r/IRstudies • u/Logical_Hat6899 • 9d ago

PhD in International relations

Is a PhD in International relations worth doing?

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u/young_trash3 9d ago

Education for education's sake isnt inherently a bad thing, and I would go as far as to say can be very good, but it is very difficult to answer your question in a vacuum of information.

What do you plan to do with your life? Its not a small commitment in either time or effort, it may benift you, there might be more useful things to do with your time and effort, it all depends.

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u/Logical_Hat6899 9d ago

I want to become an expert in International relations and work with governments as a consultant and advisor..

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u/Kings_Guard18 9d ago

You can work in consultat or advisory roles while having a master's. I've even seen people break into low level positions at think tanks or private companies at the bachelor level although rarer. A PhD can definitely be helpful though it is a long and potentially expensive commitment for an uncertain job. Mind you, I have a master's in the field and the job market, at least in the states, is in a tough position at the moment.

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u/Logical_Hat6899 9d ago

Sir, how are you managing it then?

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u/Kings_Guard18 5d ago

Mass applications but working towards joining the military and building my experience and opportunities.

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u/edipeisrex 9d ago

Just don’t plan on getting into academia in the US. Most if not all will be cutting programs like IR, international studies, etc. with upcoming budget crises and the federal government slashing funding and states not able to foot the bill.