A combined PhD in African American Studies and Political Science would be an interdisciplinary program that aims to explore the intersection of race, politics, and policy in the United States. The program would provide a deep understanding of the political and social context in which African Americans operate, and the ways in which their experiences and perspectives shape political outcomes.
Students in this program would take courses in both African American Studies and Political Science, covering topics such as African American history, culture, and politics, as well as political theory, public policy, and international relations. They would also have the opportunity to engage in research and scholarship that bridges these fields, using methodologies from both disciplines to explore questions of race and politics.
Graduates of this program would be prepared to pursue careers in academia, government, think tanks, or non-profit organizations, working on issues related to race, politics, and policy. They would be equipped with the analytical tools, theoretical frameworks, and research skills needed to address complex social and political challenges facing African Americans and other marginalized communities.
Here are some potential highlights of a combined PhD in African American Studies and Political Science:
Interdisciplinary approach | The program would offer a unique blend of African American Studies and Political Science, allowing students to explore the intersection of race, politics, and policy from multiple angles. |
Diverse course offerings | Students would have the opportunity to take a wide range of courses, covering topics such as African American history, political theory, public policy, and international relations. This would provide a deep understanding of the political and social context in which African Americans operate, as well as the broader political landscape. |
Research opportunities | Students would have the opportunity to engage in research and scholarship that bridges the fields of African American Studies and Political Science. This could involve using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to explore questions of race and politics, and contributing to cutting-edge research in the field. |
Preparation for diverse career paths | Graduates of the program would be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue careers in academia, government, think tanks, or non-profit organizations. They would be prepared to work on issues related to race, politics, and policy, and to contribute to efforts aimed at promoting social justice and equity. |
Impactful work | The program would prepare graduates to make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields, by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and skills needed to address complex social and political challenges facing African Americans and other marginalized communities. |
Admission requirements for a combined PhD in African American Studies and Political Science would typically include:
A bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., African American Studies, Political Science, Sociology, History, etc.). |
A minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). |
Strong letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional references. |
A statement of purpose outlining the student's research interests, career goals, and reasons for pursuing a combined PhD in African American Studies and Political Science. |
GRE scores (or similar standardized test scores). |
Selection criteria for admission to a combined PhD in African American Studies and Political Science program would include academic achievements, research experience, letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and the student's fit with the program and research interests.
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The application form and process for a combined PhD in African American Studies and Political Science program typically involves the following steps:
Step 1 | Researching universities that offer the program and their admission requirements. |
Step 2 | Submitting an online application, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and GRE scores. |
Step 3 | Some universities may require additional documents such as a writing sample, resume/CV, or additional essays. |
Step 4 | Paying the application fee, which varies by university. |
Step 5 | Attending an interview (in some cases) as part of the admission process. |
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The syllabus for a combined PhD in African American Studies and Political Science program will vary by university, but some of the common courses may include:
African American Political Thought and Intellectual History |
Race and American Politics |
Political Theory and Public Policy |
Comparative Politics of the African Diaspora |
Research Methods in Political Science and African American Studies |
Seminar in Black Political Behavior and Public Opinion |
1. The salary and job opportunities for graduates of a combined PhD in African American Studies and Political Science program will depend on their chosen career path.
2. Graduates may pursue careers in academia, government, non-profit organizations, or think tanks, among others.
3. Salaries vary widely depending on the specific job and location, but graduates may earn a starting salary of $50,000 to $70,000 per year, with higher salaries possible as they gain experience.
Graduates of a combined PhD in African American Studies and Political Science program may pursue a variety of career paths, including:
1 | Professor or researcher in African American Studies or Political Science at a university or college. |
2 | Policy analyst or researcher for a government agency or non-profit organization. |
3 | Political consultant or campaign strategist for political candidates or advocacy groups. |
4 | Director or coordinator of diversity and inclusion initiatives in the private or public sector. |
5 | Human rights advocate or activist for social justice issues. |
Some of the top colleges for a combined PhD in African American Studies and Political Science program include:
University of California, Berkeley |
Harvard University |
Princeton University |
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor |
Yale University |
Northwestern University |
University of Chicago |
Duke University |
University of Pennsylvania |
Stanford University |
FAQs About Ph.D. Program
Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.
Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?
ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.
Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?
ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.
Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?
ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.
Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.
Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?
ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?
ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.
Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?
ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.
Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?
ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.
Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?
ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.
Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?
ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.
Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?
ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.
Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?
ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.