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Does an unfunded PhD graduates have a future in academia?

By discage
from the mathematics department
Posted Mon Jan 11, 2010 at 06:52:06 AM PDT

I have to choose between two alternatives: one is accepted into PhD program at Courant without funding, another is a TA position with a 20-30 ranking school.

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I am not too worried about funding as I have my government support. But my concerns are if a student graduated from a PhD program without funding from the school, will it hurt the career when looking for post doc position, or eventually seeking a career in academia? Any comments will be highly appreciated! Thanks,

< To which PhD programs should I apply? Please help. | YMN/NExT Poster Session >

Does an unfunded PhD graduates have a future in academia? | 3 comments (3 topical, 0 hidden)

[new] Courant (none / 0) (#1)
by emengee on Thu Jan 14, 2010 at 10:50:17 AM PDT

As someone who was an undergraduate math major at NYU and who took several graduate courses at Courant, I can attest that you would be much better off going elsewhere. Meaning no disrespect to you (since you're clearly a fantastic student, getting a funded position at a top 20-30 school), Courant has a problem with admitting students without funding instead of rejecting them. They like to take other people's money. Moreover, you will be treated a bit as a second class citizen. The secretary who deals exclusively with graduate students is infamous for dropping anything to help a funded PhD student and rudely ignoring the needs to unfunded PhD students and masters students. As an example, they have two different complex analysis classes, one of which has the warning "Note: Master's students should consult course instructor before registering for this course." I believe it used to also include unfunded PhD students in this warning. Second class citizens. You'll be much happier at the other school, which wants you around so much that they offered you funding. You'll be treated better and respected more, and it's probably a better fit for you.

[new] unfunded PhD graduates have a future in academia (none / 0) (#2)
by AAprotocol on Mon Feb 15, 2010 at 06:56:21 PM PDT

Creating an unfunded PhD tier could have dire consequences for the accessibility and diversity of the graduate school, never mind the collegial atmosphere within and between departments. It is unclear where NYU plans to find the labor to replace the hundreds of teachers and graders who would not teach under this plan.

[new] my vote: TA position (none / 0) (#3)
by curt64knight on Wed Mar 03, 2010 at 08:47:36 AM PDT

Courant echoed my feelings exactly. My sister went to NYU and had a similar experience. She would be better to respond to it, but I'm a member and big brother so I'll speak for her on this haha. Take the TA position and good luck!

Does an unfunded PhD graduates have a future in academia? | 3 comments (3 topical, 0 hidden)

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