Anyone out there have any advice about how to write a letter to a professor that I am interested in working with for my Master's thesis. I've read a few scientific papers that he/she wrote but how do I initiate my interest to him/her in a lettter/email? Any help would be great Thanks.
2006-11-06 05:25:53 · 4 answers · asked by oceans18lucky 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Introduce yourself and tell the professor that you are familiar with his research work, list the papers you have read and ask if he could help you with your thesis. Try to be specific about the type of help you seek. Indicate your background and previous work. End the note asking for an appointment so that you can discuss the nature of your thesis in person.
2006-11-06 05:34:03 · answer #1 · answered by Atena4ever 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think there are 3 main points you need to make in your email. Above all, you should make sure your message is as professional as possible. Inlcude a descriptive subject, a salutation, a closing, your full contact information, and triple-check for spelling and grammar errors. You might even have someone else proofread the message for you.
In the body of your email, you should clearly state your intention (to pursue a master's degree) and your desire to work with this professor. You should provide a reason or two why you want to work with this professor and you might also want to mention that you have read a few of his or her (which is it?) papers before.
Next, you should state why you feel that this degree is the right path for you. Are you interested in performing additional research in this field to advance the study of a particular aspect? Has it been a lifelong dream to work in this field? Do you intend to teach this subject?
Finally, you should thank the professor for considering working with you on your Master's program and ask him or her to respond at their earliest convenience. Point to your contact information and offer to meet with the professor in person to discuss your request.
Keep it short and to the point. There's no need to get too flowery and prolific with your request. Remember, professors see this type of request often and it is a basic part of their profession to assist students just like you. Just be respectful, courteous, and clear about what you want.
Good luck!
2006-11-06 13:40:58 · answer #2 · answered by wickedwit 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I did my Master's thesis, I found it was much easier to make an appointment with a few profs I was considering, and talking with them. I had to have three profs, because it was an interdisciplinary degree, and one of the factors I hadn't considered was how well they got along with each other. Big mistake! But by talking with your prof, you can determine whether s/he is indeed the one you want to guide you through the process, and also determine whether or not s/he can take on another student. Some of the more popular profs have a real overload of students, and it's better for you if you can work with someone who actually does have time to spend with you.
Good luck on this.
2006-11-06 13:40:37 · answer #3 · answered by old lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don`t, ----make an appointment to meet him/her and explain your thoughts. Just be sure that you know what you want to convey.
2006-11-06 13:43:12 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋