Help finding programs

[midwest]

I am about to begin my final year of my undergrad at a small but fairly well-ranked liberal arts college in the Midwest. My cumulative GPA is 3.65, with a 3.8 major GPA in Political Science and Public Policy. I have not taken the GRE yet, however, I anticipate something in the 1350-1450 range given prior standardized test scores and the level of work I am putting into studying. I am feeling really overwhelmed by all of the possibilities and am looking for a little help/advice.

I am interested in public policy so a program where I can do this as a minor subfield is optimal (I would be an Americanist)

I am also interested in political communication and about to embark on a thesis in this topic area.

Does anyone have any ideas as to good programs in these fields that I have a chance of being accepted to?

[fsmn36]

I am interested in public policy so a program where I can do this as a minor subfield is optimal (I would be an Americanist)

I am also interested in political communication and about to embark on a thesis in this topic area.

Does anyone have any ideas as to good programs in these fields that I have a chance of being accepted to?

I would highly recommend University of Missouri, actually. And no, not just because I go there.lol

If you're an Americanist, I'm sure you know Dr. John Petrocik's work. He recently returned from sabbatical and will be working with students again this year (so you'd be good coming in next fall). I'm not an Americanist, but I do know that this is one of the best midwest schools for them (and my friends love the program). I am, however, in the policy department. If you're looking for a political science PhD, you certainly can make policy your secondary choice. I will let you know at Mizzou it's very research based - not at all practical application. However, if you really like policy, we also have the Truman School of Public Affairs which shares a few professors with the poli sci department and often, PhD students dip into its faculty for their dissertations and take their outside classes over there.

I don't know about political communication specifically, but I do know we've had several masters and PhD students with papers/dissertations on media and politics as well as how politicians/politics interacts with the public, so I suspect you'd be okay studying that topic at Mizzou.

Sorry I can't help with other programs, not being an Americanist, but I hope what little knowledge I have will help.

[mrmirv]

I would highly recommend University of Missouri, actually. And no, not just because I go there.lol

If you're an Americanist, I'm sure you know Dr. John Petrocik's work. He recently returned from sabbatical and will be working with students again this year (so you'd be good coming in next fall). I'm not an Americanist, but I do know that this is one of the best midwest schools for them (and my friends love the program). I am, however, in the policy department. If you're looking for a political science PhD, you certainly can make policy your secondary choice. I will let you know at Mizzou it's very research based - not at all practical application. However, if you really like policy, we also have the Truman School of Public Affairs which shares a few professors with the poli sci department and often, PhD students dip into its faculty for their dissertations and take their outside classes over there.

I don't know about political communication specifically, but I do know we've had several masters and PhD students with papers/dissertations on media and politics as well as how politicians/politics interacts with the public, so I suspect you'd be okay studying that topic at Mizzou.

Sorry I can't help with other programs, not being an Americanist, but I hope what little knowledge I have will help.

I would look at GW in DC