USA PhD Programs?

Question

I have two MA degrees in Business and Public Administration. I am now contemplating on pursuing a PhD degree in international studies specializing in international development. Is it required to pursue a PhD on either of my two MAs? If I choose another field of study, will it be acceptable or will it diminish my chances of getting accepted in the PhD program? Please help!

Thanks for the answer CanProf.

I speak Japanese and finished an undergraduate degree in political economy. Hope that will help.

Can you recommend a university in the USA that offers a good PhD Program on international development?

Answer 1

I would look at UNC Chapel Hill. I am a student there.

feel free to contact me through AOL AIM at poweranni74 or on yahoo at poweranni

I think that you can go straight into a Ph.D. from your two MA's. You need a hybrid program, at a large state-funded graduate school.

Answer 2

You will not necessarily be out of the running and perhaps not necessarily disadvantaged. I assume as part of your program you have plenty of economics so that is good. If you have no political science at all even at the undergraduate level that might be a wee bit sticky. If you do not speak or write any other language than English that will be a problem.
What you need to do in your application is make clear that you wish to build from the strengths you have, e.g. you want to write a dissertation on some aspect of international business. "International Studies" or "International Relations" is intrinsically a multidisciplinary area and should welcome people from a variety of backgrounds.
Good luck.