Political Science PhDs with focus on Security and Climate Change?

[strangepeace]

Hi all,

 

Had a few questions for the community; I'm a current Masters student planning on applying to PhD programs in the fall of 2013. Quick bit of background, did my undergrad at a "top-10" institution (political science major) and the Masters is also from a "top-10" school (degree in climate science and public policy). Grades are above average (3.7-3.8 GPA range) and recommendations are solid. 

 

I applied for PhD programs in PoliSci in the 2011 cycle but my research question was not well defined and my personal statement was sh**. I'm taking a year off after my Masters degree, but I'm starting the PhD search process extra early to make sure I don't make any stupid mistakes this time around. 

 

My research interests are focused on the security implications of climate change (specifically regarding water and food security issues and potential conflict). One of my professors is a leading scholar in the field (but unfortunately has no plans to take on graduate students) and has recommended that I look at UT-Austin, American University, UMD-College Park, Duke, and Columbia for potential PhD programs. 

 

My questions: do you know of any other political science or security programs around the USA that are interested in this research intersection (names of researchers would be much appreciated)? Is it worth reaching out to potential POIs at this point to discuss research interests? I've had distinctly mixed perspectives on that front.

 

Please feel free to PM with any questions/advice!

 

Thank you kindly.

Edited January 11, 2013 by strangepeace

[Ahmadou]

Since your research specifically looks at security as related with climate change, why won't you look primarily at departments that are strong in International Relations (rather than hard-line Political Science), say MIT, Michigan/Ann Arbor, UC/San Diego?

[adaptations]

I don't know how well they are integrated, but there are faculty at Princeton working on climate change/environment and also a strong group working on security. I'm certain you could put together a strong committee drawing from both. For example, Keohane is doing a lot on the environment these days and there are plenty of other people who are affiliated with both the policy school and the politics department in both areas.