<p>Hi everyone -- I'm currently applying to a set of poli sci / international relations graduate programs, intending to get a PhD and march off into academia rather than a terminal MA. I've decided that I'd much rather study the halls of power than walk through them, and I love to teach and write. As finding a good tenure track placement is so difficult these days, I'm applying to some exceptional programs, such as Berkeley and Columbia. But I'm trying to determine, given my vital stats and experience, whether I should consider grabbing an MA first to show my research chops, or if I'm a strong candidate right now for the top grad programs.</p>
<p>I'm graduating from a Little Ivy university with a 3.5 GPA with a history and anthropology double-major. I lucked out on my GRE, 800 verbal and 760 quant. I should pull in at least a couple of great recommendations from professors who urged me to apply to Ivy League schools, and probably one lesser rec. I've only taken one entry-level econ course, and did not excel. I have virtually no research experience, and I've spent the year since graduation in various low-level but stimulating political jobs, some of them international in orientation.</p>
<p>My ideal program is Berkeley -- light on quantitative and methodology, and filled with that woolly-headed liberal crap I love so much. I'm most worried about my lackluster GPA, and my lack of econ and research.</p>
<p>Do I present a realistic candidate to these top-flight programs? If not, should I apply to a few MA programs where I can take the opportunity to build my research experience and a stronger GPA first? Which MA programs would be appropriate -- ie, focused on research rather than practice?</p>
<p>Did you take any political science courses?? If not, not even a minor, go to a MA program first to show that you can do the coursework in political science.</p>
<p>Based on your GRE scores and GPA, you are a competitive candidate for top PhD programs. Many programs accept candidates with little or no poli sci background, but you need a strong personal statement that convinces the ad com that you have interests in poli sci, and strong letters from people that the ad com will have heard of. I would take a shot at some top programs and apply to MA programs as a backup.</p>
<p>My university didn't have a poli sci dept., but rather a government dept., with a concomitant focus on law and comparative government. It was widely known as the pre-law major.</p>
<p>In both of my majors I did focus on international issues and political economy, ie Political Anthropology, Anthropology of Development, Political Economy of Women, and wrote my senior research project on the role of neoliberalism in international institutions (I know, practically cliche at this point). Are you sure my lack of poli sci courses will hurt me?</p>
<p>If so, which MA programs should I be looking at to catch the eyes of the Stanfords and Berkeleys of the world? Which might pay my way to go there? Specific examples, please!</p>
<p>You have given us more information about your background. I think you are very competitive for PoliSci PhD programs. I would definitely mention why you concentrated on those areas of anthropology (political anthropology and political economy looks good) and highlight your knowledge/background of the field (authors, research, etc.). If you have knowledge of a foreign language(s), bring that up too. I would still apply to a few (2-3) Master's programs just to be on the safe side. But definitely concentrate on PhD admissions. Make sure you research schools with professors whom you would like to work/study with.</p>
<p>I agree; why try to decide on an MA or a PhD now? Go ahead and apply to the PhD programs, and to the MA programs as safeties, and then decide among the acceptances.</p>
<p>Thanks very much everybody! I really appreciate this.</p>
<p>What type of MA programs would make for good backups? I have no idea which programs have a strong emphasis on research and teaching as opposed to leadership.</p>
<p>Look for Master's programs in your area or where you would like to live. Keep in mind that funding is very limited for MA programs. This is an example from where I currently work below:</p>
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[quote]
The graduate program in Political Science at the University of Michigan is primarily a Ph.D. program intended to develop scholars who manifest a high level of excellence in teaching and research as professional social scientists. It is distinguished by a wide variety of areas of specialization and ample opportunity to tailor programs to fit the needs and interests of individual students. Although no separate Masters program exists within the Department of Political Science, the opportunity to earn an M.A. is available.
<p>
[quote]
The M.A.O. program is designed to be flexible according to students’ interests. Students in the M.A.O. program pursue a variety of careers, and the program gives students the opportunity for exposure in some of these fields. Our graduates have advanced to graduate schools and careers in Journalism, Law, Business and to Ph.D. programs in political science, other social sciences, and other graduate fields of study. Students in the M.A.O. program who wish to continue their political science studies toward a Ph.D. must formally apply to the Ph.D. program.
<p>Okay, now there's more info... definitely apply to a mix of PhDs and MAs. Who knows, the PhD admissions may tell you at the end that you need more of this or that in which a GOOD MA program will take care of. In terms of seeking MA programs, find places where you want to live and the profs you'd like to study under (but anticipate that you MAY leave after 2 years). Applying to a MA program at Columbia or Michigan definitely isn't a guarantee to a PhD but its a more sure chance of getting in somewhere in the second time (or first time if you choose to apply only MA this year). I'm at Michigan for my MA and I know from listening to other students and profs that it's not a guarantee to get in Michigan's PhD program... but important thing about doing it at a top school is to keep a very open mind at the beginning, profs aren't going to say "yay, now you're here for the MA, let's groom you for our PhD program so you can get in!"</p>
<p>So um, yeah, it's a pain to take out loans... :)</p>