College Confidential - View Single Post - Is grad school worth it for me? And is it worth it to go to a less ranked grad school

jdjdjdjd · 04-20-2011, 10:49 AM

Just wondering...

I am a major in political science and I am interested in grad school, but only if it would be beneficial.

I will be graduating from one of the "usnwr top 10 schools" to refrain from naming names...

I am interested in getting into politics, campaign work, political analysis, legislative work, certain nfps. Really anything of that nature would be great.

I am also a slightly older student so don't want to bumble around, more interested in switching careers and starting. I already had a short lived 5 year career that I didn't like (I already program).

Not interested in law school, or academics so jd and phd are out I would imagine.

Would it be worth it to do a Masters in Political science focusing on campaign stuff, especially at a lesser ranked school say somewhere 30-50 range? I already took say, around 20 poli sci classes mostly in American Politics and Political Theory. Or should I just go out on the job force? Not really interested in MPA, seems too... well, management type path. Most of the MPP seems too econ/finance oriented. I like the more normative and qualitative aspects so would be looking at those programs. Not that I can't do the more quanty stuff, it just bores me and not a career I am looking for as a government cog.

So to sum it up

If already in possession of stellar undergrad Political Science degree, should I only consider the other top programs for a Masters? Or is it unnecessary and work experience would be more beneficial?

04-20-2011, 10:49 AM	#1
jdjdjdjd Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 30	Is grad school worth it for me? And is it worth it to go to a less ranked grad school Just wondering... I am a major in political science and I am interested in grad school, but only if it would be beneficial. I will be graduating from one of the "usnwr top 10 schools" to refrain from naming names... I am interested in getting into politics, campaign work, political analysis, legislative work, certain nfps. Really anything of that nature would be great. I am also a slightly older student so don't want to bumble around, more interested in switching careers and starting. I already had a short lived 5 year career that I didn't like (I already program). Not interested in law school, or academics so jd and phd are out I would imagine. Would it be worth it to do a Masters in Political science focusing on campaign stuff, especially at a lesser ranked school say somewhere 30-50 range? I already took say, around 20 poli sci classes mostly in American Politics and Political Theory. Or should I just go out on the job force? Not really interested in MPA, seems too... well, management type path. Most of the MPP seems too econ/finance oriented. I like the more normative and qualitative aspects so would be looking at those programs. Not that I can't do the more quanty stuff, it just bores me and not a career I am looking for as a government cog. So to sum it up If already in possession of stellar undergrad Political Science degree, should I only consider the other top programs for a Masters? Or is it unnecessary and work experience would be more beneficial?
	Reply