phd political science missouri

Let your curiosity lead the way:

Apply Today

• Arts & Sciences
• Graduate Studies in A&S

Graduate Program

About the graduate program.

The doctoral program in political science at Washington University is one of the top programs in the country. Graduate students take classes and engage in research with a faculty recognized nationally and internationally as among the most expert, active, and productive in the country.

Job Training and Placement

Washington University's PhD program in political science is designed to prepare students for academic careers in research and teaching at major institutions across the country. We pride ourselves on our job placement on the academic job market. Our graduates go on to have successful careers in tenure track jobs, and our placement record is among the top in the discipline.

While our program stresses the importance of political methodology (applied statistics) and formal theory (game theory and mathematical modeling), our program is designed to train all students in these methods, regardless of their mathematical background. We provide professional training in the discipline through our professional development seminar and we encourage our students to attend professional meetings and participate in convention programs.

We have active research groups in American politics, comparative politics, international relations, positive and normative theory, and political methodology. We are also building a research group in race and ethnic politics and a number of students work in the field of political economy, collaborating with faculty in political science, economics, law, and business.

It is important to emphasize that we do not regard these sub-fields as separate entities. Many of our faculty have research and teaching interests that transcend political science subfields, as well as traditional disciplinary boundaries. We have strong connections with other departments at Washington University, including economics, anthropology, the law school, and with various interdisciplinary research centers on campus.

Aksoy, Enamorado, and Yang published in International Organization

Deniz Aksoy, Ted Enamorado, and Tony Yang's co-authored paper “Russian Invasion of Ukraine and Chinese Public Support for War” has been published in International Organization.

International Relations Workshop Series Fosters Student-Faculty Collaboration

The Department of Political Science has launched an International Relations Workshop model aiming to equip students with practical skills and collaborative feedback on their ongoing research.

Program Highlights

Job placement.

We pride ourselves on our job placement on the academic job market, and our placement record is among the top in the discipline. We place about 90 percent of our students, and we place most of them in tenure-track positions.

Financial Support

Our incoming classes are fully funded, covering tuition and living expenses. We try to provide financial support for our students during most if not all of their time at Washington University.

Graduate students take classes and engage in research with a faculty recognized nationally and internationally as among the most expert, active, and productive in the country.

Collaborative Publications

Graduate students regularly collaborate with our nationally and internationally recognized faculty to publish original work. Browse a selection of books, articles, book chapters, and other publications that have been coauthored by graduate students and faculty.

Master’s Degree in Statistics for Political Science Ph.D. Students

The Master’s Degree in Statistics is a tailored master’s degree program in statistics within the Department of Mathematics and Statistics for graduate students in Political Science. Note that while the program is designed to serve political science graduate students, it is run by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

Graduate Life

Our graduate program is relatively small. We admit around 10-12 students into the PhD program each year, and most of these complete the doctorate, generally in five to six years. There are a little over forty graduate students currently in residence.

Our department has long had a reputation for collegiality, and for treating graduate students as participants in the enterprise of teaching and research to which the faculty is committed, and from which we get a good deal of satisfaction, and fun. Every graduate student is assigned a peer mentor to welcome them in to our program and build community support across graduate cohorts. 

The University is centrally located in Saint Louis, Missouri, a metropolitan area rich in heritage and cultural offerings with an increasingly diverse community. Most faculty and students live in the neighborhoods immediately surrounding our attractive campus, but there is much to do and explore all over the Saint Louis region.

Graduate Resources

Find commonly used resources here, or see all resources. 

Guide to Graduate Studies (pdf)

policies and procedures for requirements, advising, formal evaluation, and more

Graduate Directory

find a listing of current graduate students

Graduate Requirements

view teaching and curriculum requirements

Graduate Placement

Search more resources.

• The Office of Graduate Studies in Arts & Sciences
• Office for International Students and Scholars
• WashU Resources

Have questions?

We're here to help! Feel free to reach out via the departmental contact form. 

Tactical Menu

College of Arts and Science

Truman School of Government and Public Affairs

Social Media

Mizzou Truman School

Common Searches

Political Science Graduate Programs

• Political Science
• Graduate Program

Welcome to the Political Science Graduate Program website, which is designed to provide information about the program for UMSL students as well as prospective students interested in our graduate program. The Political Science Department considers graduate training to be one of its primary objectives.

The graduate program in Political Science at UMSL consists of two separate programs: The Master (M.A.) of Political Science, and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Political Science. The M.A. program in political science offers advanced education for those seeking careers in government, business, secondary education, community organizations, or not-for-profit agencies. The principal foci of the 33-hour program are public administration and public policy analysis/evaluation in the local, state, national, and international areas. The flexibility of the general master's degree allows for individualized programs in urban politics, pre-legal education, American national government, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory.

The doctoral program emphasizes theoretical, analytic, and substantive approaches to public policy analysis and administration. Students are provided an opportunity to link core skills in policy analysis and political science with specific policy areas. The program is designed to prepare pre-career and mid-career students for advanced positions in policy research and administration, as well as for academic research and teaching.

Political Science graduate students are encouraged to take advantage of UMSL intellectual and interdisciplinary richness. The campus has a number of interdisciplinary research institutes and centers. For political science students, the most important ones include The Community Innovation and Action Center (CIAC) and UMSL Global.

Several Political Science faculty members have joint appointments in the Master of Public Policy Administration (MPPA) program. The MPPA is designed to prepare students for managerial and policy analysis positions in the public and nonprofit sectors or in organizations having substantial interaction with the public and nonprofit sectors. Admission and financial aid decisions are made on the basis of past academic record, intellectual ability, and career commitment and performance. Applications are accepted from students who have either baccalaureate or masters degrees. Past graduate work will be credited toward degree requirements as appropriate. Applicants must submit (a) complete academic transcripts, (b) three letters of recommendation for the PhD program (2 letters for MA applicants), (c) the GRE General Test score, and (d) a statement of purpose for the course of study. The statement of purpose should explain why the applicant wants to pursue a graduate degree in Political Science.

The Political Science Graduate Committee, consisting of the Department Chair, the Director of Graduate Studies, and several faculty members, is charged with the administration of the graduate program in Political Science. The graduate program in Political Science is governed by the policies and procedures of the Graduate School at UMSL. The Director of Graduate Studies, Todd Swanstrom, serves as the primary adviser to all students entering the M.A. and Ph.D. Programs. The Director of Graduate Studies keeps records on individual progress in the program and advises students in meeting the formal requirements for degree progress in the Graduate School. The Director is available to respond to questions regarding program requirements and activities, please email or call 314-516-5259 .

Connect with UMSL Political Science

Common Searches

• Where can I find information pertaining to the University’s policy regarding COVID-19?
• What majors does UMSL offer?
• What courses are offered this semester?
• How can I get IT help?
• How do I request a transcript?
• How do I add or drop a class?
• Who is my advisor?
• Pay Tuition
• Financial Aid
• Scholarships and Grants
• Alumni and Giving
• Visit Campus

Quick Links

• Current Students
• Majors and Degrees
• Faculty & Staff
• Request Info
• Campus Calendar
• Course Schedule
• Campus Directory

Academic Catalog

Political science phd.

Beginning in Fall 2021, this program will not be accepting new applications until further notice.

The doctoral program emphasizes theoretical, analytic, and substantive approaches to public policy analysis and administration. Students are provided an opportunity to link core skills in policy analysis and political science with substantive emphasis in specific policy areas. The program is designed to prepare pre-career and mid-career students for advanced positions in policy research and administration, as well as for academic research and teaching.

Admission Requirements

Admission and financial aid decisions are made on the basis of past academic record, intellectual ability, and career commitment and performance. Applications are accepted from students who have either baccalaureate or master’s degrees. Past graduate work will be credited toward degree requirements as appropriate. Applicants must submit:

• complete academic transcripts,
• three letters of recommendation,
• aptitude tests of the GRE and
• a statement of objectives for the course of study.

Application materials may be obtained from and should be returned to the office of the director of admissions. Applications for fall semester should be submitted by February 15 and for winter semester by October 15.

Graduate Assistantships Stipends for teaching and research assistantships (nine month/20 hours per week) are awarded on a competitive basis. Out-of-state educational fees are waived for graduate assistants.

Degree Requirements

The department requires 60 credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree for completion of the Ph.D. To ensure sufficient background for doctoral-level policy courses, students must demonstrate appropriate competence in computing and data analysis during their course of study. Course requirements are as follows:

Core courses

(18 credit hours)

• 18 credit hours will be required in the areas of research methods, and policy process and institutions. Contact the department for specific courses.
• Additional Requirements (12 credit hours)
• In addition, students will select a minimum of 12 credit hours in public policy, theory, or process as they apply to major subfields in political science.

Policy Concentration

(24 credit hours)

Students, in consultation with the program director, will develop expertise in a substantive policy area. Policy concentrations (many interdisciplinary) include but are not limited to:

• American National Policy
• Urban Politics and Planning
• Comparative/International Policy
• Policy Analysis and Research Social Welfare

(6 credit hours) optional

The Ph.D. intern program offers an opportunity to gain first-hand experience in select research and administrative positions.

General Examination and Dissertation

Upon completion of course work, students are advanced to candidacy by successfully completing three general examinations,

• public policy institutions, processes, and analysis,
• methodology, and
• the student's chosen subfield and area of policy concentration.

The degree is awarded upon completion and defense of the Ph.D. dissertation.

Print Options

Send Page to Printer

Print this page.

Download Page (PDF)

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

Download PDF of Entire 2023-24 Bulletin

• Skip to Content
• Catalog Home
• Institution Home

University Registrar

University of missouri.

• A-Z Catalog Index

Print Options

2023-24 catalogs.

125 Jesse Hall Columbia, MO 65211 Map and directions » Phone numbers and e-mail »

• Curricula &​ Catalogs
• Course Offerings
• Degrees, Majors (Degree Programs), Emphasis Areas, Minors and Certificates
• Major and Career Exploration
• University Level Academic Degree Requirements
• College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
• Ancient Mediterranean Studies
• Anthropology
• Applied Mathematics
• Architectural Studies
• Art History
• Atlantic History and Politics
• Biological Sciences
• Communication
• Constitutional Democracy
• Defense and Strategic Studies
• Digital Storytelling
• Film Studies
• General Studies
• Geological Sciences
• Health Humanities
• Interdisciplinary
• International Studies
• Linguistics
• Mathematics
• Music Education

MA in Political Science

• Psychological Sciences
• Public Administration and Policy
• Public Affairs
• Religious Studies
• Romance Languages
• Russian and Slavonic Studies
• Textile and Apparel Management
• Visual Studies
• Additional Certificates and Minors -​ A&​S
• College of Business
• College of Education and Human Development
• College of Engineering
• Graduate School
• College of Health Sciences
• Honors College
• School of Journalism
• School of Law
• School of Medicine
• School of Nursing
• College of Veterinary Medicine
• Program Updates Since Publication in May
• General Information
• Academic Policies
• Course Numbering
• Curriculum Designator Abbreviations
• Archived Catalogs
• College of Arts and Science >
• Political Science >

Degree Requirements

• Thesis/Non Thesis Requirements

All MA students must complete POL_SC 7000 , POL_SC 7010 , and POL_SC 9030 . Each candidate must take one graduate seminar (8000 level or above) in each of two fields. Fields include: American political institutions and behavior, comparative politics and government, international relations, and public policy and administration.

The master’s degree program culminates in a comprehensive oral examination and defense of the research project. The Master of Arts degree may be earned by completing either the thesis or the non-thesis program.

Thesis/Non-Thesis Requirements

Thesis option.

Students wishing to advance from the master’s program to the PhD program at MU must take the thesis option. The thesis program requires 30 hours of academic credit (at least 18 in 8000-level or above Political Science seminars) and an acceptable thesis for which up to six semester hours of credit must be earned ( POL_SC 8090 ).

Non-Thesis Option

The non-thesis program is a 30-hour generalist master of arts. It requires a student to take at least 30 hours of academic credit (at least 18 in 8000-level or above Political Science seminars) and to write a master’s paper for which up to three hours of credit must be earned ( POL_SC 8085 ).

Satisfactory Progress

A master’s student should maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA after the first semester and a 3.4 cumulative GPA in subsequent semesters. The MA program must be completed within five years of the first semester of enrollment. Most students complete the master’s program within two years.

Back to Top

Admission Contact Information

Graduate Studies Office 113 Professional Bldg. Columbia, MO 65211 (573) 882-2062 [email protected]

Admission Criteria

Admission into the MA program is determined by the graduate committee’s consideration of the applicant’s academic record, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and the GRE general test.

Fall deadline: December 15

• Minimum TOEFL scores for international applicants: 89
• Minimum GPA: 3.0 overall, in last 60 hours, and in political science courses.
• 12 hours of upper-division course work in political science is recommended.
• ​An undergraduate major in an area other than political science may be acceptable.

Required Application Materials

• The Graduate School online application
• One to two page statement of purpose, describing interests and goals in graduate study in Political Science
• Three letters of recommendation
• Unofficial transcripts from all universities from which degrees were earned (official transcripts required upon admission)
• Official results from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
• Academic writing sample
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores (for international students) 

Published by the University Registrar, 125 Jesse Hall, Columbia, MO 65211 Phone: 573-882-7881

Print this page.

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

All pages in Academic Catalog.

• Skip to Content
• Catalog Home
• Institution Home
• Print / Download Options
• Missouri S&​T
• General Information
• Certificates
• Teacher Certifications
• Aerospace Engineering
• Aerospace Studies
• Architectural Engineering
• Arts, Languages &​ Philosophy
• Bioinformatics Minor Curriculum
• Biological Sciences
• Business and Management Systems
• Ceramic Engineering
• Chemical &​ Biochemical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Engineering Management
• English and Technical Communication
• Enterprise Resource Planning
• Environmental Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Explosives Engineering
• Foreign Languages
• Foundational Engineering and Computing Program
• Geological Engineering
• Geology and Geophysics
• Global Studies
• Information Science and Technology
• Latin American Studies for Technical Applications Minor
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Metallurgical Engineering
• Military Science
• Mining Engineering
• Multiculturalism &​ Diversity
• Multidisciplinary Studies
• Nuclear Engineering
• Petroleum Engineering
• Physical Education and Recreation

Political Science

• Prehealth Professions
• Speech and Media Studies
• Sustainability
• Systems Engineering
• Course Information
• Course List
• Archived Catalogs

Political science explores the world of politics and the principles, techniques, and institutions through which we make collective decisions and resolve group conflicts. An understanding of politics is an especially useful skill for anyone entering a technical career, because so much of modern science and technology is embroiled in political controversy.

At Missouri S&T, courses are offered in American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory. If you wish to pursue a specialized investigation of politics, a minor in political science is available.

• Political Science Minor Curriculum

The department of history and political science offers a minor degree in political science which must include 15 hours divided as follows: completion of POL SCI 1200 , plus an approved sequence of 12 hours of upper level courses.

• Science, Technology and Humanity Minor

The science, technology and humanity (STH) minor is designed for students who want to explore the relationship between history, political science, and science and technology. The minor is particularly useful for technologically oriented students, because it provides insight into humanities and social science disciplines. It also shows how these disciplines interact with science and technology, thereby broadening their horizon of thought and action and preparing them for an increasingly technologically oriented future. To minor in STH the student must complete one of the following history survey courses: HISTORY 1100 or HISTORY 1200 or HISTORY 1300 or HISTORY 1310 ; and POL SCI 1200 . The student then must take either HISTORY 2510 or HISTORY 3530 . After completing the required six hours, the student will select nine additional hours from the list below.

15 credit hours total.

POL SCI 1100 Introduction to Political Science (LEC 3.0)

This course will introduce the student to the fundamental concepts and phenomena of political life and to the variety of political organizations characteristic of the modern age.

POL SCI 1200 American Government (LEC 3.0)

POL SCI 2000 Special Problems (IND 0.0-6.0)

Problems or readings on specific subjects or projects in the department. Consent of instructor required.

POL SCI 2001 Special Topics (IND 0.0-6.0)

This course is designed to give the department an opportunity to test a new course. Variable credit.

POL SCI 2400 Comparative Politics (LEC 3.0)

POL SCI 2500 International Relations (LEC 3.0)

POL SCI 3000 Special Problems (IND 0.0-6.0)

POL SCI 3001 Special Topics (LEC 0.0-6.0)

This course is designed to give the department an opportunity to test a new course. Variable title.

POL SCI 3010 Seminar (IND 0.0-6.0)

Discussion of current topics.

POL SCI 3210 Constitutional Law: Government Powers and Civil Liberties (LEC 3.0)

This course will examine constitutional powers of American governmental institutions and leading Supreme Court decisions dealing with civil liberties including speech, religion, equal protection and the rights of the accused. The course will include study of current political issues and problems relating to these foundational civil liberties. Prerequisites: Pol Sci 1200, History 1200, 1300, or 1310.

POL SCI 3211 American Political Parties (LEC 3.0)

The origin and development of political parties in the United States, the two-party system, the functions, organizations and operation of parties. Prerequisite: Pol Sci 1200 or History 1300 or History 1310.

POL SCI 3300 Principles Of Public Policy (LEC 3.0)

This course presents a study of public policy in the United States. Students analyze the policy process, the resulting policy choices and the impact of the choices on the American people. Prerequisite: Pol Sci 1200.

POL SCI 3310 Public Policy Analysis (LEC 3.0)

An advanced study of major U.S. national policies. A wide range of public policies, including education, economics, and health and welfare will be studied. Students will be introduced to the methods of policy analysis. Emphasis will be placed on the use of tools used by policy analysts to determine program effectiveness and impact. Prerequisite: Pol Sci 1200.

POL SCI 3760 The American Presidency (LEC 3.0)

Historical development of the presidency; emphasis on the constitutional powers and limits of the office and the political contextual variables which influence presidential behavior. Prerequisite: Pol Sci 1200 or History 1300 or History 1310. (Co-listed with History 3760).

POL SCI 3761 U.S. Diplomatic History to World War II (LEC 3.0)

This course is a history of American foreign relations, broadly conceived, from the War for Independence to WWII. Among other things, it deals with the diplomacy of survival, of expansion and of economic and political hegemony. Prerequisites: History 1300, 1310 or Pol Sci 1200. (Co-listed with History 3761).

POL SCI 3762 American Foreign Policy Since 1945 (LEC 3.0)

Addresses the major issues in American foreign policy from WWII to the present with primary focus on problems during the Cold War and the post-Cold War era, including the emergence of the national security state. Prerequisite: History 1310 or Pol Sci 1200. (Co-listed with History 3762).

POL SCI 3763 Contemporary Political Thought (LEC 3.0)

This course will explore the impact of ideas on American politics and history, including the relationship between technological change and public policy; this will be pursued through the study of American political history, social institutions, and intellectual history. Prerequisite: History 1300 or History 1310 or Pol Sci 1200. (Co-listed with History 3763).

POL SCI 4000 Special Problems And Readings (IND 0.0-6.0)

POL SCI 4001 Special Topics (LEC 0.0-6.0)

POL SCI 4010 Seminar (RSD 0.0-6.0)

Discussion of current topics Prerequisite: Senior standing.

POL SCI 4085 Political Science Internship (IND 0.0-6.0)

Internship will involve students applying critical thinking skills and discipline specific knowledge in a work setting based on a project designed by the advisor and employee. Activities will vary depending on the student's background and the setting. Prerequisite: Pol Sci 1200 or Pol Sci 1100.

POL SCI 4097 Senior Project (LEC 3.0)

History majors (or Political Science minors) interested in graduate school or professional school, such as law school, should complete an extended research project, or thesis, under the supervision of a department faculty member. Prerequisites: History 2791 and senior standing. (Co-listed with HISTORY 4097).

POL SCI 4320 The Politics of Innovation (LEC 3.0)

Do Google, Airbus, and Samsung owe their success to the wisdom and foresight of government actors? This course explores whether and how public policy can foster the advancement of science, technology, and innovation. The course analyzes and compares how national innovation systems have evolved and function in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Prerequisites: Pol Sci 1200 or History 1100 or History 1200 or History 1300 or History 1310.

POL SCI 4500 Geopolitics and International Security (LEC 3.0)

This course surveys seminal scholarship in the field of international security and explores its relevance to contemporary geopolitical issues. Specific topics addressed may include space security, nuclear security, and technological change in military affairs. Prerequisites: Pol Sci 1200 or History 1100 or History 1200 or History 1300 or History 1310.

POL SCI 4510 The Politics of the Global South (LEC 3.0)

This course explores the processes and politics of the nations of the Global South, defined as most of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. It examines the internal political processes of these nations and regions, as well as their position in international affairs. Prerequisite: Pol Sci 1200 or History 1200 or History 1300 or History 1310.

Tseggai Isaac , Chancellor's Professor PHD University of Missouri-Columbia

Alanna Krolikowski , Assistant Professor PHD University of Toronto

Michael E Meagher , Associate Professor PHD Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Superscripts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 in the faculty listing refer to the following common footnotes: 1 Registered Professional Engineer 2 Registered Geologist 3 Certified Health Physicist 4 Registered Architect 5 Board Certified, American Academy of Environmental Engineers 6 LEED AP Certified

• Archived Paper Catalogs
• Explore Courses

MISSOURI UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY | 1201 N. State St., Rolla, MO 65409 | 573-341-4111 | 800-522-0938 | Contact us © 2023-2024 Curators of the University of Missouri | UM System | Accreditation | Intellectual Pluralism | Equity and Title IX Missouri S&T is an equal opportunity/access/affirmative action/pro-disabled and veteran employer | Disability Support

Print Options

Print this page.

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

A PDF of the entire 2023-2024 undergraduate catalog.

A PDF of the entire 2023-2024 graduate catalog.