So You Want to Get a Ph.D. in Political Science

An enthusiastic student gets a lesson in pursuing a Ph.D. that he may never forget

• Category

  Film & Animation

[Art Vandelay]

This is depressingly accurate. Whoever made this video obviously has experienced first-hand the misery and pointlessness of graduate-level political science research. Sadly, it's too late for me to change my course, but to all of you considering a Ph.D. in political science -- take heed.

[greysmusicfan1]

"Harvard only hires super smart humanoid robots created at a lab in MIT" XD

[denisrenelara]

so..... no Phd for me.

[Gerald Webb]

lol



[MrVisuljak]

Once again, thanks :)

[Art Vandelay]

You're welcome. In my opinion, studying human nature is crucial to understanding politics. Economics, law, etc., can help you with particular aspects of public policy, but a proper study of human nature will provide you with a general yet essential foundation for effective politics. Before taking up modern sociology, review some of the classics such as Aristotle's Politics and N. Ethics. The older philosophers tend to address the basics in a more thorough way than modern writers, in my view.

[MrVisuljak]

An extremely helpful answer.Fortunately, I'm everything but a shy person and attention is something I definitely enjoy. Having said that, I crave to participate in positive changes and that's the main reason why I wish to be a politican. In what area should I spend time educating myself the most apart from political scinece? Economy, sociology, agriculture, psihology, law, or something else? Thanks mate

[Art Vandelay]

2/2

Is a post-secondary education in politics worth it? Sure; but it depends significantly on your own habits and talents. College doesn't magically make anybody more knowledgeable; rather, it creates an environment that is more conducive to a contemplative life. So if you use that time to pore over the great texts of mankind, it's entirely possible for you to emerge a more thoughtful and intelligent person. Political wisdom and goodness, however, require more than a diploma.

[Art Vandelay]

1/2

If you're interested in serving as an elected representative, there is much to be gained from studying politics; though it's vitally important never to forget the distinction between theory and practice. Although theory can and should inform our actions, studying politics is different from doing politics. This tension has frustrated everyone from ordinary men to great philosophers, so don't feel bad if you find yourself similarly frustrated.

[MrVisuljak]

I see you're a pretty knowledgeable and experienced guy, could you answer some of my questions, too? I'm deeply interested in politics and I'm a current member of the next perhaps-powerful political party in Croatia, and studying political science is all I really want. What benefits does pol.sci. gives me? Is it worth it? What will I actually learn from that college? Is it hard to finish it?

[Art Vandelay]

You're welcome. Many colleges offer both American and international studies. What you'll want to discern, however, is whether a particular college is classified as "liberal arts" or "research." Research institutions emphasize the sort of approach parodied in this YouTube video (i.e., quantitative methods). Liberal arts institutions tend to emphasize history and philosophy. So decide which approach you're more comfortable with before submitting your student application. Godspeed!

[Jordan Dinerman]

THANK YOU SO MUCH. Yiu have been a great help in only a few hours. :D

(Also, I did have my mind set for both Poly Sci and Inter, Affairs)