Ph.D. without substantive previous Pol.Sci. experience

[nevernottryingtounderstand]

Hi everyone,

as fall 2022 application season is drawing closer I am seriously wondering how to obtain acceptance to a Ph.D. program without substantive previous knowledge in political sciences. I have two European Master's degrees (GPA 3.6 and 3.8), one of which has a focus on European economics, politics and law. Since this was a postgraduate program I never received any formal training in political sciences per se. My first degree was interpreting, I speak 3 languages besides English but obviously no real foundation in political science either. I teach European law with a Human Rights focus at a European university right now if that makes a difference. 

Most programs I have been looking at do not requite any previous studies in political sciences but I am wondering what to write into my statement of purpose then? I mean - I can't really argue the point that I want to intensify my research or gain deeper understanding of a specific field if I have never formally studied it? Any recommendations how to write a convincing statement of purpose despite all that? 

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

 

Edited August 28, 2021 by nevernottryingtounderstand

[not@prof_yet]

I mean I think the first thing you have to ask yourself is why do you want a PhD in political science? Are you familiar with political science research? Can you articulate a research question and position it in the existing literature? If not, then how can you say with certainty that this is what you want?

[nevernottryingtounderstand]

Thank you! Absolutely valid questions. I want a political science Ph.D. because I have been working in the field I am hoping to focus on for about 6 years now, albeit focusing on the legal aspects of it. I am nevertheless certain I have a sound foundation of knowledge I can rely on, I also have a pretty clearly defined research question and can position it in existing literature. My second Master's thesis was in IR, I just never received the solid base of political science. I am 100% certain that I have the tools and the determination to finish if I get accepted, the question is not whether I can do it and know what I'm in for but rather how I can convince a selection committee that I am a good fit, despite my diverse background. I mean - I can't be the only one who received an interdisciplinary Master's degree and then went on to focus on only one of the disciplines? 

[LatinAmericanFootball]

It's fairly common for people from different backgrounds to do PhDs in Political Science, I don't think you should worry too much about this. Try to make it clear on your SoP that you're familiar with the field and know what you're getting yourself into. It's probably also helpful if some of your recommenders are political scientists and if your writing sample is directly related to what you want to study.

[nevernottryingtounderstand]

39 minutes ago, LatinAmericanFootball said:

It's fairly common for people from different backgrounds to do PhDs in Political Science, I don't think you should worry too much about this. Try to make it clear on your SoP that you're familiar with the field and know what you're getting yourself into. It's probably also helpful if some of your recommenders are political scientists and if your writing sample is directly related to what you want to study.

Thank you, that's super helpful! My Master's thesis advisor will be one of my recommenders, the writing sample is also from the field of IR. I guess what intimidated me so much was all the sample SOPs that I found that list numerous theories the applicants have worked with before, all the RA positions etc. and I have mainly been teaching, advising bachelor's theses etc. but not been able to do that much research myself in recent years...