depressed, insecure, and directionless

Parents Forum
15

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<p>Sort of. I’m not saying that there are NO funded terminal master’s programs, but in poli sci they are rare. The key is not whether you have the “stated purpose” of getting a Ph.D. but whether you are admitted into a Ph.D. program. It’s not easy to get into a good Ph.D. program in poli sci. The programs tend to be small. </p>

<p>In other words, when you apply to grad school, you can apply to Ph.D. programs or you can apply to programs which are designed for students to obtain a master’s. You can’t just automatically stay on in those programs and work towards a Ph.D. They are “terminal master’s” programs. </p>

<p>Does that help? </p>

<p>Many of the people who are in terminal master’s programs in poli sci are in them to beef up their credentials in order to apply to Ph.D. programs with funding. So, just saying you want to aim for a Ph.D. eventually doesn’t mean your master’s will get funded. </p>

<p>Georgetown–which admittedly is not a poli sci program per se—does give merit money of varying amounts to about 20% of the students. So, the vast majority of students pay the full sticker price. Take a look at its list of outside scholarships which aren’t unique to Georgetown.
[Center</a> for Peace and Security Studies : Program Cost, Financial Aid and Scholarships](<a href=“Homepage - CSS”>Homepage - CSS)
I’ve mentioned this program because I know of a few people who did it and they did get jobs when they finished. I don’t think you are a good candidate for merit $ at this point, simply because work experience is taken into account. May be an argument to your parents for letting you take some time between college and grad school. </p>

<p>Columbia U’s SIPA isn’t straight poli sci either. It’s also very expensive. See <a href=“http://sipa.columbia.edu/resources_services/financial_aid/documents/CostofAttendance_MIA-MPA_2011.pdf[/url]”>http://sipa.columbia.edu/resources_services/financial_aid/documents/CostofAttendance_MIA-MPA_2011.pdf&lt;/a&gt; Again, there is some aid available, but getting it is competitive. </p>

<p>Take a look at the graduate board. I’m sure there are some people who know more about grad programs in poli sci than I do. And go talk to your profs and ask. For all I know your state U. has a reasonably priced master’s program in poli sci. But before enrolling, find out what alums of it do career-wise.</p>