<p>Does anyone know about how hard it is to get into a masters program (Poli Sci), after I earn a law degree? Do they not even care when you apply? The reason I ask, is because Ill be three years off from my Poli Sci undergraduate studies. </p>
<p>I would like to earn a M.A., and hopefully pursue a Ph.D., but paying for the programs is a huge concern for me, so I expect to be working extensively while earning my masters (hence, the law degree). </p>
<p>X-posted on Grad and Law.</p>
<p>if cost is the issue, why pay for 3 years of law school if your real goal is poli sci grad work?</p>
<p>Because A) I want to serve as a JAG officer and B) I have just as much interest in law, as I do in Poli Sci. I plan on working for the State Dept. or something after I discharge.</p>
<p>I think there are joint JD/MA in PoliSci programs.</p>
<p>Yeah, I'm looking at that. Does anyone recommend that, and if so, which programs?</p>
<p>I've also noticed a joint PhD/JD in six years. Ouch. I'd burn out so fast.</p>
<p>For joint degree programs, if the law school doesn't offer it, is it possible to propose one. For example I want to do a joint degree with MS in Computer Science. Would I be able to do it?</p>
<p>I know Pepperdine has an MPP/JD program...I'm not saying its the best but theres a good place to start.</p>
<p>First, if you don't realize it, most top Ph.D. programs are free and pay you a stipend to live on. Most terminal master's programs are not free; you pay for them. So, unless your credentials are such that you can't get into a good Ph.D. program and want to try to boost your odds by doing well in a terminal master's program, it makes sense to enroll in a top Ph.D. program and avoid paying if you're aiming to get a Ph.D . rather than enrolling in a terminal master's program and paying for that and then applying to a Ph.D. program. </p>
<p>While there are a limited # of merit scholarships available and some law schools do offer need based-financial aid, on average, law school is going to set you back $50,000 + a year. You are going to have to repay those loans unless you go to a law school with a good loan forgiveness program. As far as I know though, even those programs aren't going to let you delay or avoid repayment while you pursue a Ph.D. and I think it would be close to impossible to work as an attorney and earn enough to pay back loans , pay tuition and pay your living expenses at the same time. Remember, most high paying law jobs straight out of law school are going to require you to work 70 hour weeks. I don't think it's feasible to try to go to school too. Maybe JAG has more limited hours, but I doubt you'd stay in the same place long enough to get a Ph.D.</p>
<p>Indeed, most people i know of who have both degrees got a Ph.D. first and then worked while getting a J.D. Even with just a master's, you can sometimes TA undergrad courses while earning a J.D. The others were law school profs who pursued Ph.D.s while they were faculty members . Often they take a sabbatical for the year they write their thesis. </p>
<p>Last time I heard, the average time for an American poli sci Ph.D. was about six + years. </p>
<p>You can apply for combined Ph.D./J.D. programs. If you go that route, it's usually a little easier, but frankly, I don't know why anyone would do it unless he is positive that he wants to be a professor.</p>
<p>Concur with Jonri on his comments. A JD and then an MA and a PhD in Poli Sci is just way too much time, money, and a winding path. To be honest, you sound like you're trying to hedge your bets since you're not that confident in getting into a good polisci PhD program. Id recommend that you either do one or the other, especially if your goal is to go to State.</p>
<p>I've been in the gov't for two years now, and got my bs/ms in succession before I came to DC. I am also interested in a career at State, but it depends on what you want to do. Honestly, lawyers tend to have the best chance of climbing up at State, but there are a plenty of PhD's too.</p>
<p>The thing is, to be successful as a PhD at State or just in gov't in general, you have to have gone to a solid school, published a lot in major journals like Foreign Affairs, have had a prestigious academic post, worked at a think tank, and consulted some high-level politician or official. Thats a very narrow path to walk, with much chance of never getting there.</p>
<p>Conversely, if you go to law school, its only half the time--although 150k more expensive which you will make back in the private sector post-graduation--and you get to get some practical experience in the private sector after graduation. Second, you will get more opportunities to participate in negotiations and writing of speeches and memos. </p>
<p>Personally, I'd go for a JD/MA in International Affairs or Poli Sci program. Georgetown (Law Center + School of Foreign Service) is a very good combination that will plug you into the DC world. If you get into a really good law school in NYC or Philly, you can always do a joint MA or MS degree at Johns Hopkins' School of Advanced International Studies in International Affairs or International Economics, which will still give you one year to live in DC and network. </p>
<p>Also, look into the Pickering Fellowship program and others related to foreign service or international affairs: <a href="http://www.woodrow.org/public-policy/graduate_foreign_affairs_fello.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.woodrow.org/public-policy/graduate_foreign_affairs_fello.html</a>. There is also the Foreign Commercial Service in the Department of Commerce and the Foreign Agricultural Service at USDA.</p>
<p>I think you should really think about what you want to do before lunging into academic programs. Good luck.</p>
<p>Yeah, definitely think (twice, thrice, multiple times) before you leap into an academic program. It's very different from professional school, where you know you're preparing for a certain career after graduation. The General himself above me provides some good advice. I know, since I jumped into a PhD program and will be leaving (prematurely) with just a Masters in June.</p>
<p>I don't see why you'd bother. I mean, it certainly would not make sense to do it after law school, but even a joint degree program isn't going to do much for you. You certainly don't need the masters to be in JAG or probably anything else you would want to do.</p>