<p>Hello, I'm 90% sure I want to apply for graduate school in history or American Studies. I can use the social sciences in contemporary settings, but I find it very difficult to use when I want analyze periods in the past. I took a few history courses in undergrad, but did not major or minor in history (I majored in the social sciences and ethnic studies). Should I take up a second bachelor's degree or a master's degree in history? I won't have the time to add a minor in History.</p>
<p>taking up a second bachelor's degree to prepare for graduate school would be a waste of time and money because 1. the way academia is, everything is becoming multi-disciplinary and 2. compared to graduate school, you don't really learn much in your bachelor's. </p>
<p>if I were you, I would just take the courses necessary to be able to get into a program if you didnt minor in the discipline</p>
<p>if you are going to study something at the graduate level you have to be prepared to live and breathe it for the better part of your life, so choose a discipline that you can see yourself studying for a long, long time.</p>
<p>I would probably be better off applying for a Masters in (American Studies/African American Studies), right?</p>
<p>it's really up to you, if that's the discipline that you feel most passionate about and can see yourself publishing many articles and books on if you want to become a professor, then you should do it. however, if you are only lukewarm about it, then don't do it. if you choose to study that discipline, your diverse academic background in the humanities will only add to your understanding. in fact, in the humanities, the more different stuff you read in different subjects actually helps you get published because it makes your work stand out.</p>
<p>Well, I'm mostly interested in U.S. social/cultural history (urban/labor, gender, african-american, public policy, education). I'm also looking at sociology although I am stronger in the area of history.</p>
<p>BTW, what's a major in "the social sciences?" What was your major, exactly? Poli sci?</p>
<p>Unless the department makes particular statements about undergrad major background, don't worry. Lots of people "switch tracks." But, do keep in mind that master's degrees are VERY expensive.</p>
<p>My major was actually Public Policy with an emphasis on social policy. While I enjoy it very much, I still miss the historical methods, which was my strongest avenue when approaching research topics. I have a tendency to think in a historical mindset even though I work with data and policy-making. Thankfully i've taken history courses in urban/suburban history and african american history, including a research paper on early 20th century education.</p>
<p>UCLAri, that is the problem. I know Master's Degrees are very expensive, but how can I get into a reputable PhD program when I have not even majored in the field I want to apply? I rather apply for a History PhD than an American Studies PhD (maybe I'm narrow-minded in this sense, but you probably understand where I'm coming from). I am trying to take as many history courses as I can before I graduate from college. Thankfully, I have taken courses or done research papers on the areas that I listed above that interest me in further graduate study.</p>
<p>tenisghs,</p>
<p>I knew at least a few poli sci PhD students at UCLA who weren't poli sci majors in undergrad. In field like history in particular, the options are much more open. I wouldn't worry too much.</p>
<p>Can someone elaborate on why master's degrees are expensive? I'm assuming you're talking about just an MA, not an MA in a PhD track?</p>
<p>Yeah, Rabo. Getting into a school with an MA in an PhD track is hard enough.</p>
<p>Rabo,</p>
<p>Most MA-only programs suffer from a lack of funding and opportunities to reduce the cost of tuition. PhD students usually get far more forgiving financial aid packages.</p>