Question about Grad Schools that offer PhD's?

Question

Hi.
I noticed that some schools in my field (Communication Studies)have a PhD program where prospective students can apply only with their BA. In other words, unlike most PhD programs where you need a MA to apply, these ones state that all you need is a BA. Once you get accepted into the program you do a Masters in Philosophy on the way to completing the PhD.

My problem is that these programs are very competitive and only accept 10 people. I have o.k. grades, o.k. GRE scores, and I can get 2 great recommendation letters and 1 so-so letter. I don't have any conference experience because most of the ones I've looked into only accept abstracts from grad students. And I don't have any work experience in the field either.

Would it be in my best interest to get a MA first from another school, THEN apply for this PhD program that only requires a BA to get accepted? What do you think.

Answer 1

Here's how graduate school admission works:

Many borderline students apply to both PhD programs and MA programs. The students who do not get accepted into any PhD programs sometimes decide to enroll in a very good MA program and hope their experiences and grades there will help make them into stronger candidates for admission to a PhD program after they receive their MA.

Students who apply only to terminal MA programs (programs with no PhD) are usually the students who are aware that their grades and GREs will not make them competitive candidates for any PhD programs.

I have no idea what "ok" grades and GREs mean to you.

Generally, for admission into a PhD program, you should be in the 90th percentiles in terms of your GRE scores. However, I have heard of students scoring as low as the 70th percentile receiving PhD admission as well. (Keep in mind that many programs in Communication will only care about your verbal and writing scores.)

In terms of grades, anything above a 3.5 in your major should be fine for PhD admissions. If you attended a highly selective university or liberal arts college, then a 3.0 might suffice.

If you do not have those scores or grades in your major, then you'd best look at terminal MA programs.

Answer 2

The first question you need to ask yourself is why you want a PhD in this field. Is it required to move up? What will you use it for? If you are right out of college, getting some professional experience first might be the better way to proceed with your career and go to grad school later.

In answer to your actual question however, apply and see what happens. Have a couple of back up options for the MA and then proceed from there. I would also recommend you schedule interviews with the chair of the departments you are applying to. It may help if you show initiative.

Good luck.

Answer 3

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