A Veteran Professor's Candid Advice for Aspiring International Affairs Students

A longtime international relations professor shares practical guidance for those considering graduate study in the field, focusing on how to weigh the decision and strengthen applications. He notes his advice is primarily relevant to U.S. and Canadian programs and cautions that academic institutions and job markets are evolving quickly. The column reflects his personal perspective rather than a universal rulebook.

Walt's column is explicitly framed as a personal perspective rather than a universal guide, and he limits his advice to U.S. and Canadian graduate programs in political science and public policy. He acknowledges that other academic fields and countries operate under different conditions, and he cautions that rapidly evolving institutions and job markets may diminish the value of his accumulated experience.

For students not pursuing academic careers, Walt recommends a master's degree over a Ph.D., citing the shorter two-year commitment, reduced student loan burden, and quicker return to the workforce. He emphasizes that M.A. programs offer strong networking opportunities and often facilitate internships that can serve as practical entry points into professional careers in international affairs.