Muslim World Report

Charting Your Journey to a Political Science PhD

Dr. Anthony Lindsay | Apr 12, 2025 9:49 AM | 6 min read | 1248 words

Charting Your Journey to a Political Science PhD: Challenges and Opportunities

TL;DR: Navigating the path to a Political Science PhD can be complex, especially for candidates with interdisciplinary backgrounds. This post explores various strategies—continuing a master’s program, taking a gap year, or changing academic focus—to enhance applications for a PhD program in political science.

The Situation

As the world grapples with an increasingly intricate tapestry of domestic and international issues, the significance of political science as a discipline has never been more pronounced. For aspiring PhD candidates, particularly those with backgrounds in economics and management, a nuanced understanding of the academic landscape is paramount. Consider an applicant who has:

  • Impressive GRE scores: 163 in verbal and 165 in quantitative
  • A distinguished bachelor’s degree in economics
  • A master’s in management

Despite these strong credentials, the absence of formal coursework in political science raises concerns regarding their candidacy for a PhD program.

This scenario encapsulates broader trends in academic admissions and reflects the evolving nature of political science as a discipline. Increasingly, political science departments are seeking interdisciplinary perspectives, acknowledging that issues of governance, power, and economic policy are interlinked rather than isolated. An applicant with a robust economics background can provide critical insights into the economic foundations of political systems, a dimension often overlooked in traditional political science curricula (Klein, 1990; Barry et al., 2008).

However, this candidate faces substantial challenges. The contemporary academic job market is notoriously competitive, compelling universities to adopt stringent selection processes. Many programs prioritize candidates with:

  • Clear, demonstrable commitments to political science
  • Relevant coursework
  • Research experience

This raises a dilemma: Should the candidate continue with their current master’s program or take a gap year to bolster their application through relevant experiences and courses?

This decision extends beyond individual aspirations; it reflects a broader narrative about how academic institutions value interdisciplinary approaches. The outcome of this candidate’s journey may signal shifting attitudes within the political science community regarding inclusivity and the acknowledgment of diverse academic pathways, potentially influencing how future aspirants navigate similar situations.

What If Scenarios

What If the Candidate Chooses to Continue Their Master’s Program?

If the candidate opts to complete their master’s program in management, they may acquire additional skills that could enhance their application to political science programs, particularly in:

  • Policy analysis
  • Management of non-governmental organizations

This route could result in a unique profile that stands out in political science admissions, showcasing both theoretical knowledge and practical management skills.

However, pursuing this path comes with risks, such as:

  • Lengthening their academic journey, delaying entry into an already competitive job market
  • Difficulty in convincingly conveying their interest and preparedness for advanced study in political science without supplementary coursework

To navigate this option successfully, the candidate could consider:

  • Integrating political science electives into their existing master’s program, such as courses in comparative politics or international relations. This approach would strengthen their knowledge of political science and demonstrate proactive engagement.

  • Seeking research or practical experiences that bridge management and political science, such as projects related to public policy or governance.

These experiences would enrich their personal insights into political phenomena and generate transferable skills that could be highlighted during the application process.

What If the Candidate Takes a Gap Year to Build Experience?

Alternatively, choosing to take a gap year to gain relevant professional experience could have profound implications. Engaging in:

  • Internships
  • Volunteer work with political organizations
  • Research positions

These activities could enhance their CV and provide practical knowledge that enriches their understanding of political science. Demonstrating a year of substantial engagement may help to offset the lack of formal coursework in the subject.

Nonetheless, this approach is fraught with uncertainty. Challenges include:

  • Securing meaningful opportunities aligned with career goals
  • Risk of eroding academic momentum, making reintegration into academic life more difficult (De Genova, 2002)

To make the most of a gap year, the candidate should:

  • Select opportunities that align with long-term career goals, such as working with advocacy groups focused on economic policy or participating in research initiatives that examine the intersection of economics and political systems.

  • Engage in networking and mentorship opportunities. Connecting with professionals can provide insights and potential collaborations that enhance their understanding of political science.

What If the Candidate Alters Their Academic Focus Entirely?

Another alternative is for the candidate to consider redirecting their focus entirely. This may involve applying to programs that merge economics, management, and political science, or exploring public policy or international relations programs that value their interdisciplinary background. Such a shift might facilitate a smoother transition into political science, leveraging their strengths while addressing the growing importance of economic analysis in political decision-making (Rasler & Thompson, 1995; Turner & Robbins, 2008).

However, embarking on a different academic path can be daunting, as new applications entail:

  • Fresh challenges regarding requirements
  • Faculty alignment
  • Research interests

The candidate must weigh the potential for greater intellectual alignment against the risks of an uncertain academic trajectory.

If redirecting their focus, they should:

  • Research interdisciplinary programs that resonate with their interests and provide options.

  • Engage early with faculty members to discuss how their skills align with potential research opportunities, which can strengthen their application.

  • Join relevant professional associations or groups focused on the intersection of economics, policy, and political science to enrich their understanding and preparation.

Strategic Maneuvers

To navigate these choices effectively, the candidate must adopt a strategic approach:

  1. Enhance their academic profile by enrolling in relevant political science courses—even while remaining in their current master’s program.

  2. Gain relevant professional experience through internships, research assistant roles, or volunteering for organizations engaged in public policy.

  3. Build a network within the political science community by attending conferences, seminars, and discussion panels to facilitate connections.

  4. Leverage platforms such as social media and academic networks to enhance visibility within the field.

  5. Reflect on their passions and long-term career goals to ensure alignment with choices made in their academic journey.

Ultimately, the journey toward a Political Science PhD is rife with choices that require careful consideration and strategic planning. The candidate must leverage their unique interdisciplinary background while actively seeking to enhance their profile through relevant coursework and transformative experiences. By aligning their aspirations with the evolving needs of the academic community, they can position themselves for success in an increasingly competitive landscape.

References

← Prev Next →