<p>Hey everyone! I'm studying IR and would like to work for the government rather than in academia. More importantly, I would like to pursue a PhD not because I want to teach but because I am currently a senior and I don't feel like I am prepared (knowledge-wise) to work for the govt, and I don't think 2 more years of schooling for a MA will be enough. Also, I notice that many high level govt officials have a PhD so I'm assuming that a PhD is indeed useful for the govt. That said, I have 2 questions:</p>
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<li><p>My advisor is convinced that an MA is sufficient enough and that I should only pursue a PhD if I want to teach. Am I unreasonable to disagree with him?</p></li>
<li><p>Many people tell me that if I know I want a PhD, I should directly apply to PhD programs instead of wasting my time/money on a MA. But, I know many PhD programs have requirements that won't be fulfilled by an undergrad degree. Do you think it's "inefficient" to get a Masters first, then a PhD?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Thanks in advance for your help!</p>
<p>If you want to work for the gov’t then an MA is more than sufficient. With an MA you are learning the analytical skills necessary to do government jobs, whereas the PhD is more focused on independent research. If you get the PhD you’ll be spending at least four years of your life working on a dissertation that won’t be of any value to you. If you insist upon getting the PhD, apply directly. It is far more inefficient to go MA then PhD because many top PhD programs won’t count your MA work towards the PhD.</p>
<p>How do you know you won’t be prepared in 2 more years? You haven’t gone to the master’s program yet :)</p>
<p>MA programs in IR are generally skills-based professional programs - their job is to teach you the basic skills you need to work in IR. You don’t need a PhD if you don’t want to do research; it will be a waste of your time. Apply for an MA in IR (or a related field, like an MPP or something depending on what you want to do) and save the 3-5 extra years of your life.</p>
<p>the MA is sufficient and you shouldn’t get the PhD unless you want to go into academia.</p>
<p>yes, many people with PhDs work in the government, but i think you’ll find those individuals began their careers envisioning themselves in academia. it didn’t work out that way, and many are happier (and better paid) in government positions, but the PhD really is only for people who intend to become professors.</p>