Advice for Prospective Graduate Students in Political Science or Religious Studies:

Thank you for your interest in my work and in Northwestern. Please see our websites (Political Science or Religious Studies) for basic information on how to apply.

The graduate programs with which I am affiliated admit students with exceptional academic records and research interests that coincide with those of one or more faculty members. I especially welcome first-generation graduate students and encourage you to consider applying if you think a Ph.D. aligns well with your career goals whether inside or outside the academy. I also enjoy working with international students.

I encourage you to read faculty websites and familiarize yourself with their publications, activities, and research interests. Talk to our current or former graduate students if possible. In your essay, explain clearly why Northwestern is the right fit for you. For example, if you are interested in questions of law and religion, read some of my work and explain how you see it fitting into your research trajectory. If you are interested in the American border, read some of my work and see if it fits your style of academic inquiry. If you have interests in the MENA region look into the MENA Studies Program as well as the Keyman Modern Turkish Studies Program. Many of you also will be interested in the interdisciplinary community provided by the Global Religion Research Group. Mention programs and departments that interest you in your application.

Your application essay should explain how you see yourself benefitting from working with me as well as, perhaps, other faculty in the program to which you are applying. Keep in mind that because you will settle on a thesis topic only after two years of coursework and comprehensive exams your interests will likely evolve in the course of graduate studies. This is a good thing. You do not need to have a thesis topic in mind to apply.

Due to the volume of applications received I cannot talk on the phone or skype with prospective students except in exceptional circumstances. If you are admitted to the program we will be in touch in due course.

Best of luck with the application process!

Professor Hurd