<p>Hi, I'm an undergrad junior planning on doing a PhD, maybe with one or two gap years for Peace Corps or something similar.</p>
<p>I'm double majoring in Chinese and International Studies, and for grad school I'm leaning toward sociology (or maybe social anthropology). I'm specifically interested in looking at effects of the internet in China.</p>
<p>The one kind of pie-in-the-sky program I would absolutely love to do is something called the Oxford Internet Institute (link below). They have both an MSc and a PhD program. Aside from the competitiveness of admission, it probably wouldn't be financially possible without Rhodes or Fulbright or something similar. So needless to say the chances are slim. However, I'm determined not to sell myself short by not at least trying, since that's the mistake I made when doing my undergrad applications.</p>
<p>I've been told it's best to do both Master's and PhD at the same institution, so that's one thing I'm worried about. On the other hand, that's a pretty long time to be paying Oxford tuition... even Rhodes is only for 2 years normally.</p>
<p>So. With my eye on OII, would it be better to do my Master's somewhere else (probably in the US) where it would be more affordable, and then apply to OII later for my PhD? Alternatively, I guess I wouldn't mind doing a OII's MSc, assuming I could get funding, and then coming home for a PhD.</p>
<p>What's the best plan of attack here? Sorry if any of these are stupid questions or if I've got the wrong idea about something. I'm still kind of a noob at the whole academia thing if that isn't obvious. Also just to be clear, I'm aware this is all a very long shot, but I still want to try.</p>
<p>^Yes, that’s the norm for European PhDs/DPhil programs. You get an MSc first because you jump straight into research during the DPhil. At US PhD programs, however, it is not necessary for you to earn an MA first. Students typically do if they are unsure whether they want a PhD, or need to improve their application for whatever reason.</p>
<p>I’ve been told it’s best to do both Master’s and PhD at the same institution, so that’s one thing I’m worried about.</p>
<p>Who told you this? This isn’t true. If you get a terminal master’s before you earn a PhD (which is not required in the States, but is the norm in Europe) it doesn’t matter whether you get them at the same place or different places.</p>
<p>You said you are majoring in Chinese and international studies, but interested in sociology or anthropology. Have you taken significant coursework in sociology or anthropology, equivalent to at the very least a minor in either of those fields? I know international studies is interdisciplinary, but you won’t be competitive for a PhD in sociology unless you have the introductory coursework in that field. Same for anthro.</p>
<p>From your information provided, if you really want to try this program it sounds like you may want to get an MSc there and then pursue a PhD somewhere else. You didn’t provide much information, but it sounds like you are interested in the curricular opportunities and not necessarily the faculty mentorship or research going on there.</p>
<p>The best plan of attack is whatever helps you get to your goal. What do you want to do with the PhD/DPhil when you are finished? If you want to teach and do research in the US, you may be better served by a degree from a US institution, although Oxford is so prestigious that that advice doesn’t mean as much here. Investigate whether international students can get funding for the DPhil. A Fulbright may fund an MSc but it won’t fund a doctoral degree. Sociology and anthro PhDs are usually fully funded in the US.</p>
<p>Hi, thanks for your reply, it’s very helpful. </p>
<p>My international studies major has a concentration in “Social & Cultural Identity,” which is basically anthropology. My undergrad senior thesis is probably going to be sociology-oriented. Do you think that’s enough to be competitive for sociology grad programs? I also have a great GPA, several academic awards & scholarships, a rigorous schedule, lots of involvement, etc.</p>
<p>Would it be weird to get an MSc from Oxford before applying to American PhD programs?</p>
<p>In answer to your question about my goals, I want to teach and do research about modern Chinese society at an American university.</p>