<p>I am attending an admittedly small university. When I applied to their graduate program, there was one professor/advisor in my field of study. However, they left rather abruptly at the end of my first semester--I'm not even sure if they're still teaching--and I am now approaching the end of my second semester and have yet to take a single course in my field. I am completely on my own as far as writing my thesis goes. While I like my university, I am only in grad. school because I want to go on to a PhD program, but I am seriously starting to think that I have a better chance if I transfer, instead of graduating from a university that, basically, no longer even has a department in my field. However, I know transferring in grad. school is somewhat frowned upon, and more complicated than transferring as an undergrad. I have no idea where to start or who to talk with and would really appreciate the advice or insight anyone has to offer, as I'm feeling rather frustrated and adrift. Thanks.</p>
<p>I’m so sorry you’re in this predicament. I guess there’s a lesson to be learned–it’s not wise to select a school on the basis of one professor’s presence. I would start by identifying some possible schools to transfer into and then meet with the graduate admissions folks there to see what they can recommend.</p>
<p>Are you in an MA program? Are you nearing the end of your first semester?</p>
<p>Transferring in grad school isn’t frowned upon if you are transferring for the right reasons, and your reason - having no one to advise you - is one of the best reasons to transfer.</p>
<p>I would begin by discussing the issue with the director of graduate studies in your department. He or she may be able to refer you to another faculty member who is not in the same field as you but in a related or similar one, or who still may be able to advise you in your thesis research if you want to stay where you are. They can also help you decide whether it’s just best to transfer and subsequently where you can apply if you decide to transfer.</p>
<p>If you still really need or want to transfer, I think the next step would be to find programs at which you can study (and, for reasons you already know, has at least 2-3 people you’d like to work with and who could supervise your dissertation work if necessary). You can look for other MA programs, but you could also look at the possibility of applying to PhD programs. In most programs deadlines are coming up soon, so you may have to hustle a little, but you still have about 5-6 weeks before the earliest deadlines I think (usually around December 15). Other programs don’t have deadlines until January or even February.</p>