Political Science MA/PhD Programs

Hello all,

Could anyone make any recommendations or recount experience in this subject area? A specific question right now is how to compare/evaluate programs with heavy masters-level instructor-led course requirements (so-called "taught-Masters" programs?) versus programs with minimal formal course requirements at the masters level, emphasizing research projects and going straight on to the doctorate.

The distinction seems to be largely one between the programs of the UK/Commonwealth nations and US programs. I have a traditional technical undergrad degree (BSEE), but have over 20 credits of applicable history, political science and economics credit; this is apparently enough to qualify for admission into a number of traditional programs. Residency requirements are a major consideration; equally important to me, however, is the number of actual courses required, availability of advising, and flexibility of the overall program. My research interests are pretty well-defined at this point. I would like to continue with my independent research under the umbrella/affiliation of a formal program, and minimize time spent in tangental (albeit useful) survey courses and methodology courses.

Any insight at all is greatly appreciated, and sorry for such a lengthy post!

Thanks
Chaz

 

Hi Chaz - I believe you're correct when you say that the distinction between the taught programs and the research programs is essentially the distinction between the US programs and the UK/Commonwealth programs. Based on my own research of programs (in a somewhat different field) I could mention two or three things you'll want to take into consideration. The first is simply related to your own preferences - some people like the course based programs as they are more structured, etc. Some like the research programs, perhaps due to the flexibility. Second, it makes a difference if you think you'll eventually get your PhD. The research-based PhD programs really want you to have completed a research project as a part of your Masters work so a Masters program that is 100% course-based might trip you up a bit in the long run. Finally, there are a number of British or Australian Masters programs that are clearly 100% non-residential. On the other hand, it is frequently quite difficult to get these same universities to commit themselves to allowing you to do your PhD in the same manner. Going through a schools Masters program allows you to get to know the instructors and perhaps more importantly it allows them to get to know you and your work. This can work to your advantage if you apply to that same schools PhD program as there is a degree of familiarity that wouldn't exist otherwise and they may be more likely to make a commitment regarding your ability to complete the program in a non-residential manner. There have been some interesting discussions on the forum about the pros and cons of doing your Masters and PhD work at the same university. Perhaps others could weigh in on this aspect of the question. Good luck,
Jack

 

I am currently "negotiating" with the University of Tasmania to enrol as a PhD student with their School of Government. The university has a separate political science department, about which I am unable to comment, but the school of government does cover many political issues and may meet your needs.

Now, how relevant this is to you, I don't know. I live in Tasmania and although the University is in my home town, I will be a 100 per cent distance ed student in that I will continue to work full-time, undertake my study off-campus and do the bulk of my contact with supervisors by email and telephone. There is no actual campus attendance requirements.

Do you live in the USA? I assume from your post that you might. I do not know the University of Tasmania's policy in relation to overseas applications, but my feeling is that they would listen to any approach.

I have a masters degree with a 50 per cent research component, but my application is currently being assessed to see if I have enough research experience to qualify for a PhD. Australian universities usually require an honours degree or a research masters for admission to a PhD.

I have been advised that if I am not accepted as a PhD csndidate I can be enrolled as a masters student then apply to transfer to PhD status after 12 months. This would not add any time onto the degree (about 5 years).

Kind regards

 

I have recently been accepted into a Masters of Philosophy in Management with Griffith University in Australia and ,whilst I have contact with my supervisors, the bulk of it is by e-mail. The Masters program I am informed will roll over into a PHD subject to satisfactory performance.

It is clear from discussions in this forum there appear to be some differences between PHD's in America and Australia. I am not sure of the exact requirements for a PHD in the USA. In Australia (which follows the UK model) you have to make an orginal contribution to the field of study. We do have,however, a professional Doctorate which still requires a thesis but is more directed to an industry project than an original field of study.

I came to Griffith Uni with a Masters Degree in Public Policy and Administration by coursework. I was not accepted directly into a PHD and had to go via the route of Masters of Philosophy which can be rolled over into a PHD as stated. If I was going the professional route to a Doctorate I could go from my Masters Degree directly. It is a question of what suits your needs.

A PHD in Australia is extremely relevant to those seeking an academic career whereas the professional Doctorate has clout in the business world or applied skills area.

I do not believe from your comments you would have any trouble in enrolling in professional Doctorate by Distance learning in Australia. If you want to go the PHD route then I would suggest that you go the Masters by Philosophy which can be rolled over into the PHD.

You do your literature review for your Masters Degree and then your research project for your PHD. You will be required to undertake some research subjects in the process. Remember than the Australian Dollar is about 62 cents to the US. There has been recent changes in government funding which will result, if passed in the Senate, with more university places for full fee paying students. Australian students are mostly subsidised by the Commonwealth although the fees are still not cheap by our standards. Significantly cheap by yours, it would appear. An Australian University will probably require you to an associate supervisor for your thesis from a PHD in your community, not necessarily at a university. You may be able to achieve this from this forum.

Check out the universities in South Africa. There are a number of Australians studying with University of South Africa and they sit for the examinations at universities in Australia. The Rand is very cheap and perhaps undervalued at the present time.

Best of luck with your endeavours. Remember that you are operating in a world market for distance learning.

 

The online Poli Sci MA program that gets my eye is...

Virginia Techs....
Although pricey for an out of state student, this has everything the serious grad student wants!

In fact, for those cheap and serious enough, I'd say moving to Washington, D.C. (northern Virginia), just to gain in-state tuition status for the program is a very sensible move.

"The Online Masters of Arts in Political Science is identical in course content, requirement, and work load to the widely respected and high-quality residential MA degree program that has been offered in Blacksburg since 1969. The M.A. degree program features a broad array of methodologically sophisticated, theoretically grounded, and empirically oriented graduate courses to new audiences anywhere in the world."
http://www.vto.vt.edu/progdesc.php?id=olma

--Orson