Political Theory Help

Graduate School
1

<p>Hello,
I've posted on this forum before seeking help but now that I have a bit more information about my stats I feel people might be able to offer more information. I'm a Political Science Senior an unknown university (minor in Economics). I'm not sure if I'd like to get a masters and then a PhD or go straight for the PhD. I'd utlimately like to teach Political Theory at the university level. I'm not sure, however, which schools are strong in theory and which I should be looking into. I've done some investigating of schools like UT Austin and Florida, as well as some schools in the midwest and northeast but really don't know where I should be looking. </p>

<p>Here are my stats:
GPA: 4.0
GRE: V 670, Q 730, AWA 4.5 (ouch! Is this going to ruin my chances?)
Research: none really; I'm working on two projects now (one over EU military integration, the other over differing theories of justification for punishment) but neither will be written in time for submit as a writing sample. I plan to mention both in my SOP and potentially get LORs from the two professors helping me.
Teaching: I'm currently working alongside an Honors College (unrelated to Poli Sci) professor teaching first semester freshmen in the honors course. They read things by people such as Plato, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, etc, and I grade their journals over these readings. I also lead some instructional activities. While the content of this experience is somewhat related to theory, I do not think grad schools will care too much about the gig.
LORs: As of now I hope to get LORs from the two professors helping me on my two projects (one is Theory the other IR) as well as another theory prof.
SOP: Obviously I'll make this the best possible.
Writing Sample: It will probably end up being a term paper from a couse. Unfortunately most of my theory papers are not research, but analysis of a text. If a paper with a research component is necessary I may have to pull from another class I've taken. Thoughts on this?</p>

<p>Any help anyone can offer about which decent theory schools are in my range would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!</p>

2

<p>If none of your research will be done by the time you start your application, it might be worthwhile to wait another year to apply, work or do more research with that extra time, and then apply with an enhanced, and more relevant, resume. If you have good research, then you have a very good chance of getting into great programs with your other qualifications.</p>

3

<p>In case the OP is unaware of this, I am compelled to post that the hiring market in Political Theory is currently abysmal. The market for other areas of specialization is markedly better. </p>

<p>Increasingly, Political Theory is taught at the university level by folks who have it as a subfield, not as a primary field. It’s great that your university has theorists on staff, but this is becoming a rarity.</p>

<p>Do speak to some junior faculty (new assistant professors) in your current department about today’s job market prior to focusing in Theory at the doctoral level.</p>