Seeking advice for PhD program (Canada and US).

[davet73]

Hello everyone,

 

So, I have a little bit of an "issue" with selecting a PhD program. I wanted to get some advice from, well, basically anyone to see what they think.

 

Here is my situation. I am currently at McGill doing my Masters. For my PhD, I want to focus on American Politics (with a specific focus on voting behavior in the South). I am an American student and have a lot for practical experience in American politics (worked for a US senator, on presidential campaigns, yada yada yada), and most of what I worked on as an undergrad was in American politics as well. Anyway, I have considered asking for a fast-track here at McGill, where I can start as a PhD 2nd year in Fall of 2015. The problem is that there isn't an American track, and my major would be in comparative politics, and I would not take any American government courses while at McGill. But even with that, I have a supervisor who is highly respected when it comes to voting behavior in general and has agreed to take on my research, even though it is American politics. 

 

My other option would be to look at other PhD programs. I have looked at UBC, especially since they have an American major for their PhD program and an expert in southern electoral behavior. Of course, I have looked at American universities as well. If I take this route, I would start as a PhD 1st year student in the Fall of 2016. But, of course, I would have a major in American politics. 

 

I would like to apply for the fast-track here at McGill, but I am worried that if I look for a job in American politics back home that having a major in comparative might hurt me. On the other hand, if I can stay here at McGill, I can be two years ahead on my PhD, which is just as important.

 

So, thoughts?

[victorydance]

First things first, comparative politics and American politics is basically the same thing; so as far as your "degree name" it's not really a big deal. Furthermore, a masters in political science is a masters in political science, it's not really that big of a deal what your major is, more so the skills you acquired from studying the subject.

 

Secondly, I would look at getting into a independent reading and research class with a professor. It's pretty easy at McGill all you really need to do is approach a professor about it and with a specific topic/preliminary reading list. You can basically sit down and design a course together and it's also nice because it cuts down on your actual in-class time during the semester. I'm sure someone like Prof. Waller would be open to doing an American politics course with you 1 on 1. He's also a pretty nice guy as well.

 

Lastly, I wouldn't do a Ph.D., particularly in American politics, in Canada. Go to the US and shoot for the best programs if you want to increase your chances of working in academia with a TT position. 

[davet73]

First things first, comparative politics and American politics is basically the same thing; so as far as your "degree name" it's not really a big deal. Furthermore, a masters in political science is a masters in political science, it's not really that big of a deal what your major is, more so the skills you acquired from studying the subject.

 

Secondly, I would look at getting into a independent reading and research class with a professor. It's pretty easy at McGill all you really need to do is approach a professor about it and with a specific topic/preliminary reading list. You can basically sit down and design a course together and it's also nice because it cuts down on your actual in-class time during the semester. I'm sure someone like Prof. Waller would be open to doing an American politics course with you 1 on 1. He's also a pretty nice guy as well.

 

Lastly, I wouldn't do a Ph.D., particularly in American politics, in Canada. Go to the US and shoot for the best programs if you want to increase your chances of working in academia with a TT position. 

I'm actually Dr. Waller's TA for his American Govt class. We have a good working relationship.

[PrincipalAgent]

Unless you have some major outside options, I wouldn't worry too much about shaving a year or two off of how long it takes you to get your PhD done. If you're serious about landing a TT job at a decent university, you're going to want to go to the best American university that you can possibly get into. I think the best thing you can do is try to get a serious research paper (hopefully with Dr. Walller as a co-author) under your belt because that is going to give you some serious mileage when applying to PhD programs. 

[Gusvalo]

Can't you just apply both to McGill and US programs? As i see in the results page admissions seem to occur in the same time window.