hopeful2342

Hey all. I just completed my master's at Boston U in Psychology. I have decided to pursue a PhD in political science instead of psychology given my interest in culture and politics. Specifically, I want to look at East Asian comparative politics. I had a 3.15ish undergrad GPA (2.55 the first 2 years and 3.55 the last two years), a 3.6 graduate GPA, 610 verbal 650 math and 4.5 writing on the GRE. Do I have a chance at any of the decent schools if I market my psychology research experiences well? I have limited coursework in poli sci from early on in my undergrad but thats it. Would I be better off trying for an Asian Studies MA first to strengthen my application? Or can I bring my GRE up significantly and have a chance? Thanks for any help you can give me.

juillet

In order to get into a PS program, you are going to need PS coursweork - probably the equivalent of a major. If you don't already have that, you need to beef up that coursework, either through taking classes as non-degree student or by getting an MA.

It depends on how close your psychological research is to poli sci research, honestly.

porkypig

The coursework won't necessarily be an issue. The challenge will be to convince an admissions committee that you have a clear set of interests that fit well into political science, and that reflect some understanding of what questions political scientists ask as they study "East Asian comparative politics." Coursework can help with that, but if you have another way to make the case that you are really interested and prepared to do political science, you should be fine. An MA is a good way to prepare yourself to make the case, and to get recommendation letters that make the case for you. The leap from psych to poli sci is an easy one for some areas of study in poli sci, but I wouldn't think comparative politics would be one - unless you're interested in voter behavior or something similar.

hopeful2342

Yeah I have heard that it isn't necessarily a limiting factor to not have an undergrad degree in the area you are applying for. I think I definitely have the necessary skills, I am more concerned about my numbers at the moment. I am thinking about retaking the GRE...does that seem like a good idea given my scores?

hopeful2342

What if I concentrate more on political psychology in East Asia? Would that be a better way of marketing my skills? That way I can combine my interest in Asian politics with an area that I have a masters degree in. Any thoughts?