Switching fields from english to political science

[abbeyalise]

I was an english lit undergrad, and now I want to switch gears and get a Masters in Political Science/ International Affairs. I would like to do NGO work and then continue on in academics later.

Im wondering how common it is to switch into polical science from such a different undergrad major. I have study abroad experience and relevant Volunteer Work to demonstrate my interest.

Thoughts?

[Brandon263]

Definitely possible, especially if you're planning to focus on qualitative work/IR/political theory. My friend majored in English and is now at a top 20.

 

I would try applying straight to a PhD program if you have knowledge of your area and recommenders who are political scientists/social scientists. If not, go for a political science, rather than international affairs, MA.

[AmericanQuant]

In my cohort, the modal grad student was not a polisci major, so switching is fine. But since you're switching from a less technical field, having a good quant score on your gre will be important, as will demonstrating some knowledge about what you're going to study.

 

As brandon implied, polisci is higher status than international affairs, and a PhD program will pay you a stipend to study, while most MA programs are cash cows for universities. Thus, it's advantageous to apply for a PhD program in Polisci, even if being an academic is only a possibility.  If you want to hedge your bets, you can also apply to master's programs.

[abbeyalise]

Thanks yall! I did one direct admit PhD application (but youre eligible for the MA if denied from the PhD.) and two masters (one international affairs and one polisci). I didnt have time to redo my gre for a higher quant. Score so I might have to try again next year.

My reccomenders are history and english profs because they have worked with me most closely.

[esotericish]

I have some experience in the DC-based NGO world myself, and you definitely do not need a master's degree to do that.

[AuldReekie]

Thanks yall! I did one direct admit PhD application (but youre eligible for the MA if denied from the PhD.) and two masters (one international affairs and one polisci). I didnt have time to redo my gre for a higher quant. Score so I might have to try again next year.

My reccomenders are history and english profs because they have worked with me most closely.

 

I'm still a bit unclear on what you actually want to do. Academia or an NGO? There's no point doing a PhD for most NGO work and there's little use in acquiring an MIA for academia...