PhD in Pol.Science or PhD in Public Policy?

[antonis]

Hi all,

I am in front of a big dilemma. I do not know what direction is best to take. Given my educational background, BA International Studies, and MSc European Politics from the LSE, perhaps PhD in Political Science perhaps would be closer to my profile. However, my three year experience in World Bank and EU projects has intrigued my interest for the policy process. Another aspect is that Political Science programs in US universities are more competitive to gain admission, and in this context chances for a better school for PhD in Public Policy are greater. Any ideas or thoughts would be much appreciated. Many thanks.

[adaptations]

It seems to me that this question is more about your professional and research interests than anything else. Many issues covered in political science are also addressed by public policy, however the approach and purpose can be different. That said, I know that at the University of Chicago a number of the public policy professors had degrees in political science (amongst other things). I am not sure how many public policy phds end up teaching in fields outside public policy, but I imagine it can be done. (if anyone has info on this, I think it would be interesting).

Sorry that this is sort of a half-hearted answer, but I think a better answer would rely more on your long-term goals and interests.

[GopherGrad]

Agree with adaptations. PP docs generally work for gov't or think tanks and focus on application, where PS docs teach and do "pure" research; that is, gather data and draw conclusions about cause and effect rather than write policy.

If I understand correctly, the lines are fuzzy and blurring more. Harvard, too, had several cross-functional faculty and promotes some amount of cross-over between students.

[antonis]

Thank you both for your replies. The crossover can be explained by the fact that these policy professors who teach in Poli.Sci. departments are mostly interested in the theoretical aspects of the policy process and they use similar modeling and methodological approach as those who are used in purely political science topics. In that sense they do not do policy, rather they attempt to put forward scientific explanations of the process.

My goals are clear, I prefer a PhD that will open more options rather than teaching and researching. In this context it seems that i should go for the Public policy.

But as regards my question on admission difficulty, is it true that PhD in Public Policy is less competitive than Phd Pol.Sci to get in top 20 departments?