Politics & Communication, Mass Media... Schools?

[bg16]

This is my first post -- This fall I am planning on applying for a PhD in Political Science, and I am hoping for some advice/suggestions from you all. I am interested in topics related to Politics & Communication / Mass Media studies. I realize that this is very interdisciplinary and may be looked down on by some departments. I have considered applying to some Comm programs (like Stanford, UPenn, Northwestern, Columbia) but I'm more interested in political science and am convinced that this would also be the best option to pursue for my career as well.

For the record, here are my stats:

B.A., UCLA (Polisci & Comm double major, graduated in 3 years)

3.8 GPA overall / 3.95 in Polisci major

MSc, London School of Economics (MSc in Politics and Communication)

Probably graduating with Distinction (highest mark)

Lots of research internships, one academic publication. Working for an elected UK official right now.

No GRE scores yet.

Here are my questions:

1) Will my interdisciplinary background in these two fields hurt me in Poli Sci admissions? I've read on this forum how certain other backgrounds (i.e. economics or math) can be helpful, while others (i.e. humanities) may not be as good.

2) Are they any departments that I should particularly look into or stay away from? At UCLA I studied under a couple profs (Zaller, Vavreck) who are interested in these subjects, but otherwise I am mostly familiar with European research on it.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[AmyWW]

I have no advice because I'm behind you academically. But I was wondering if you wouldn't mind giving me a little hint of what it was like for you at LSE. I'm going over this fall for an MSc in Political Sociology and will probably be taking a lot of media and communication courses. I'm just a bit nervous because I have no idea what my days or weeks or work load will be.

I can't imagine with your stats you'll have much trouble with getting accepted somewhere for a PhD!

Again, out of curiosity, what are your job prospects with the MSc? What kind of positions would you be looking at?

Amy

[bg16]

Haha, I'm always happy to talk about LSE! It's a really great school... I've had some good classes and made friends from all over the world. The classes haven't been as difficult as I'd anticipated, although I'm getting a lot more stressed now that finals and dissertation are coming up. Living in London is also a blast. PM me if you have any more specific questions! :mrgreen:

[bg16]

Oh, and LSE is pretty much the best in regards for career opportunities. Their career center is ranked #1 in the UK, and they're always putting on events for students. I'd suggest checking out their website for more info.

[polisci09]

UW Madison has a political communication program: http://polcomm.wisc.edu/

[bg16]

*bump* anyone else?