American University(DC)

[morecokesplz]

Guys, is American University being somewhat neglected here? Anybody considering their PHD program in Political Science or International Relations? Their ranking isn't that impressive, but I believe being in DC is a strong advantage.

What do you guys think?

[Lost in transition]

I applied to MA in poli sci(though I have already one) and hope to proceed to doctoral programs once I get MA...if all my phd app fail this season. I applied to it first, its location would be benefitial for getting some work experience and second, there are several profs specialized in gender politocs which I am interested in.

Guys, is American University being somewhat neglected here? Anybody considering their PHD program in Political Science or International Relations? Their ranking isn't that impressive, but I believe being in DC is a strong advantage.

What do you guys think?

Edited March 4, 2011 by civil war

[morecokesplz]

I applied to MA in poli sci(though I have already one) and hope to proceed to doctoral programs once I get MA...if all my phd app fail this season. I applied to it first, its location would be benefitial for getting some work experience and second, there are several profs specialized in gender politocs which I am interested in.

You already have a MA in political science? And still applying for another MA in the same area?

I was researching their website, they have a PHD program in Political Science, and also another PHD program in International Relations, which seem to be in totally different colleges.

I don't see many threads here regarding AU.

[leopolds]

I'm not from the same field as the posters above but I definitely agree that AU is too often overlooked. They have incredible resources within the university and especially within the greater DC area and the surrounding, accessible states. And they have amazing professors there. I went to one of the top liberal colleges in the country and spent some time at AU only to find it more than comparable if not more challenging for me personally. I applied there for a master's program too. Still waiting to hear back.

You already have a MA in political science? And still applying for another MA in the same area?

I was researching their website, they have a PHD program in Political Science, and also another PHD program in International Relations, which seem to be in totally different colleges.

I don't see many threads here regarding AU.

[Lost in transition]

I applied to School of Public Affairs program. I decided to pursue another MA for i grew interested in gender politics in which my current program could not train me. Also my MA is from non-US institution..so having American MA could be more helpful to making it in doctoral program admission. Also..I found out just stating interest alone is not enough to convince adcomm..it would be better to have some solid outcome or proof of your having interest in some topic like paper or degree regarding to the field of your interest..Anyway for me it would be better to be accepted in doc program this fall rather than detour with anoter MA.

You already have a MA in political science? And still applying for another MA in the same area?

I was researching their website, they have a PHD program in Political Science, and also another PHD program in International Relations, which seem to be in totally different colleges.

I don't see many threads here regarding AU.

Edited March 4, 2011 by civil war

[morecokesplz]

I see.

[Penelope Higgins]

American is a great place to do an MA in international affairs and get lots of DC connections. It is not a strong program for training academics. I've had great students who did an MA in political science there before entering the PhD program, but I would not do a PhD there if I wanted an academic job. Even if you are limited to DC, there are better options like Maryland, Georgetown, and GW.

[StudentForever]

American is a great place to do an MA in international affairs and get lots of DC connections. It is not a strong program for training academics. I've had great students who did an MA in political science there before entering the PhD program, but I would not do a PhD there if I wanted an academic job. Even if you are limited to DC, there are better options like Maryland, Georgetown, and GW.

Agreed. The DC schools are great places to go if you want to work outside academia. However, they don't have a lot of street cred inside the ivory tower. Additionally, I know American Ph.D. students compete for funding, so not everybody has it. When you're living in a place with such a high cost of living, it's certainly not worth going there for a Ph.D. if you want to stay in academics.