Dear Prospective Graduate Students in Political Science and/or Religious Studies:

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

The programs with which I am affiliated admit graduate students with exceptional academic records and research interests that coincide with those of one or more faculty members. I welcome first-generation graduate students and especially enjoy working with international students.

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. Tell us why Northwestern is a good fit. If you are interested in politics and religion, read some of my work and explain how you envision it fitting into your research trajectory. If you’re interested in borders, see if my work aligns with how you’d like to approach academic inquiry. You may be interested in the interdisciplinary community provided by the Global Religion Research Group. Mention programs and departments that interest you.

Please remember that you will settle on a thesis topic only after two years of coursework and comprehensive exams. Your interests will evolve over time. That is a good thing. You do not need to propose a thesis topic to apply. Read faculty websites and familiarize yourself with publications and research interests. Talk to current or former graduate students.

Due to the volume of applications received, I do not have time to connect personally with prospective students except in exceptional circumstances. If you are admitted to the program we will be in touch in due course. You are welcome to email me with questions.

Best of luck!

Beth Hurd