Alp Tuncaci

Alp Tuncaci

Alumni
Ph.D. Program in Political Science Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Alp Tuncaci earned his B.A. and M.A. from San Francisco State University. When he enrolled in the IR Master’s Program, he already knew that he wanted to pursue a Ph.D. as the next step in his academic career. At SF State, Alp was chosen for the Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholarship, which allowed him to explore Ph.D. programs and better prepare for doctoral studies. The scholarship program covered application costs, travel expenses to institutions offering Ph.D. programs of interest and to professional meetings and symposia in the chosen field. Alp also got access to direct one-to-one guidance from Professor Sophie Clavier who was his designated advisor in the Department. Alp is now pursuing a Ph.D. in Political Science at Rutgers University. His research is concentrated on the intersection of religion and politics.

 

Why did you choose the Master’s Program in IR at SF State?

“I had already established good connections within the IR Department through my undergraduate studies in the Political Science Department and I wanted a Master’s Program that would prepare me well for Ph.D. studies.”

What were the highlights of the Master's Program?

“I connected well with Professor Mahmood Monshipouri during the Program and we published an article in a peer-reviewed journal together (Monshipouri, Mahmood and Alp Tuncaci. "A Comparative Look at Iran and Turkey: Assessing Trends and Transformation." International Studies Journal (2011)). I also went together with Professor Monshipouri to the 3rd Annual Middle East Studies Conference at California State University, Fresno where we presented individual research papers. Professor Monshipouri created a great working environment for me in the Master’s Program. Professor Clavier, who was my advisor through the Sally Casanova Scholarship program offered me great guidance and helped me with contacts. I also remember Professor Andrei Tsygankov as an outstanding scholar. He was important in developing my methodological skills and also promoted me for an internship position.”