Viable Pathway to PhD?

I've pretty much decided that I want to pursue a PhD. I'll complete my MA degree in digital journalism from National University in 2014. The problem is that my MA is professional in nature and doesn't require a thesis or any other kind of scholarly writing, really. The last time I wrote research papers was in undergrad, and I graduated thirteen years ago (sociology major). To prepare to undertake serious academic research and writing again, I'm thinking I should get a second MA (B & M so I can get GA funds) that requires a thesis and use it to springboard into a funded B & M PhD program.

I'm currently holding a 3.5 GPA, but I'm going to try to break at least 3.8 so I can graduate with distinction. With seven classes still left in my MA, I think I can get up there if I can get my lupus under better control (pardon the anthropomorphization, but it's been fighting me tooth and nail the whole time I've been enrolled at NU). If not, then I'm hoping that the GPA coupled with good GRE scores, and good references will get me to my goal.

I've never had a problem getting great recommendations, and I've taken the (old) GRE in the past and scored well, although my math was weaker than I was comfortable with since I hadn't had a math course in almost a decade when I took it (and it's been another decade since I took that first GRE). So, I've already collected a couple of used college math textbooks, and a GRE math prep book, and have them at the ready for when I start my GRE prep. Verbal is a breeze for me, but I'll do some flashcard drilling anyway. However, the majority of my prep time will be devoted to math. I can solve a polynomial equation but forgot how to work with fractions, LOL! What in the world?! at: :lmao:

So, does my plan seem solid?

 

I just want to know if it makes sense to get a second masters degree requiring a thesis, as preparation for the writing I'll be doing in the PhD program, since the MA I will earn next year has no thesis requirement and I haven't done any "scholarly" writing in over 14 years.

 

Scholarly writing is just good writing with the interesting and exciting parts removed...

 

Yes, I want to be a competitive applicant. I haven't yet narrowed down which subject areas I want to pursue, as there are several that interest me. My next step is to learn about these areas in depth and then make a final decision. After I got the PhD, I'd want to teach at a four year college or university. In my case, I'd like to be a professor at an HBCU or teach at a foreign university.

The programs I've been browsing all require sample papers, etc. I don't even have any of those. I have some sample articles written for my journalism classes, but that's not the same thing. These adcoms want to see substantial, researched work, and I don't have that to show them.

People on here have been advised to pursue a masters degree to compensate for a low undergrad GPA. Why is it "insane" that someone with an MA, but who is super rusty in a skill important to have in a PhD program, would do the same thing to prepare themselves?

What are other options besides a second masters degree that will prepare me to tackle a dissertation? Oh, and by the way, the second masters would be related to the PhD I end up choosing to pursue.

 

:haha:I love this.:haha:

 

I thought some more about what you asked above. My initial answer made me sound like I didn't really know what I wanted to do, but that wasn't really it. It's just that my area of interest is truly interdisciplinary. There are a few master degree programs, but literally no specifically named PhD, for what I want to do - Appalachian Studies. Appalachian Studies with a focus on blacks in Appalachia and specifically blacks in Southern Appalachia (but that might be narrowing the focus too much). There is so little research done about Appalachian blacks that it's a wide open area with plenty of opportunity for me to add something new to the discipline.

Why this field of inquiry? Because, quite simply, it's my reality; my life and family history - and my family can't be the only one with all these amazing stories and historical facts, and artifacts. And proof. What do I want to do with the degree? Become an expert/authority in the field, teach at the college level, make documentaries, write books, etc.

 

Thank you for your advice, Steve. Um, would I be too nitpicky if I said I'd rather have a PhD than a EdD? I know that there's not really any difference between the two in terms of work involved, but outside of academia most people are familiar with the PhD. I don't want to have to keep explaining the EdD, whereas everybody knows what a PhD is. Also, since I'm paying for my distance-learning MA degree with student loans, I'd like to be fully funded for my doctorate, so I'll have to do a campus-based program.

Hmm, a question... are there independent or third-party funding sources for distance-learning doctorates? Because my lupus isn't in remission, it would be more convenient for me to do DL so I can stay close to family if I get really sick and need help. OTOH, if I'm in an academic environment, it may be more motivating and energizing. Slogging away alone at home, without anyone really understanding my goals or motivation, is hard. It might be better for me to go where I'll have intellectual support, and just find an excellent local rheumatologist. If family misses me, and my super round prednisone face/head (LOL), they can Skype me or we can Google Hangout.

 

Yep, this totally works, trust me. It isn't long before "my doctorate" and "my doctoral research" flows off the tongue even more easily than "my PhD" would.

 

Ten extra grand? Ouch. Point taken.

 

Point taken. Thank you.

 

I only know of two distance doctorates that give funding for distance assistantships. One is in educational technology and the other is in technical writing and rhetoric. There is a very small chance to get chosen for funding from ASEE SMART or the National Science Foundation. ASEE SMART will only fund STEM programs (this includes the behavioral, neurological, and cognitive sciences). NSF will only cover STEM and the social sciences (not including history).

On what kind of programs you should look for: There are doctoral programs in African Studies, African American Studies, Africana Studies, African Diaspora Studies, Afro-American Studies, Demography, and Cultural Anthropology.

 

Thank you, sanantone. Cultural Anthropology, American Studies, Human Geography, History, and Demography seem to be some of the programs I should look into. I'm sure there's an EdD somewhere with a concentration in one of these areas. I've been told that the EdD is less expensive than the PhD, so I'll be doing more research on that as well. But, again, thanks for the funding info.

 

Oh, okay. Gotcha!