nuktheory

I didn't see anything mentioning it, but I applied for part-time so I can't say I'm surprised there.

If anyone put in for the Spring Semester, I just got my acceptance to their MIPP program today so looks like those are out!

Hey all, I posted in the political science thread a week or so ago but recognized this would be a better spot, as I'm trying to get a policy-oriented Ph.D. I wanted to get some advice on getting into a Ph.D. program focused on International Relations, specifically studying nuclear deterrence. I’d like to build a research-oriented career in nuclear deterrence and strategy. However, my path leading up to this point has been rather untraditional, so I’m trying to get some advice on what I should do over the next few years to set myself up for success when I start applying to programs to try and be somewhat competitive. Currently, I have a BS in Music Production from Full Sail University (3.19 GPA) and an MA in International Relations from Webster University (3.78 GPA). I did my schooling online as I was in the military for most of it; I spent 6 years enlisted in the USAF working with nuclear security. Recently, I started working as an analyst contracting for DTRA, evaluating nuclear weapons security and exercise protocol. I haven’t taken the GRE yet, though I understand that those scores will be critical to getting into a decent program. Since I did my school online and through schools that don’t have name-brand appeal by any means, I’m a little worried about getting into a decent program. I don’t need to get into Harvard or anything but would like to make myself as competitive as possible to get into a decent program. I still have a bit of my GI bill benefits left and was playing with the idea of doing some more school first. I’ve been considering a graduate certificate focusing on nuclear policy through George Washington, or perhaps a second Masters in security studies or something similar at a school here in DC. I don’t mind doing more school before putting in for a Ph.D. but I don’t want to waste my time either. I’d like to make sure that if I do more graduate school it will be conducive to my application. Also, I’m unsure if I’d even be able to do a second Masters since I already completed one in the field. Any advice on what I should be doing would be greatly appreciated! My fairly nontraditional background makes it hard for me to judge my competitiveness and what I should do to improve that, it would be great to get some advice from those who may know a little more than myself. Thanks in advance!

Hello all, I wanted to get some advice on getting into a PhD program focused on International Relations. I’m trying to conduct research focusing on nuclear deterrence, but my path up to this point has been rather nontraditional. I’d like to take the next few years and set myself up for success when I start applying to programs, but I’m unsure of what would be the best way to make myself more competitive. Currently, I have a BS in Music Production from Full Sail University (3.19 GPA) and an MA in International Relations from Webster University (3.78 GPA). I did my schooling online as I was in the military for most of it; I spent 6 years enlisted in the USAF working with nuclear security. Recently, I also received a position working as an analyst contracting for DTRA, evaluating nuclear weapons security and incident protocol. I haven’t taken the GRE yet, though I understand that those scores will be critical to getting into a decent program. Since I did my school online and through schools that don’t have name-brand appeal, I’m a little worried about getting into a decent program. I don’t need to get into Harvard or anything but would like to make myself as competitive as possible to get into a decent program. I still have a bit of my GI bill benefits left and was playing with the idea of doing some more school first. I’ve been considering a graduate certificate focusing on nuclear policy through George Washington, or perhaps a second Master’s in security studies or something similar at a school here in DC. I don’t mind doing more school before putting in for a PhD, but I don’t want to waste my time either. I’d like to make sure if I do more graduate school it will be conducive to my application. Any advice on what I should be doing would be greatly appreciated! My fairly nontraditional background makes it hard for me to judge my competitiveness and what I should do to improve that, it would be great to get some advice from those who may know a little more than myself. Thanks in advance!