similar. I have a personal interest in this field because it's my background. I have already done the ground work and found syllabi from other graduate programs from which to model my "classes". I am reluctant to contact any of those professors and ask them to serve as my advisor/mentor, because I'm afraid they may already be too busy. However, I'm going to ask anyway. But, just in case they say no...

    I need to find at least two accredited PhD holders (sorry, but MSU IS traditional in that respect) to act as either advisors or mentors, on my behalf, for my graduate committee. Doctorates in History, Ethnic Studies (any), Cultural Anthropology, and/or Sociology would be the best disciplines for potential advisors/mentors.

    Here is a description from the graduate catalog:

    Any advice (or volunteering to serve on my committee) anyone can give is most appreciated. Thanks in advance.

    Rosalind Gash
     
  2. edowave

    edowave Active Member

    From the description it sounds as if almost anyone can serve on your committee if push comes to shove as long as they have a doctorate. Wouldn't 2 advisors from Mountain State due?

    Typically, professors want to serve on committee because it makes them look good (like for promotion or tenure.) However, I don't know if that holds true if they are on the committee of someone at a different university.

    You want to pick someone, (especially your chair) that you get along with well and that you can hopefully meet with in person regularly. Your chair can make your life hell if you pick the wrong one. I would say your chair should be from Mountain State, even if they are not exactly in the field you are interested in. At least they would have a stake in making sure you graduate.

    If you have trouble finding someone in the field you are interested in, I would look at 1) retired faculty, and 2) newly minted PhDs. Retired faculty have a wealth of knowledge and are sometimes so bored in retirement they would love to be doing something again. New PhDs have just gone through the game and are sometimes looking for CV padding. Serving on a grad student's committee always looks good.
     
  3. RosalindGash

    RosalindGash New Member

    Thanks for the reply Edowave. :)
     
  4. Ted Heiks

    Ted Heiks Moderator and Distinguished Senior Member

    You might think about how narrowly you wish to define your thesis topic. Are you interested in the religious experiences of Appalachian blacks? Their economic experiences? Are you interested in the Civil War era? The Great Depression? Are you interested in a given region within the Appalachians? Georgia? North Carolina? Tennessee? West Virginia? Pennsylvania? You might try a search of Appalachian blacks at www.amazon.com . Hope some of this helps.
     

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