MPP vs. PhD

[jakeconmag]

Hello everyone! I am a senior at a private undergraduate college and I am trying to decide whether to get an MPP or a PhD. My stats are

GPA: 3.85

GRE: 680 (Q) 700 (V)

I do not have any work experience but I am writing a thesis my senior year. I am not sure where to apply. I am a little overwhelmed by the whole graduate school application process and I am just not sure where to start and which schools to consider.

[jakeconmag]

I am sorry I forgot to clarify that I would want to get a PhD in political science.

[alphazeta]

^ Doesn't that answer your question, then? MPP and PhD are very different degrees. The MPP is designed to prepare you for a policy career; the PhD is designed to prepare you for an academic career.

[kaykaykay]

yes, I am not sure what your question is. Are you thinking about a terminal MA before the PhD (not an MPP!? ) ? Then I would suggest to apply to both types of programs and see where you get in, and what kind of fellowships will you be offered. Your GPA seems to be competitive, in my opinion your Q GRE is a bit low but the adcoms will evaluate it based on what you want to do and other parts of your application so it may be ok.

Edited August 5, 2011 by kalapocska

[jakeconmag]

If I went to get a PhD I would want to focus on public policy. Would it be really important to get my MPP before going to get my PhD?

[flyers29]

If I went to get a PhD I would want to focus on public policy. Would it be really important to get my MPP before going to get my PhD?

What exactly are you looking to research within public policy? Have you considered applying to Ph.D programs in public policy?

[jakeconmag]

I have only just began researching PhD programs in public policy. Do you know of some good ones? I know that Harvard has one but I am not sure if my GRE Q score will get me in there. Also, if I received a PhD in public policy would I work in a political science program at a college or university?

[IRdreams]

So I think it is really hard to give advice based on the limited information you've provided here. Grad school is a confusing process and an actual conversation with faculty at your school would likely be able to draw out more about you and how it relates to which programs are a good fit for you if any. I would schedule a meeting with your major adviser as well as at least one or two other faculty members in political science whom you respect and who know you to talk about your hopes for the future and what type of program best meets them. I believe that this should be your first step since you seem overall not that informed about what the different types of programs do and what sort of careers they cater to.