Political Science Ph.D. programs, based on research interests, and other inquiries.

[kylesnav]

I'm planning on applying to Ph.D. programs this fall, for the following fall. However, I am unsure as to what programs offer the best programs for certain research interests. Currently, I am an undergraduate of Middle East and North African Studies focusing on politics and political movements of the Middle East. I am finishing a Political Science minor, and from what I understand I am looking to major in international relations and minor in comparative government for my graduate studies. I have an interest in IR theory and methodology, but also like the practical application of comparative. I have an interest in the growth of Shia politics and its effects on regional politics (Hezbollah and Iran), specifically the political developments that have resulted from activity in Najaf, Iraq. Comparatively speaking, I would like to look at the difference in ability and political capital of Sunni movements and Shia movements (e.g. practical differences between a non-state actor like Hezbollah and ISIS). Lastly, I have a growing interest in international political economy and counter-terror. From my interests I imagine my research will require a healthy blend of quantitative and qualitative analysis.

 

I'm wondering what programs would cater to my interest best, or rather, how I can find what each program specializes in. From my research so far, Georgetown seems to be a good bet. Secondly, are my assumptions about the differences between IR and CP accurate? From what I understand, IR involves a lot of theory on IR itself, and CP focuses more on the practical comparison of two entities to draw conclusions.

 

Finally, as for programs, I'm aiming for the top 20 or so. I have a 4.0 GPA, great letters, an undergraduate teaching assistantship,  and a strong grasp on Modern Standard Arabic. I'm lacking statistics/economy classes, but will be taking an introduction course to both in the spring, and will mention that in my SOP. This may not be true, but I've also heard that many PoliSci grad students have come from equally unsubstantial math backgrounds. It may be worth noting I have a fairly strong history in programming, which I have heard is helpful in quant class. Another pitfall will be official "research" experience, I've written substantial research papers in the past, but nothing with faculty in an official capacity (which I hope to rectify this fall and spring). I'm not sure if this will negatively affect me, but I am also graduating a year early. Given I do well on the GRE, do I have a good chance at one of these top schools? I am currently at a regular state school.

 

Sorry for the incredibly long post, and feel free to correct my misconceptions or offer other advice.

[cooperstreet]

Secondly, are my assumptions about the differences between IR and CP accurate? From what I understand, IR involves a lot of theory on IR itself, and CP focuses more on the practical comparison of two entities to draw conclusions.

 

No, at least in the US. Good empirical work in both IR and CP will be in conversation with broader theoretical debates in their respective subfields. Your interests line up more with CP, IMO.

 

Read scholars. See where they study. Those are the programs you should be looking at.

 

PS Georgetown doesn't fund every student. Also one of their main profs and a brilliant IR theorist in his own right, Dan Nexon, appears on this board from time to time.

[kylesnav]

Secondly, are my assumptions about the differences between IR and CP accurate? From what I understand, IR involves a lot of theory on IR itself, and CP focuses more on the practical comparison of two entities to draw conclusions.

 

No, at least in the US. Good empirical work in both IR and CP will be in conversation with broader theoretical debates in their respective subfields. Your interests line up more with CP, IMO.

 

Read scholars. See where they study. Those are the programs you should be looking at.

 

PS Georgetown doesn't fund every student. Also one of their main profs and a brilliant IR theorist in his own right, Dan Nexon, appears on this board from time to time.

 

Hmm, it seems I'm in a struggle between emphases. I do feel like CP definitely caters more towards my interests. But once upon a time I desperately was fighting against being a Philosophy major, so the idea of theory definitely catches my eye. Funding is definitely a huge concern of mine at Georgetown, especially since I would never be willing/able to accept acceptance (if I could even get that far) from a program in which I wouldn't be funded. Faculty is a huge factor in my interest in Georgetown. Nexon, Byman, Kroenig, and all the great faculty in their IR program seem extremely out of reach given the competition to get in the program alone. How many cross-emphasis electives does one really get to become involved in? I imagine a major in IR/CP and a minor in the other would allow a development of knowledge in IR theory, CP methods, and international political economy, but I really don't know to what extent.

 

Thanks for the great response.

[cooperstreet]

dont worry about coursework/electives/whatever. Most IR people will take the CP field surveys, and vice versa. once youre in youre in, and you get let your interests/faculty relationships/research drive your course selection.

[AuldReekie]

Cooperstreet is bang on about Georgetown, according to Nexon in 2012 they only had two IR fellowships (source).