Choosing an M.A. program requires prioritizing your supervisor’s reputation and your thesis subject over simply the university’s name. Focus on crafting a research proposal first, then seek professors known for their work in your topic area who are accepting students.
At the graduate level, your work’s quality hinges on your supervisor. Their standing significantly influences your academic and career future. Unlike undergraduate studies, the university’s prestige matters less, while your adviser’s guidance and recognition open doors for references and job applications.
This means applicants should:
- Create a preliminary research proposal to define thesis interests.
- Research and directly contact prominent scholars aligned with your topic.
- Prioritize supervisors with strong reputations in your field.
Before selecting programs, clarify your career goals. This shapes which M.A. might fit you. For example:
- If aiming for archives or libraries, an MLIS (Master of Library and Information Science) suits better than a history M.A.
- Museum work calls for programs with museum studies or curation options.
- Secondary education roles often require certifications specific to your state, beyond an M.A.
A terminal M.A. in history alone rarely secures desirable jobs. Community colleges might list it as minimum, but most hires have Ph.D.s. The market is saturated with history Ph.D.s, restricting opportunities.
If your plan includes pursuing a Ph.D., check each school’s requirement on holding a prior M.A. Some accept applicants directly, awarding an M.A. during the doctoral process; others demand an M.A. first. For focused fields like Atlantic history, seek schools leading that specialty and review application rules carefully.
Financial considerations are critical. Avoid paying out of pocket for a terminal M.A. in history as it usually offers poor return on investment. Humanities programs rarely provide full funding for terminal M.A.s. Secure fully funded options or scholarships to prevent financial risk.
Talk with your current faculty and advisors. Their knowledge of your interests and department connections offers tailored, valuable advice more effective than online searches. Alumni and department contacts can also guide your application process strategically.
| Key Focus | Advice |
|---|---|
| Supervisor and Thesis | Find a notable supervisor aligned with your research interest; draft your proposal early. |
| Career Goals | Define goals clearly to choose suitable programs or alternate degrees like MLIS or museum studies. |
| Job Market | Recognize limited prospects from terminal M.A.s without further study. |
| Ph.D. Requirements | Investigate specific Ph.D. programs to understand their M.A. pre-requisites. |
| Funding | Apply only to fully funded M.A. programs to avoid financial burden. |
Overall, success depends on targeted research, clear goals, and strong mentorship. An M.A. serves chiefly as a step toward a Ph.D. or specialized career tracks, not a standalone qualification. Planning carefully and engaging faculty early improves outcomes and aligns financial and academic investment with realistic career prospects.
- Choose supervisors based on their reputation, not university alone.
- Craft a clear research proposal before applying.
- Match degrees to career aims (library science, museum work, education).
- Be wary of terminal M.A.s with poor job returns.
- Confirm Ph.D. program entry rules regarding M.A. status.
- Never pay for an unfunded M.A. in humanities.
- Consult faculty and alumni for tailored guidance.
