Hey everyone,
Is anyone a current or former grad or undergrad polisci student at tOSU? I'm considering the PhD program (I'm thinking about concentrating in international politics and political psychology) and was hoping for an inside perspective. I'm interested in working with Braumoeller, Hopf, Mueller, Schweller, or Wendt, and would love to hear about anyone's experiences!
Thanks and Go Bucks!
Graduated in 04 with a BA in Political Science. Fantastic program, and they definitely get into the psychology of persuasion, decision making, and public perception. One of my most impactful classes was taught by a professor from Columbia who's actually lived and experienced the political climate there: the drug wars, the puppet states etc.
Graduated in 10, had classes with Bear and Schweller. I was not a huge fan of Schweller but I thought Bear was an awesome teacher (it was a stats class). Schweller taught something about war and politics but I got food poisioning for the midterm so my experience with that class and teacher are colored by that as well as the idiots that populated that class. I think working with Schweller would be a good experience but Bear seems a little more down to earth.
"Who cares? Go Bucks." - Aaron Untch
I'm a current undergrad, and I haven't had a ton of exposure with the whole department yet, but from the experiences I've had thus far in discussing things with the polisci faculty, the program is great. Personally, I'll be wasting no time in seeking research experiences with faculty members, and wouldn't hesitate to return for my graduate degree in political science also.
'06 Undergrad alumni here. Don't know about the others, but Mueller was one of the best profs I've ever had (and I was in college/grad school for 9 years). From what I recall our PoliSci program was ranked #6 in the world at one point when I was an undergrad. And our foreign relations/security policy staff is the tops.
If they're still there, I'd also recommend Verdier, Pollins, and Herrmann. (Verdier was my undergrad thesis advisor). Those are all IR/Political Economy profs (my specialty in undergrad).
The Ohio State University, College of Arts & Sciences, Class of 2006
The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, Class of 2009
'99 grad here, took one American foreign policy class with Schweller and really liked it and him. He was interesting, very approachable and a nice guy. I ended up majoring in Econ, but took a hunk of PolySci and came away with a great impression of the program, at least for an undergrad.
Oh I think Verdier and Baum were my favorite teachers. Verdier was the man and Baum, well he is just awesome.
"Who cares? Go Bucks." - Aaron Untch
I'm a 2008 undergrad alumni, so I can't speak much to the graduate program except that I know it was ranked along with the top in the country. Mueller was great with US security policy, Asher was great with Ohio politics. Had great professors who taught on the US Supreme Court and the United Nations, but it doesn't look like they're listed with the faculty anymore. There are enough offerings to leave you with a well-rounded perspective on state, national, and global politics.
What do you hope to do with the degree, Athens?
Class of 2008
Thanks for the perspectives, everyone! Not a surprise, but it sounds like a good fit. I'll be up on an official visit weekend March 29-31, so that should be a good time (and only my second trip to Columbus!).
@Scott - I'd like to be a professor in IR. Interested in DoD or State Dept, but I'm really in to research.
Athens: Good luck on the visit! While you're in town it might be worth scheduling time to visit with someone at the John Glenn School of Public Affairs. Probably a bit out of scope for someone wanting to become an IR professor, but if you're considering working in or around government, it's worth taking a look. A number of my friends have graduated from the Glenn School and went straight to lobbying, government relations firms, and state/federal government positions.
Class of 2008
If you're interested in State Dept. talk with Herrman. He was on GWB's NSC if I recall, and worked in the GHWB and Reagan State Depts.
The Ohio State University, College of Arts & Sciences, Class of 2006
The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, Class of 2009
Current undergrad, the program is now ranked 4th in the world, and if you're looking for anything to deal with IR, Wendt in my mind would be one of the guys I'd want to work with, he's one of the leading constructivists (social) in the world.
Just left from my admitted students weekend today - I unfortunately couldn't stay in Columbus for the game. It's a pretty incredible department - Hermann, Wendt, Braumoeller, and Thompson were all very impressive.