Ph.D. program anyone?

Hi guys,

I am working on applications to doctoral programs in political science and was wondering who on this portal has gone on to receive a ph.d. or is currently working on one. What was the application process like for you and how did funding work out for you?

Dude,

If you meet the requirements, check out the one for Stanford.

I know that if you are admitted into that program you will have everything paid for--regardless of background (e.g. immigration status). I know because I contacted the director of the Ph.D. program in poli sci at Stanford.

I know some UCs cover tuition for students admitted into Ph.D. programs; however, I am not sure if immigration status is a problem in terms of the disbursement of funding.

Just out of curiosity what career path are you considering?

Im thinking for stipends you might need at least ITIN but probably an SSN depending on where the funds come from. A lot of schools will fund your schooling and offer a TA position at least in the sciences. No too sure about polisci as it seems to have less funding but maybe im wrong.

Smooth, thanks for the heads up. I too have contacted Stanford and you are right a lot of Ivy League private schools do not consider status when funding. However, the funding you qualify for at the doctoral level is more competitive. Are you also considering doctoral programs or are you looking into for undergrad or masters?


jrpallares, originally I wanted to work at a non profit think tank that deals with immigration policy. I am really interested in looking at how policy is influenced by rhetoric and how certain rhetoric influences particular policy approaches.

I am hoping that if I qualify and receive the work permit through DACA it will open up more doors. Thus I have decided to apply to some public schools.

Well mostly, a lot of the PhD programs have funding so that students in that program basically don't have to pay anything (they're the ones being payed). Don't know for political sci, but the popular programs like engineering, etc have a ton of funding from outside sources for research, etc. And you're going to be working/researching in the field which is what you're basically getting paid for. And to be able to work (even in the univ.s), you still need a valid SSN/work authorization, so it would be hard to do a PhD program with being illegal. Because if you can't work = you pay full cost of program. So with the EAD you're hopefully about to receive, a PhD will definately be within your reach.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

No you pretty much nailed the dilemma of the entire situation. However, there are some private schools that can be more flexible with funds than public schools can be. I have contacted some of those schools and I hope that it works.

I am also hoping I do receive an EAD to mitigate my appeal to schools. In contacting the schools, however, I have been assured that all students are considered equally regardless of status and all are considered for funding.

I began this inquiry to see how many DREAMERS on the site had gone on to doctoral programs and how they managed to receive funding (i.e. getting paid for RA or TA without being legally authorized to work).

I wish I could have signed up for a GA or TA position this term. Sucks being a grad student and not be able to teach a course

I am enrolled in master because they denied me for phd since they could not give the stipend without ssn. . Hopefully they let me apply after If i get daca.

Are you in a doctoral program and if so, did you get full funding without being able to teach/ work?