<p>I am trying to decide between a double major in English and history OR receive my BA and MA in history simultaneously (I’m currently an undergrad at Yale). There’s no real rush to make the decision, but I was wondering if grad schools/future employers/etc. would view one more favorably than the other. I’m hoping to eventually work in international affairs, preferably in humanitarian aid for the ICRC or a similar organization. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>personally, myself? It’s a nobrainer. The BA/MA looks far more attractive, especially given the fact either of your choices can be completed with an additional year. </p>
<p>As far as IA work is concerned, you may need to beef up on some quant work for the types of jobs that you’re interested in.</p>
<p>If you can get the MA in four years without sacrificing anything other than the major in english, you should do it. The English won’t make you any more attractive to international organizations whereas the MA will. If you do go for the MA though, don’t be fooled into thinking that you are at the same level as people who are graduating from top IR/Public Policy grad schools. Those people will have a more substantive advanced degree and professional work experience. You will be in a unique position–sort of a BA plus…Chances are you will still have to go back to school eventually though.</p>
<p>I knew someone who had the option of earning a BS in math and an MS in physics from my univ in four years. The MS would have been something palpable to demonstrate his achievement in physics, which he hoped to continue studying in grad school, but he still decided against receiving the MS (although he completed most, maybe even all, of the coursework). Among the reasons:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Potential loss of rotations/ability to focus on coursework in first year. At some schools the first year of the Ph.D. program is spent preparing for quals through coursework and deciding who you want to work for. The MS might have forced him to start immediately in a particular lab and take quals without taking courses at that university (because it was assumed he would have this additional background from the MS), a distinct disadvantage.</p></li>
<li><p>Higher standards for MS students on applying. Most MS students are a few years older than BS-only students, so they’re expected to have more research accomplishments. If you’re preparing a masters, you’ll be grouped with these students during the admissions process, whether you’re 21 or 24.</p></li>
<li><p>Impossibility of applying for some portable funding, such as NSF. Not sure how this would affect humanities funding.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>Some of these things might be very different in the humanities. You could ask the grad secretary at some schools you’re considering whether the requirements upon entry are different for MA students.</p>
<p>All things equal, a BA/MA is better than a double. </p>
<p>However, all things are often times not equal, and I agree with snowcapk’s caveats. You should make sure that you don’t fall victim to some of those snags that snowcapk pointed out.</p>