<p>I've seen some great advice on these forums and I would really appreciate some insight on my situation.</p>
<p>I've decided I really want to get a PhD in IR/political science/econ (which ever one because I want to focus on International Trade) from as good as a school as possible. I feel I have two options:</p>
<p>Option 1:</p>
<p>I was admitted to the University of Texas at Dallas's Public Policy and Political Economy Program. One of my options is to complete a masters there (MS of International Political Economy), then transfer to a better schools. This option has some great benefits. I can get funding (i.e. no debt), and I will get great research experience (as an RA and/or TA). I am also confident I will get a strong GPA (3.7+). My UGPA was only a 3.2.</p>
<p>Option 2:</p>
<p>I haven't applied but I believe I could get into a pretty decent IR school with no funding. (I could probably go to Denver, GW, Seton Hall.) This option, however, would mean debt and no research experience. I do believe I could still get a strong GPA and then try to apply to a good PhD program (with a much better school for my masters).</p>
<p>Option 1 sounds like a winner. Really, why put yourself into debt? And the research experience will only help your case when applying to the PhD programs. Good luck either way!</p>
<p>Option 1. Not having to worry about debt will help you better focus on your studies (and it will be easier to weather the sometimes rocky post-graduation academic job market).</p>
<p>thanks for the advice. ASSUMING (and I know what assuming does) that I get a 3.8+ during my masters, do really well on the GRE, getting teaching and research experience, and greats recs. from profs, will I have a chance of getting into a top (i.e. top 10 or 20) PhD programs?</p>
<p>Having been in a similar dilemma a couple of years ago, I would definitely suggest going for more pretigious schools in this field, if you think you can get in. Trust me, it really matters when you are applying for jobs or research funding in this field. Therefore, I would probably lean more towards Option 2. The international relations programs at Denver, Seton Hall and GW are all very strong (more or less globally recognized) and if you get in to either of these schools, you pretty much are a shoe in for a good PhD program or job in the NYC or DC areas (holding constant the grades variable, that is).</p>
<p>Also, if I go to option 1 I could get a masters in stats as well as the masters of international political economy. Would a masters in stats be worth it and/or help?</p>
<p>hey guys I have a question, I'm currently a high school senior and What do you guys think about going to the Seton Hall Whitehead School of Diplomacy and International Relations? It had great connections with the U.N and just seems so focused on International Affairs and has exactly what I had in mind. I'm fluent in Arabic and English and I've already had Internships at the U.N Ect.. I know this is a Grad Forum but i thought you guys would be able to help me the most since my goal is definitely to get a PhD in IR (and possibly Peace Conflict Resolution) and then hopefully join the U.N , any help would be greatly appreciated.</p>