Different Subject for MA and PhD

[JKL]

Hello everyone,

 

If you have in mind the subject you'd like to teach, would your MA and PhD have to be in the same subject in order to teach it? Eventually, I'd like to pursue a PhD in History, but, before that, would like to receive an MA in Political Science. Other questions cut short, can History be taught (PhD obtained), even though previous degrees aren't in History?

 

 

Thanks.

 

[frundelson2]

Getting an MA in Political Science wouldn't necessarily discredit you from teaching History at the undergraduate level, so long as you get a PhD in History. For instance, I have a friend who did a MA in Religious Studies before starting her PhD in History. She wants to teach history, so her PhD is in History. You ultimately want your PhD to be in the subject you want to teach, but a different MA is okay.

 

Most PhD programs in History have you complete two years of coursework before comprehensive exams. Some will count the completion of courses and exams as an MA on the way towards your PhD, whereas some just count it as part of the PhD. 

 

So if you get an MA in Political Science and get a PhD in History, you would likely have two MAs by the time you are all finished.

[poliscar]

Also, it's a large jump to go from Political Science to something like cultural/intellectual History, whereas if you intend to move from Political Science into a related topic in History, such as international or political history, you're in a good position. 

[Sigaba]

Also, it's a large jump to go from Political Science to something like cultural/intellectual History, whereas if you intend to move from Political Science into a related topic in History, such as international or political history, you're in a good position. 

This statement is inaccurate. Diplomatic historians brawl with political scientists on a regular basis despite the efforts of historians like John Lewis Gaddis, Zara Steiner, Michael Howard, and the late Ernest May to build bridges between the disciplines. 

 

Ultimately, a historian is a historian is a historian. While work in political science will likely expand your tools, historians will expect you to think and to act like a historian.