Classes Outside of the Department

[firefly28]

Does anyone know what the general outlook of departments is concerning taking classes outside of the department, as well as if it's a wise idea? I'm contemplating taking a statistics course or two, if methodology becomes my minor field, and I would like to take a psychology course or two, too. I presume that they would expect graduate level courses in the departments. Think it's a good idea?

[Charlie2010]

Does anyone know what the general outlook of departments is concerning taking classes outside of the department, as well as if it's a wise idea? I'm contemplating taking a statistics course or two, if methodology becomes my minor field, and I would like to take a psychology course or two, too. I presume that they would expect graduate level courses in the departments. Think it's a good idea?

It's pretty common, especially statistics. Area studies people sometimes do anthro or soc that pertains to their region, or even history, and methods or formal people may also do econ. Psych courses would make sense if political behavior is your research area.

[slacktivist]

Does anyone know what the general outlook of departments is concerning taking classes outside of the department, as well as if it's a wise idea? I'm contemplating taking a statistics course or two, if methodology becomes my minor field, and I would like to take a psychology course or two, too. I presume that they would expect graduate level courses in the departments. Think it's a good idea?

I would presume that your department would be strong in methods and political behavior. If so, they probably have a more extensive list of course offerings within their department than other universities where those fields are not emphasized. Assuming that is the case, they may want you to make a compelling claim that these classes outside of the department offer something they cannot teach you. It's the same thinking they have for students applying for summer funding to attend ICPSR workshops. That said, taking classes outside of the department is generally beneficial to one's research, and it is ideal if your department encourages interdisciplinary coursework.

[firefly28]

It's pretty common, especially statistics. Area studies people sometimes do anthro or soc that pertains to their region, or even history, and methods or formal people may also do econ. Psych courses would make sense if political behavior is your research area.

Indeed, it is

I would presume that your department would be strong in methods and political behavior. If so, they probably have a more extensive list of course offerings within their department than other universities where those fields are not emphasized. Assuming that is the case, they may want you to make a compelling claim that these classes outside of the department offer something they cannot teach you. It's the same thinking they have for students applying for summer funding to attend ICPSR workshops. That said, taking classes outside of the department is generally beneficial to one's research, and it is ideal if your department encourages interdisciplinary coursework.

All of the depts I'm accepted at are good for methods; the one that I'm highest on has a really great methods prof. who I would likely do a directed reading class with. I want to make sure I get a class on experimental design though, since some of my research instincts are experimental in nature.

I also hope to try to do a summer at ICPSR; I hope to cover time series and geometric and spatial analysis at whichever uni I go to. Then do categorical and/or Bayesian at ICPSR.

[gradstudent2011]

Does anyone know what the general outlook of departments is concerning taking classes outside of the department, as well as if it's a wise idea? I'm contemplating taking a statistics course or two, if methodology becomes my minor field, and I would like to take a psychology course or two, too. I presume that they would expect graduate level courses in the departments. Think it's a good idea?

This might vary across schools, but it's pretty common for grad students to take enough courses in other departments to earn a masters degree there at the same time. I know of people who've picked up a masters in statistics on their way to getting the PhD.

[maicondouglas]

Any experience with undergrad language courses? I would like to brush up on my Portuguese.

[Penelope Higgins]

You won't be able to get credit for these toward departmental requirements, but you should have no trouble taking language classes at almost any institution.

Any experience with undergrad language courses? I would like to brush up on my Portuguese.