Should You Pursue a PhD in Political Science, Political Economy, or Economics?

A multitude of research topics intersect the fields of political science and economics, making the decision to pursue a PhD in either field a significant one. Your interests lie in political institutions, the economy, and political theory. This decision is complex and influenced by various factors, including job prospects, research opportunities, and personal preferences. In this article, we will explore the key considerations and highlight the pros and cons of each field to help you make an informed decision.

Interdisciplinary Research Opportunities

There are numerous research topics that sit comfortably in the intersection of political science and economics. The choice of researcher and the degree program can significantly impact your academic journey. If you have a strong interest in subjects such as political institutions, the economy, and political theory, it is essential to find a researcher who aligns with your interests. The researcher you choose can often determine the nature of your degree program and the research opportunities you will have access to.

Choosing the Right Program

The decision to pursue a PhD is impacted by several factors, including where you might get accepted. For top-tier candidates, there are several exceptional programs to consider, such as Stanford GSB, Harvard's Political Economy and Government programs, and Rochester. These programs often allow for customization of the curriculum, enabling students to tailor their programs to suit their preferences.

Economics:

Economics provides a robust education in statistics, mathematics, and the scientific method, which is crucial for a PhD. Academic and non-academic job markets favor economists over political scientists. Economists often work in private, public, and international organizations. However, once in an economics PhD program, political theory is not widely explored, and a liberal world view is expected. There are few 'heterodox' exceptions to this general rule.

Political Science: If you have a strong interest in political institutions and political theory, studying political science is a more suitable option. Political science programs are more likely to include courses on political theory and the sociological implications of economic structures.

Program Specifics

Distinct from economics departments, a political science department provides a broader exploration of political theory and political institutions. Political economy housed in economics departments often focuses on the economic foundations of institutions and political developments, such as colonization. It takes a primarily market-oriented perspective, addressing economic incentives that result in poor institutions.

Political science programs also offer a more diverse range of theoretical frameworks, making them a better fit for those interested in political theory and broader sociological implications of economic structures. This does not mean political science is inferior to economics; rather, it offers a different set of tools and perspectives for understanding the world.

Conclusion

Deciding whether to pursue a PhD in political science, political economy, or economics is a complex process that depends on your personal interests, career goals, and academic strengths. If your primary interest lies in political institutions, the economy, and political theory, a political science program may be the best fit. However, if you are drawn to the quantitative methods and broader applicability of economics, an economics program might be more suitable. Research on the available programs and choose one that aligns with your goals and academic interests.

Key Takeaways

In summary, the key considerations for choosing a PhD program include:

Your research interests and theoretical preferences The flexibility of the program in terms of customization The job market and career opportunities in both academia and industry The availability of research supervisors and mentors

By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your academic and career aspirations.