Graduate School Research...Panic, Fustrated, Confused, Lost,...
Hi everyone,
I was wondering if I could get advice on researching interdisciplinary graduate programs (masters or masters/phd). It's hard to do a comprehensive research to find what programs are available, since I'll have to look into individual university websites to learn about them. I've gone through the list of interdisciplinary programs at Gradschools.com, which helped but not enough. There are also no rankings for these programs and not many people(incl. professors and students) talk about them. Thus, I have no measuring stick to gauge the competitiveness of a program and my chances for admission. Help!
To narrow down the search, I originally looked for programs that incorporate science/technology and humanities/arts (to utilize my engineering undergrad degree and interest in culture, social issues and the arts). Some programs I looked into included the History of Science and Technology, human-computer interaction, and graphics design. Now, I may be leaning towards programs that study culture, art/literature and history to learn about society and people, particularly Southeast Asian. In a way, I want to study the effects of postcolonial problems of culture vs. modernization and do something to alleviate the problem. Just I don't know of what direction to take.
A major concern would be possible financial aid for foreign students. Wherever I apply to, I hope the university has a pretty active theatre scene or program. I'm also concern of job prospects.
My indecisiveness regarding my career objectives may be a fundamental problem. I typically enjoy research, but often get writer's block and burnt out from writing, which gives me insecurities about pursuing the academic track. Also, I keep reading articles emphasizing the overabundance of PhD's that can't find jobs. HELP!
Overall, I'm trying hard to balance practicality and interests. As a foreign student in the US, there are many variables contributing to where, how and whether I find a job in any field.
Anyone experience these anxieties prior or during your graduate study? What did you do to work through them?
Thanks. Any comments/advice/suggestions will be greatly ap
I was wondering if I could get advice on researching interdisciplinary graduate programs (masters or masters/phd). It's hard to do a comprehensive research to find what programs are available, since I'll have to look into individual university websites to learn about them. I've gone through the list of interdisciplinary programs at Gradschools.com, which helped but not enough. There are also no rankings for these programs and not many people(incl. professors and students) talk about them. Thus, I have no measuring stick to gauge the competitiveness of a program and my chances for admission. Help!
To narrow down the search, I originally looked for programs that incorporate science/technology and humanities/arts (to utilize my engineering undergrad degree and interest in culture, social issues and the arts). Some programs I looked into included the History of Science and Technology, human-computer interaction, and graphics design. Now, I may be leaning towards programs that study culture, art/literature and history to learn about society and people, particularly Southeast Asian. In a way, I want to study the effects of postcolonial problems of culture vs. modernization and do something to alleviate the problem. Just I don't know of what direction to take.
A major concern would be possible financial aid for foreign students. Wherever I apply to, I hope the university has a pretty active theatre scene or program. I'm also concern of job prospects.
My indecisiveness regarding my career objectives may be a fundamental problem. I typically enjoy research, but often get writer's block and burnt out from writing, which gives me insecurities about pursuing the academic track. Also, I keep reading articles emphasizing the overabundance of PhD's that can't find jobs. HELP!
Overall, I'm trying hard to balance practicality and interests. As a foreign student in the US, there are many variables contributing to where, how and whether I find a job in any field.
Anyone experience these anxieties prior or during your graduate study? What did you do to work through them?
Thanks. Any comments/advice/suggestions will be greatly ap