<p>hello everybody,</p>
<p>In December of 2008 I completed a Masters in computer science at the University of Minnesota, but now I want to go back to grad school for a PhD program. But what I really want to get into is a totally different field, the social sciences. I'm looking into something related to the environment and society, so environmental anthropology or sociology, and some subfields of geography, And recently I found out about some interdisciplinary programs which are very appealing.</p>
<p>At this point the main problem for me is that I lack some of the core requirements of these fields of study and that could be a major problem in my application. I don't have money to pay for another master, and I'd rather start right away PhD by 2 years.</p>
<p>what can i do to improve my chances? some programs told me to get a MA in a related field, some other told me that they accept people with different backgrounds, some other told me they have no time to look into my situation.</p>
<p>Should I take some classes at a community college, or some upper-level classes online at some good school?
I have been involved in a 2 year research project during my master but it was not related to what I'm getting into, and we did not publish any papers. I've done 3 class related research papers/projects but always in computer science classes. I was also TA for a year and a half. I am an international student.</p>
<p>Does anybody have any suggestions, ideas, comments or on what I could do?</p>
<p>a few views, no thoughts. el bumpo</p>
<p>If I were you, I would contact specific departments at the specific schools you would like to earn your PhD at, and ask them.</p>
<p>You’re in a tough spot. You have progressed pretty far to be making such a big switch - people normally change fields after the bachelors degree, or else after a number of years working.</p>
<p>Immediate options:
By far your best option is to try to get into a masters program. There are some funded positions out there, so it might pay for itself, and they will be much more accepting of your situation going into a masters program than they will if you apply for the doctorate.</p>
<p>I think the next thing to do is try to find those departments that are willing to consider you as you currently stand. There will probably not be too many options here, but since you are unwilling to go for a masters (which would be much easier for admissions) you might as well take a swing at it.</p>
<p>A year from now:
I would try to take a few graduate (or upper-level undergrad) courses in your desired field - I would try for a nearby university first, a quality online program second, and would consider a community college only as a last resort. Bear in mind that this could cost almost as much as a masters program, with no chance of funding.</p>
<p>In a few years:
Besides taking a few courses as above, you can also get involved with companies or research groups doing work in your desired field - it could be a CS role in such a company, or just volunteer work nights and weekends. Something to get exposure, experience, and education in the field. The aim is to get people with authority to write you letters of recommendation noting your progression, ability, and enthusiasm in the field.</p>
<p>thanks fish! some very good advices here. i dont think it’s true that a master is gonna cost as much as a CC. I am an intl student so i always get charge out of state tuition. I am looking at CCs in chicago and they are about 1/4th less expensive than UIC or northwestern, I wish i could take classes at some big university but my F-1 visa is pretty limited.</p>
<p>thephilosopher, the problem with that is that most of them tell you “the program is very competitive, we welcome applicants with different backgrounds” especially interdisciplinary programs.</p>
<p>OP - part of the reason I discourage CC’s is that they do not generally offer the kind of courses that will sway graduate admissions committees. They are not worried that you can learn the material in Sociology 007 (Introduction to Social Research), but whether or not Sociology 437 (Biosocial Perspectives on the Family) will make you run away and cry. Since CC’s generally do not offer those advanced courses, they are less valuable here.</p>
<p>you are totally right, but for spring semester i dont have that many choices, i’d rather take some classes and in the meantime apply to a master to start fall 2011 than wait around. do you know of any good online university that it’s not looked down by a graduate commission?</p>