11-11-2004, 01:37 AM
Background Information
Still shy of my 20th birthday, I've got a long way to go before I need to start stressing about GRE's, paying off undergrad tuition loans, and increased course load of grad school.
But I want to start assembling as much information as I can early on. I failed to do this when it came to chosing an undergrad school. I really lucked out, and going to Boston University is the best decision I've made so far. I don't want to leave grad school to chance. Or at least minimize the luck factor as much as possible.
I'm not looking for advice on specific schools, as much as I am on the overall process. Though any specific advice would also be appreciated (school suggestions, focus's within major, etc)
I will graduate Boston University within the first 4 years, with a double major: Philosphy, and Ancient Civilization. It's doubtful I'll graduate within the top 10% of my class, though I look on target to be within the top 20%. The end goal (which is not exactly the most lucrative) is most likely College Professorship. I'm hooked on learning, and the idea of helping others along the way, and making my livelyhood lecturing on what I love, is appealing to me. Granted, I'm not too naive about it. Income is an issue, faculty politics, can be enough to make your head spin.
This means I'm eyeing a Masters, and Doctoral. At this point it looks that they will be in Philosophy. I'm open to that changing though.
The Actual Questions
Must/Should you go Masters, then Doctoral? I've heard mention of skipping directly to Doctoral.
Is there any point to double degrees on Masters level? My roomate's father has 4 degrees in Psychology, 2 are Masters from Columbia. Is he crazy?
What about Law School? What is the process/amount of time required for this? I know there are many avenues you can pursue career wise with a law degree, but other than a trial lawyer, I haven't heard much about them.
Does anyone have experience teaching College level courses (undergrad or grad)? Specifically any bad experiences?
Why do people say you should get your degrees from different schools? Is this because its rare that a school has a strong undergrad and grad in a program, because there are specific grad schools known for specific things (and degrees hold more weight from those), or because is it just social convention under the guise of expanding your horizons?
There are joint programs offered at BU, such as a 4 year grad program for a Doctoral in Philosophy and a Masters in Ancient Civilization at the same time, are these considered the same as a Masters and Doctoral gained seperately?
Is the financial aid much better? I've heard the United States' Government gives more to Grad students than Undergrad.
Can you get an extension on Undergrad Loans if you attend Grad school 'full time'? Full time refering to Teaching Fellowships, etc. Am I going to get slapped with paying my undergrad straight out of school, no matter what?
*What higher degrees do you hold? Would you change anything about them, if you could?*Couldn't help asking. My friend's call me whiskers, because I'm as curious as a cat
--------------------
Thanks ahead of time for replies,
Munk
Still shy of my 20th birthday, I've got a long way to go before I need to start stressing about GRE's, paying off undergrad tuition loans, and increased course load of grad school.
But I want to start assembling as much information as I can early on. I failed to do this when it came to chosing an undergrad school. I really lucked out, and going to Boston University is the best decision I've made so far. I don't want to leave grad school to chance. Or at least minimize the luck factor as much as possible.
I'm not looking for advice on specific schools, as much as I am on the overall process. Though any specific advice would also be appreciated (school suggestions, focus's within major, etc)
I will graduate Boston University within the first 4 years, with a double major: Philosphy, and Ancient Civilization. It's doubtful I'll graduate within the top 10% of my class, though I look on target to be within the top 20%. The end goal (which is not exactly the most lucrative) is most likely College Professorship. I'm hooked on learning, and the idea of helping others along the way, and making my livelyhood lecturing on what I love, is appealing to me. Granted, I'm not too naive about it. Income is an issue, faculty politics, can be enough to make your head spin.
This means I'm eyeing a Masters, and Doctoral. At this point it looks that they will be in Philosophy. I'm open to that changing though.
The Actual Questions
Must/Should you go Masters, then Doctoral? I've heard mention of skipping directly to Doctoral.
Is there any point to double degrees on Masters level? My roomate's father has 4 degrees in Psychology, 2 are Masters from Columbia. Is he crazy?
What about Law School? What is the process/amount of time required for this? I know there are many avenues you can pursue career wise with a law degree, but other than a trial lawyer, I haven't heard much about them.
Does anyone have experience teaching College level courses (undergrad or grad)? Specifically any bad experiences?
Why do people say you should get your degrees from different schools? Is this because its rare that a school has a strong undergrad and grad in a program, because there are specific grad schools known for specific things (and degrees hold more weight from those), or because is it just social convention under the guise of expanding your horizons?
There are joint programs offered at BU, such as a 4 year grad program for a Doctoral in Philosophy and a Masters in Ancient Civilization at the same time, are these considered the same as a Masters and Doctoral gained seperately?
Is the financial aid much better? I've heard the United States' Government gives more to Grad students than Undergrad.
Can you get an extension on Undergrad Loans if you attend Grad school 'full time'? Full time refering to Teaching Fellowships, etc. Am I going to get slapped with paying my undergrad straight out of school, no matter what?
*What higher degrees do you hold? Would you change anything about them, if you could?*Couldn't help asking. My friend's call me whiskers, because I'm as curious as a cat
--------------------
Thanks ahead of time for replies,
Munk