No idea on what to do: PhD political science, MPP, or MBA?

[pubpol101]

My goals are fairly simple: obtain a job after a post-graduate degree as a policy analyst for the federal government (legislative or agency) or a top think tank. But this application process has been daunting as I don't know 1) which degrees will suit my goals 2) the prospects of funding and 3) my prospects of admission.

Originally, I thought a master's in public policy (MPP) or a master's in public administration was the obvious way to go. But the only program I've heard of that gives out scholarships to everyone is Princeton's WWS, and I need a fully funded program. Rangel and Pickering scholarships are ridiculously selective, and I was just rejected by the Schwarzman program today. I have no work experience when 90% of admitted Princeton applicants have 2+ years of work experience, so it's not likely I'll get in. And now I've heard some word indicating that an MPP offers no advantages beyond what an MBA might provide, so I'm second guessing all of my decisions.

What about PhDs, I thought? Since many are fully funded, I thought that they might be great options. But the acceptance rates for top poli-sci PhD programs are terrifying--5-15% for many top programs--so I have no idea if that's a safe route. And I'm not sure if my PhD will even be useful in government or outside of academia, especially given how many do not focus on public policy and dissertations focus on extraordinarily specific topics. Another sticking point is that my major has nothing to do with poli-sci--biomedical sciences.

So I'm in a bit of a mess. Any guidance on this, like what programs I should be applying to, where I definitely won't get in, and any other MPP programs that give out a lot of scholarships, would be greatly appreciated. I'm not sure if I have the time or money (app fees...) to apply to lots of PhD and MPP programs.

Some facts about my profile: GPA: 3.77, on track for Magna Cum Laude at state school (ranked 150ish by USNWR). GRE: 164 verbal, 165 quantitative. Graduating in 2 years (been in undergrad 1 year and 2 months by now; 2014-2016). Major: biomedical sciences. AP scores of "5" in 11 of 13 AP courses (4 in 2 others), covering economics, history, foreign language, calculus AB/BC, fulfilling some quant/economics requirements of post-graduate programs.

Research experience: Boko Haram research for a think tank, strongly praised by Special Operations Command, State Dept., and other institutions; published bimonthly report. Nearly 1 year. University research for biophysics, literature reviews. No publications. 9 months. INESAD (#1 think tank in Bolivia). Epigenetics focus, discussing public policy of the Barker hypothesis, literature reviews. No publications.

Work/writing/publication experience: See research. Also, written for numerous outlets, culminating in the Huffington Post, The Hill, Georgetown Public Policy Review, and more. Over two-dozen publications at HuffPost and other outlets. My work at the top outlets have reached hundreds of thousands / millions of people, engaging scholars at Harvard and the Brookings Institution. They've produced real, measurable change, causing original sources for the Washington Post like ILMFeed to issue public fact-based retractions. Obviously, NO post-undergraduate work experience.
Volunteering: various, for one full year by now. Also, leadership experiences--presidencies of some organizations at my school that have raised thousands of dollars for disease relief programs.

Awards: nothing national unfortunately. Best awards include a university leadership award (50 selected from class of 3,000).

Edited October 29, 2015 by AAAAAAAA

[GradSchoolTruther]

There are many other schools out there, but most top schools do not give funding for professional master's degrees. If you want to work in government or a think-tank, concentrate on landing good internships.

[cooperstreet]

What about PhDs, I thought? Since many are fully funded, I thought that they might be great options.

While its not the worst reason to get a PhD, its pretty close to it.

You're grades and GREs are good. However, unless you become passionate about a life devoted to political science research, you shouldn't apply and you shouldn't get in. You will have to write a SOP that reflects your clear and unbridled passion for political science. Without that, you will either be writing a terribly dissembling statement, or writing a statement that will get you in nowhere.

Why not apply for jobs?

[deepviszion]

 

On 10/29/2015, 11:22:03, GradSchoolTruther said:

There are many other schools out there, but most top schools do not give funding for professional master's degrees. If you want to work in government or a think-tank, concentrate on landing good internships.

Agreed. Have you looked into the NYC Urban Fellows program?