PhD in Poli Sci?

Re: PhD in Poli Sci?

• marinabreeze

  

  September 2010

  I'm finishing up a PhD in political science, though not at Penn, I'm at University of Cincinnati. 
  
  I think it's important to look for a program that has some structure to it and makes sure that their students graduate.  Lacking structure can mean graduating late or not graduating at all. 
  
  Another consideration is that depending on your subfield(s), it may be hard to find academic jobs after defense, though I have heard that the market is changing.  Right now, it's hard to find academic positions (outside of adjuncting, which pays peanuts), even for political science PhDs from top-tier schools.  So be sure this is really the route you want to take.
  
  Make sure also that it's the kind of program that will prepare you for what you really would like to do after graduation.  For me personally, I like flexibility, and my program, which places a lot of emphasis on public opinion and methodology, tends to place people in liberal arts schools and statistical research houses (both academic and non-academic), so I'm not stuck once I graduate if the academic market is still slim pickings. 
  
  If you have any questions, feel free to PM me or whatnot.  In any case, HTH and GL!

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