Switching from Economics to Political Science

[ShehzadMA]

Hey guys. I need your advice about something. I'm currently halfway through a MSc in Economics at Tilburg University, Netherlands. I did my undergrads in Economics from a local private university (I'm from Bangladesh) with a GPA of 3.97/4.00. I've pretty much made up my mind to switch to Political Science after this, for a number of reasons. My theses topic for the MSc is about political corruption and political participation in developing countries, so I'm hoping this might help me somewhat in the applications process. The problem is I have little to no formal training in political science - all I know comes from personal study. I should be done with the Master's by August/September, after which I plan to go back home and work for one or two years with a development research institute, and hopefully get some field and research experience. I'm also planning to study for the Diploma for Graduates in Politics offered by the University of London (International Programmes). I'm wondering whether I should try to get a Master's in Political Science before I apply for a PhD, or work for two years and apply to PhD programs directly in the second year. I don't really want to get another Master's unless it's absolutely necessary - I feel like I'll be studying for one degree or another for a decade. What do you guys think I should do?

[zudei]

Hi Shehzad, I also "switched" from Economics to Political Science. Technically, all you need is some sort of awareness about questions in political science, and judging by your thesis question, you should be fine there. For example both my theses were in Economics, but on election/collective decision games, and that worked in my favour. I personally don't think you need another Master's degree.

[cupofnimbus]

Your thesis sounds find, but certainly don't feel like you need to get an MA in Political Science before you go to the PhD! I did what you are thinking of doing (working for a few years after a Master's program), and it's been good for me in a lot of ways, but there are plenty of people who switch from other fields into political science. Since you're coming from economics, I think you're even better situated than most, because you have some additional personal study that has boosted your awareness of the field. 

 

But no, I don't think it's advisable at all to pursue a second Master's before moving to the PhD.

[ShehzadMA]

Thank you guys for the advice. I'm really glad that you don't think another Master's is necessary. Another reason why I decided that I want to work for a couple of years before returning to academia is that I think it will give me some time to think about and focus my perspectives, particularly if it's a job where I can do individual research. I also need to think about whether I should retake the GRE (I hope not). Thanks again for the help.

[jazzrap]

Thank you guys for the advice. I'm really glad that you don't think another Master's is necessary. Another reason why I decided that I want to work for a couple of years before returning to academia is that I think it will give me some time to think about and focus my perspectives, particularly if it's a job where I can do individual research. I also need to think about whether I should retake the GRE (I hope not). Thanks again for the help.

Don't apply to PhD unless you are a hundred percent sure that a research career in Political Science is what you absolutely want to do. In this sense, working for a few years after your college education might help you figure out where your true passion/obsession really lies. On the other hand, as far as admissions are concerned, I don't think there is empirical evidence (and anecdotal evidence suggesting both directions) establishing work experience as a key factor for higher likelihood of acceptance. It might improve your chances through things like taking more time to write a SOP, succeed in your GREs, meeting more powerful mentors who will support you, etc. However, they won't accept you just because you have more non-academic experience than ordinary undergrad candidates do. Note that any kind of experience outside an academic institute is at best mildly related to what you will want to show in an SOP. 

Edited February 10, 2014 by jazzrap

[Leo_K]

Hi!

 

Oh, this one reminded me of me But vice-versa. I applied to Economics with Bachelor in PolSci (International Relations). Still waiting anyway. Perhaps it was not the right decision. Since I am International, many people kept telling me - you will have no luck with PolSci in the US. And I bent...