I don't even know how to respond to this:

[silver_lining]

I've already completed my SoP, but the department has a supplemental application. Here is the question that I am stumped on:  

"Objectives: What do you expect to do with a Ph.D. in political science? Describe the course of graduate study that would best enable you to achieve your goal? Please limit your response to one page."

My answer to the fist question: Do research and obtain a tenure-track position (I've already mentioned this in my SoP).

My answer to the second question: what??? I don't even know why they ended that in a "?" that is not a question, but a statement/request. 

[misskira]

It sounds like they want you to tell them that you know what a phd can do for you in career terms, and that you understand what you'll be doing in a phd program.  It's also another opportunity for them to get a writing sample from you of course.  When I applied last spring, my potential advisor emailed me that as a follow up question as they were reviewing applications.  She wanted to know if my research and career goals were compatible with the opportunitites she could provide me.

[anthropologygeek]

They want to know how you plan on obtaining the goal in question 1. What classes will prep you? Basically they want to know why you want to attend this specific uni to obtain your goals.

Edited December 4, 2013 by anthropologygeek

[rising_star]

Not just classes but what will be your fields for your comprehensive or qualifying exams. Will you be acquiring methodological training and, if so, in what areas? That sort of thing is probably what they're looking for in response to the second question.

[silver_lining]

Thanks for all of the responses. I think I just panicked when I saw I had more work to do that I just blanked out on this one.