<p>Just wondering...</p>
<p>I am a major in political science and I am interested in grad school, but only if it would be beneficial. </p>
<p>I will be graduating from one of the "usnwr top 10 schools" to refrain from naming names... </p>
<p>I am interested in getting into politics, campaign work, political analysis, legislative work, certain nfps. Really anything of that nature would be great. </p>
<p>I am also a slightly older student so don't want to bumble around, more interested in switching careers and starting. I already had a short lived 5 year career that I didn't like (I already program). </p>
<p>Not interested in law school, or academics so jd and phd are out I would imagine. </p>
<p>Would it be worth it to do a Masters in Political science focusing on campaign stuff, especially at a lesser ranked school say somewhere 30-50 range? I already took say, around 20 poli sci classes mostly in American Politics and Political Theory. Or should I just go out on the job force? Not really interested in MPA, seems too... well, management type path. Most of the MPP seems too econ/finance oriented. I like the more normative and qualitative aspects so would be looking at those programs. Not that I can't do the more quanty stuff, it just bores me and not a career I am looking for as a government cog. </p>
<p>So to sum it up</p>
<p>If already in possession of stellar undergrad Political Science degree, should I only consider the other top programs for a Masters? Or is it unnecessary and work experience would be more beneficial?</p>
<p>The latter. Only go to graduate school if YOU can see the benefits of it, meaning will paying for the degree be worth it for you? You have to love learning subjects in depth to make it all more worthwhile and not care too much about the end result. As someone once said, graduate school is an experience itself.</p>
<p>If you’re not sure whether you should go to graduate school, you shouldn’t go to graduate school. It’s a big commitment of time and effort focused on advanced concepts and research.</p>
<p>If you want to work in political campaigns–go out and do it. You may not get a paid position at first, but if you’re good, you’ll move ahead quickly. Once you make a name for yourself, you won’t have any problems getting jobs. There are always candidates who are looking for people to run a campaign. I have a close friend who ditched a PHd program in political science to work in a US senatorial campaign. She took a leave of absence thinking she’d go back to school, but she never did. She loved working in campaigns, did well and was rarely without work. She’s now a consultant with her own firm–she works with candidates to help them raise campaign funds.</p>
<p>Hi Bromfield, </p>
<p>something like that sounds AMAZING. That is why I am questioning the “value” of a further MA, especially since I took way over the min required in political science for my school currently. I am mostly just worried about the job market and ready to start work. Although I love school and the material, I’d also like to have a life and start my new career. So if I can do the same thing, and get the same jobs with the BS from good school as the MS, it might seem for me that I am wasting valuable time and money for the same return. I read political theory and follow politics like an addict, and was an addict before I even took the classes. I have looked at some of the reading material for grad programs, and to be honest I have already read quite a bit of it (at least in terms of theory/american politics/history), though I am sure it is deep and unique, I know a scholarly life is not for me. I want to get involved. </p>
<p>Maybe that helps in getting some more ideas from folks!</p>
<p>thanks!!!</p>
<p>I agree with all three suggestions above. Jdjdjdjd, you seem to be ahead of the game already. You know exactly you want and don’t through experiences and undergrad studies. Your biggest asset is your conviction towards your goal and time (I am interpreting “slightly older” as late 20s or 30s), so investing that time on things that compliments your goals would be the way to go. I don’t think it would be prudent to aim for a “stellar” graduate school as a safe haven to hope for a job that will most likely not suit you. I would apply to grad school only if I know that the grad school PROGRAM will compliment my goals.</p>