Talking to the University of Delaware about their PhD in History

Hi Everyone!

Tomorrow I'm meeting with the director of the graduate history program at the University of Delaware to talk about their PhD program. Granted I'm not ready for a PhD yet (I'm still thinking of going for a 3rd masters with APU), I'd like to start mapping out a plan of action. Because I have a BA in History, I could technically go ahead and apply for their program, but I personally don't like the idea of doing that. I'm hoping to talk to them and scope out the program a bit. After all, websites can only do so much.

My wife is a UD alum, though she didn't study history. She loved the school, and I will attest that the campus is pretty nice. Of course, I'm not going their for the look of it. IF (and that's a BIG IF) I choose to apply and am accepted at some point in the future, I think I would enjoy the area at least.

I know there are quite a few PhD holders on the forums. Although this is a traditional program and not via distance, I wanted to ask if anyone had any advice as to what I might want to ask of the program when I speak with the director? I have my standard list, but I'll gladly take suggestions.

Thanks everyone!
-Matt

 

UD is a very nice campus. Their quad reminds me of UVA's a bit.
As far as questions to ask:
1. I would be prepared to tell the person you speak with what your research interest is. He will be able to tell you if their is someone on faculty that would be able to assist/advise you in your research. If your research interest don't match that of anyone on faculty there isn't much point in moving forward.

2. Inquire about the stipend for the program (it will be a full time program, want to make sure it is enough to live on or at the very least require minimum student loans to get by), what courses you might be teaching, expectations regarding your work being published, where past graduates have been placed and whether those placements were tenured or non-tenured track positions.

I am sure other people on the board would have some recommendations as well. Good luck tomorrow.

 

Do you think it would be tacky to ask what their feelings are toward distance education, considering all of my masters will have been earned that way? Or should I not even bring that up?

To be honest, this is one of my largest concerns. Will they look at my degrees and say "Online?" and toss out my application?

-Matt

 

I came across an article last year which I found useful. I included some of the highlights that should apply to any field. HDS has taken it down while updating their site, but I'll include the link in case they re-post it.

http://www.hds.harvard.edu/careers/tipsheets/phdfaqs.html

How do I evaluate the "right" program for me?
The decision to pursue doctoral work is very individual: there is no one who can tell you what is right for you. First, sharpen your definitions of your intellectual interests (and what bores you), as well as your personal goals and aspirations. From there, do your research. Ask questions! Think beyond the boundaries of individual departments, as you will probably be doing much of your work across disciplines. Go to the websites of various schools, and of departments within each school. Speak with the faculty at different institutions. Do their interests fit yours? Are they people you would like to spend more time with? Second, talk to current doctoral students. Are they happy? Do they feel supported by their advisors and part of a vibrant intellectual community? Finally, read the work of professors and recent graduates. Are faculty and students at a particular institution producing work you find interesting and compelling?

Should I contact the programs or professors before applying, and what information should I be requesting from them?
That can be helpful, as long as you keep your questions focused and succinct. Most information can be found on program websites, so do your research before you contact people directly. If and when you talk to faculty members, tell them about your intellectual interests and ask their advice about whether their program would be an appropriate place for you. Remember that they may view any conversation with you (before or after you apply) as part of the evaluation process. Remember that they might not be there when you register.

How specific should my research interests be when applying to doctoral programs?
It is useful to have a good idea about your dissertation interest before applying. At the same time, it is not necessary, and sometimes discouraged, to have your dissertation interest be too specific. The doctoral committee expects you to be open to broadening your interests while in the program. Ultimately, the research needs to be specific but within a meaningful range.

How much background in the specific field should I have when applying to doctoral programs?
This is something you should discuss with your faculty advisor when you get here, as well as with faculty in the fields you are interested in studying. Different areas require different kinds of background, including language preparation. We want to stress the importance of a strong languages foundation as a basis for most doctoral programs.

What should I include in my personal statement?
In general it is not a good idea to say, "I want to study x discipline because I really love it." The readers assume you have an interest in your field. Instead, be specific about what topics in your field intellectually engage you. What problems or critical issues would you like to work with? What skills have you acquired, or are you acquiring, that will help you deal with these issues (e.g., research tools, critical theory, languages)? This is not your life story, but a picture of you as a "thinking person." Indicate the kind of scholar you want to be. Also say why it is you want to become that scholar in the particular institution to which you are applying. Show familiarity with their program or faculty. It is perfectly acceptable to indicate which professors you hope to work with, but you should also demonstrate some real familiarity with their work; don't just name-drop. (It is a good idea to contact people from the school to which you are applying to get a better sense of the institution and the people you might be working with; show that you have done your research.) It is not necessary to know your thesis before beginning your doctoral program; in fact, showing room for growth and development is considered a positive thing.

To how many schools should I apply?
Apply to all the schools that are strong in your discipline, including those beyond the Ivy League. Be open geographically. We recommend applying to five to seven schools. Specify why you want to go to a particular school, who you want to work with, and what it is about their work that is compelling.

If I am not accepted into a doctoral program, how should I spend my time before I apply again?
You should spend the interim period strengthening and focusing your application. Make your statement of purpose more focused—what academic area do you want to pursue and why? If you did not do well on your GREs, take them again. Make sure your languages are sound. You need to make the case that, because of more study, or work with a professor, or research, your candidacy is stronger the second time and different in some specific way from your first application.

 

Matt,

I don't know how UD's program is set up, but some schools prefer to take you without a masters in that field and train you their way through the masters level coursework. If it goes well, perhaps this interview will produce some fruit sooner than you think!

You're right that some prejudice exists in academia towards online degrees. I'd be upfront about it, just so they don't think you're hiding anything. However, your residential BA in History is what actually qualifies you, so just heavily emphasize your preparation there and I'd be surprised if there was any trouble.

Good luck (from a fellow history guy)!

 

Thanks, Dave.

I did notice that some schools specifically tell you they want you to apply to the MA program and work your way up. UVA seemed to be like this. UD, however, allows you to enter the PhD program from the BA and directly earn the PhD with no Masters. I find this interesting, but clearly because I'll have a masters, this really doesn't apply to me. The issue of prior education will surely be a focus during the conversation.

-Matt

 

I will agree with an above poster and say that you should be upfront about your online degrees. I noticed neither are in history so highlight your BA.

Does the Delaware program require the GRE? If so, that could factor heavily into an admissions decision. If your score is high enough it could probably offset any biased the faculty and adcomm have towards your online education.

 

Actually, one of the concentrations in my 2nd masters will be history.

Yes, UD does require the GRE, and when I took it, I did pretty well. Unfortunately, GRE scores expire after 5 years, so I'd have to take it again.

I did ask about the online nature of my masters degrees. She said most of their applicants come from traditional programs, but she could specifically mention one applicant, who was accepted, who had done an online masters in library science.

As for the meeting in general, I was honestly turned off by the grad chair's explanations. Now I'm seriously considering a different route. Whereas I was aiming at doing ancient history, I think I'm going to lean towards the classics route instead, and shoot for the University of Florida's programs. They have a distance MA and PhD.

-Matt