As it stands right now, I am involved in a program which allows me to take 12 credits for grad school in my senior year. That means I will be able to finish off that degree (MPH from a top 30 program) in just one year of grad school. I have no debt in my undergrad and likely would recieve a GA to cover that 5th year. My focus has always been more towards political science and I would like to do a masters in that as well before I move on to a PHD (haven’t decided on a pursuit subject yet). Is this smart or would it be better to just move onto a PHD after I recieve the first masters?
Why do another Masters if you intend on a PhD unless the program you apply to requires a Masters in that specific field?
^Ditto above. Don’t get a second master’s if you don’t need one - just proceed directly to the PhD program. The other thing is that in political science you will more likely than not have to pay for the degree.
Although an addendum is that if you haven’t yet decided on what subject you want to do a PhD in -
and you’re not comparing closely related programs - you may not really be ready for a PhD. I mean, trying to choose between public health and political science, or between political science and public policy programs, is okay (although honestly you may apply to more than one program type in any given year).
But you should have your research area/interests already solidified and really the debate should be about which programs/departments will best support that pursuit.
University isn’t a career.