phd political science programs

Graduate Program

Pushing the Scholarly Frontier

PhD in Political Science

Our doctoral students are advancing political science as a discipline. They explore the empirical phenomena that produce new scholarly insights—insights that improve the way governments and societies function. As a result, MIT Political Science graduates are sought after for top teaching and research positions in the U.S. and abroad. Read where program alumni are working around the world.

How the PhD program works

The MIT PhD in Political Science requires preparation in two of these major fields:

• American Politics
• Comparative Politics
• International Relations
• Models and Methods
• Political Economy
• Security Studies

We recommend that you take a broad array of courses across your two major fields. In some cases, a single course may overlap across the subject matter of both fields. You may not use more than one such course to "double count" for the course distribution requirement. Keep in mind that specific fields may have additional requirements.

You are free to take subjects in other departments across the Institute. Cross-registration arrangements also permit enrollment in subjects taught in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University and in some of Harvard's other graduate schools.

Requirements

1. number of subjects.

You will need two full academic years of work to prepare for the general examinations and to meet other pre-dissertation requirements. Typically, a minimum of eight graduate subjects are required for a PhD.

2. Scope and Methods

This required one-semester seminar for first-year students introduces principles of empirical and theoretical analysis in political science.

3. Statistics

You must successfully complete at least one class in statistics.

You must successfully complete at least one class in empirical research methods.

5. Philosophy

You must successfully complete at least one class in political philosophy.

6. Foreign language or advanced statistics

You must demonstrate reading proficiency in one language other than English by successfully completing two semesters of intermediate-level coursework or an exam in that language, or you must demonstrate your knowledge of advanced statistics by successfully completing three semesters of coursework in advanced statistics. International students whose native language is not English are not subject to the language requirement.

7. Field research

We encourage you to conduct field research and to develop close working ties with faculty members engaged in major research activities.

8. Second Year Paper/workshop

You must complete an article-length research paper and related workshop in the spring semester of the second year. The second-year paper often develops into a dissertation project.

9. Two examinations

In each of your two elected fields, you must take a general written and oral examination. To prepare for these examinations, you should take at least three courses in each of the two fields, including the field seminar.

10. Doctoral thesis

As a rule, the doctoral thesis requires at least one year of original research and data collection. Writing the dissertation usually takes a substantially longer time. The thesis process includes a first and second colloquium and an oral defense. Be sure to consult the MIT Specifications for Thesis Preparation as well as the MIT Political Science Thesis Guidelines . Consult the MIT academic calendar to learn the due date for final submission of your defended, signed thesis.

Questions? Consult the MIT Political Science Departmental Handbook or a member of the staff in the MIT Political Science Graduate Office .

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PhD in Political Science

The Ph.D. in Political Science program  prepares students  to be outstanding researchers and scholars at top universities, policy think tanks, consulting firms, and U.S. and international institutions. Working in small classes and with experienced faculty mentors, doctoral students construct a program around a major and minor field of study.

Recent dissertation topics have spanned women's organizations and the partisan gender gap, judicial politics in the Middle East, media freedom in Turkey, social justice in the corporate world, and coercive kidnappings in violent political organizations. Our students present their research at conferences around the country, earn awards and prestigious research grants for their scholarship, and publish articles in major journals, such as International Security, American Political Science Review, International Organization, Perspectives on Politics, and Journal of Politics.

Funding is guaranteed for five years, conditional on adequate progress.

Admissions & Requirements

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PhD Job Placement Data

The deadline for our MA program is April 1, 2025, for Fall 2025 admission. Our next PhD application deadline is Dec. 15, 2024, for Fall 2025 admission. If you have questions, please contact the Department Administrator by email: [email protected] .

Major and Minor Fields

Doctoral students choose both a major and minor field of study. Any of the major fields is also an option for a minor.

Major Fields

• American Politics
• International Relations
• Comparative Politics

Minor Fields

• Political Theory
• Public Policy
• Research Methods

Learn About Research by Field

Course Requirements 

Additional requirements

In addition to required coursework, program requirements consists of two comprehensive examinations covering a primary and supporting field, an original research paper, and a dissertation demonstrating the capacity to undertake original and significant research. The research paper, to be completed by the second year in the program, must reflect the student's ability to conduct original research. Students prepare for the comprehensive exams by taking at least five courses in their primary field and at least four courses in their supporting field, selected according to departmental guidelines. Three primary fields are available: American politics, international relations, and comparative politics. In addition, political theory, public policy, and research methodology are available as supporting fields. Petitions for a self-designed minor field (e.g., political communications) composed primarily of courses not offered by the established fields can be jointly proposed by students and faculty. All students must complete a sequence of courses in research methodology comprising PSC 8101 , PSC 8108 , and PSC 8109 . 

A recommendation to the Dean for Admissions to candidacy, or the dissertation research stage, will be considered upon satisfactory completion of all coursework, research paper, field examinations, and successful defense of the dissertation prospectus. Students must pass their primary field examination with a satisfactory pass or above and must pass their supporting field examination with a bare pass or above in order to be considered eligible for promotion to candidacy. Admission to candidacy is permitted only if the student’s performance on the examinations and in the coursework gives a good indication of success in the second unit. Passing the field examinations does not in itself ensure admission to candidacy.

The dissertation prospectus must outline the central research question(s), relate the proposed research to the existing literature, detail a research methodology, and explain the nature of the original contribution that the completed project will provide. The prospectus must be presented and defended in an open forum, which all faculty and doctoral students are invited to attend. The full dissertation must be similarly defended. A dual degree program enables students to earn the master of public policy along with the PhD in the field of political science.

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Political Science, PHD

On this page:, at a glance: program details.

• Location: Tempe campus
• Second Language Requirement: No

Program Description

Degree Awarded: PHD Political Science

The PhD program in political science is intended to develop scholars who demonstrate a high level of excellence in teaching and research as professional political scientists. It offers a variety of areas of specialization within and between the four main subfields of political science: American politics, comparative politics, international relations and political theory. Students interested in a political theory specialization should consult with the academic unit prior to application.

Program faculty have particular strengths in Latino and Latina politics, women and politics, ethnoreligious dynamics, political violence, human rights, political psychology and political economy.

The school is host to the Center for Latina/os and American Politics Research, the Future Security Initiative and an experimental lab. Faculty are also affiliated with other centers at ASU, such as the Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab; the Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict; the Melikian Center for Russian, Eurasian and East European Studies; as well as the Center for the Study of Economic Liberty. Many faculty members are active in collaborative interdisciplinary research at ASU and with scholars at other universities, and they have won major grants and awards, as have the school's doctoral students.

Degree Requirements

Curriculum plan options.

• 84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (3 credit hours) POS 503 Empirical Political Inquiry (3)

Electives and Research (69 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) POS 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information A maximum of 12 credit hours of approved coursework outside the department but within ASU may count toward the required 84 credit hours.

Coursework beyond the 12-credit-hour maximum may be taken outside the department with permission of both the director of Graduate Studies and the faculty advisor.

When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, this program allows 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to be used for this degree. If students do not have a previously awarded master's degree, the 30 hours of coursework is made up of electives and research to reach the required 84 credit hours.

Also required is a formal oral defense of the dissertation and a written comprehensive examination in the major field.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• personal statement
• writing sample
• three letters of recommendation
• list of political science courses taken
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

ASU does not accept the GRE® General Test at home edition.

To assist in evaluating all candidates, the applicant should list titles and related information for all previous undergraduate and graduate courses or coursework in political science or related fields. The file must be saved in a .pdf, .doc, .rtf or .txt format and uploaded with the online graduate admission application. The information should be in a table with the following column headings: Course Title, Undergrad Credit Hours, Graduate Credit Hours, Grade, Institution, Year.

Undergraduate coursework in political science is not a prerequisite for admission. However, applicants to the doctoral program should have a basic understanding of elementary statistics and the undergraduate content of the political science fields of specialization that they wish to study. Students without this background should allow sufficient time to acquire it.

The personal statement (one to three pages) should describe the areas of political science the applicant wishes to study, post-graduation goals, and why the School of Politics and Global Studies is the best fit for the applicant. Applicants may also mention any particular faculty members with whom they are interested in working and why, as well as provide context for any discrepancies in their educational background.

The writing sample is typically a previously written research or other similar paper that best demonstrates the applicants critical thinking and writing skills in political science or a related field. There is not a length requirement for the writing sample, but it should be of sufficient level to allow the admissions committee to evaluate the applicant's knowledge and skills.

Students are expected to take courses for the first four semesters that will prepare them for comprehensive exams by the beginning of their fifth semester.  Each subfield has required methods courses, research courses, and core seminars for major and minor fields and these must be included on the IPOS. The faculty advisor and the student will set timelines for course completion and exams, bearing in mind the goal of being prepared to take comprehensive exams by the beginning of the fifth semester at ASU. 

A minimum of 84 hours is required.

Core Courses (3 credits)

POS 503 - Empirical Political Inquiry

Research methods and techniques of the discipline, emphasizing empirical foundations and analytic methods employed in subfields.

Electives and Research (69 credits – 39 if previous MA applied to program)

If your field is American Politics:

• POS 603 - Polimetrics I
• POS 604 - Polimetrics II
• POS 530 - American Politics
• Three elective courses in subfield

If you field is Comparative Politics:

• POS 550 - Comparative Politics

If your field is International Relations:

• POS 560 - International Relations
• POS 604 – Polimetrics II or approved Methods course

Culminating Experience (12 credits)

POS 799 – Dissertation

Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs, apply to a program, visit our campus, application deadlines, career opportunities.

Program graduates have a strong track record of obtaining positions in academic, public and private sectors. The program works closely with students so they have the opportunity and tools needed to achieve their career goals. The doctoral program provides advanced education for students preparing for teaching, research or applied careers in political science in government, nonprofits and the private sector.

Career examples include:

• campaign consultant
• campaign strategist
• data analyst
• research specialist
• tenure-track or instructional faculty in political science

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

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Ph.d. in political science.

We are ranked as a top-ten research department and our graduate program has an excellent job placement record. Over the past decade, the vast majority of our PhD graduates have gone on to attain tenure-track positions, and many other students have become leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. 

In addition to a demanding sequence of courses during the first two years, our graduates begin working with faculty from the very first day, to gain an appreciation of the challenges involved in producing innovative research.

This paves the way to their own intellectual development, the first major milestone of which is a solo-authored research paper to be presented to the department during their second year in the program. From that point on, until the completion of the dissertation in year five, the focus is primarily on independent and collaborative research.

Our graduate program is organized around subfields that address major theoretical questions about political life, encourage collaboration across intellectual boundaries, and place us at the frontiers of the discipline. As a graduate student here, you will become certified in two major fields and gain exposure to other fields through our graduate workshop series.

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PhD in Political Science

You are here: american university school of public affairs phd programs phd political science.

PhD Political Science (On-Campus)

Dive deeply into US and global politics. Learn empirical methods that allow you to produce meaningful research with profound impact. Prepare yourself for university-level teaching.

(202) 885-6230

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Fax: 202-885-2967

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At the Heart of Policy and Politics

The PhD in Political Science at the School of Public Affairs draws from the breadth and depth of intellectual resources within the Department of Government and across American University, providing our students with rigorous substantive and methodological training. Students work closely with prominent scholars who have made major contributions to academic research and national and global policy via cutting-edge research and professional activities.

Our students organize their programs around a choice of three fields of study. For their primary and secondary fields, students specialize in American politics, comparative politics, or political methodology. Students may also take courses in other departments and schools within the university and even at other Washington, DC-area universities.

Learn and Make Professional Connections

In addition to their coursework, doctoral students are introduced into the discipline and make professional connections through a variety of research workshops in the Department of Government and the School of Public Affairs. They also benefit from exposure to activities, conferences, and research opportunities offered by the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies , the Women & Politics Institute , the Center for Data Science , and the Center for Environmental Policy , all of which are directed by Department of Government faculty.

Publish and Present

We encourage graduate students to present research papers at major academic conferences, co-author papers with faculty members, publish in top journals, and seek prestigious awards to fund their research. All students receive a yearly stipend to attend research conferences.

Become an Expert

Our students wield multiple skills at graduation. They have already produced original research and taught classes, and are prepared for careers in academia and beyond.

The PhD degree in Political Science requires 36 credit hours of approved graduate work. Most students complete 12 credits in their primary field of study, 12 credits in research design and methodology, 6 credits in their secondary field of study, and 6 credits of electives, which they choose in consultation with their advisor.

As work on the dissertation project progresses, students register for dissertation credit to maintain active status. They take  Doctoral Continuing Enrollment (GOVT-898)  during the third year of study and  Doctoral Dissertation (GOVT-899)  after their dissertation proposal is approved.

A minimum grade point average of 3.20 in all coursework is required to remain in good standing and to earn the degree. Full-time status is considered to be nine credit hours per semester. Students are expected to complete the degree in four to five years.

Students advance to PhD candidacy by successfully completing all required courses, passing a qualifier paper and two written comprehensive exams (one in each of their fields of study), and defending their dissertation proposal. To earn the degree, students must complete the dissertation and pass a final oral defense of the dissertation.

More information about course requirements can be found here .

For more information, please contact the SPA Graduate Admissions Office at 202-885-6230 or  [email protected] .

Applicants are considered and students admitted for the fall semester only. Please refer to the  application deadlines  page for the deadline to apply. 

While previous academic or professional work in politics or political science is not required, applicants need to demonstrate a serious commitment to a career in this field. The personal statement on reasons for pursuing graduate study in the program is essential, along with the other required application materials .

We accept PhD applicants for full-time study only. Students must be funded either by the School of Public Affairs or by an external sponsoring organization (self-funding is not permitted for newly admitted doctoral students).

For more information, please contact the SPA Graduate Admissions Office at 202-885-6230 or [email protected] .

The PhD in Political Science is a 36-credit-hour program. To estimate the cost of tuition, please see the  current cost per credit hour  for graduate students.

Unless applicants expect to be funded through a reliable external source, they must request consideration for funding on their application. Upon acceptance into the program, students selected for AU funding are granted a fellowship with full funding for four years of study, contingent on maintaining satisfactory progress each year. Some limited funding is available on a competitive basis for a fifth year of study.

As a requirement for the fellowship, students work 20 hours a week with a faculty member. If possible, our graduate office will assign students to faculty members with expertise in their areas of research interest. 

Students must advance to candidacy by the end of their third year of study to continue receiving funding.

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Ph.D. Admissions

Apply here . 

Preparing to Apply

Before starting the application process please read the information about the graduate program requirements  and read our  Frequently Asked Questions . You may also find the Guide to Getting Into Grad School helpful. 

The Political Science department recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision.

All questions regarding graduate admissions should be directed to politicalscience [at] stanford.edu (subject: Admissions%20Enquiry) ( politicalscience[at]stanford[dot]edu ) .

The principal goal of the Stanford Ph.D. program in political science is the training of scholars. Most students who receive doctorates in the program do research and teach at colleges or universities. We offer courses and research opportunities in a wide variety of fields in the discipline, including American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, and Political Methodology. The program is built around small seminars that analyze critically the literature of a field or focus on a research problem. These courses prepare students for the Ph.D. comprehensive exam requirement within a two-year period and for work on the doctoral dissertation.  

Admission to the graduate program in political science is highly selective. About twelve to fifteen students, chosen from a large pool of applicants, enter the program each year. The small size of our student body allows more individual work with members of the faculty than most graduate programs. It also makes possible financial assistance in one form or another to most students admitted to the Ph.D. program. 

Graduate Admissions FAQ

Please visit our list of  frequently asked questions.

You may also find the following links useful if you have general questions about student life and graduate study at Stanford University:  

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Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Join dozens of Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences students who gain valuable leadership skills in a multidisciplinary, multicultural community as Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS). KHS admits up to 100 select applicants each year from across Stanford’s seven graduate schools, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders ready to address complex global challenges. As a scholar, you join a distinguished cohort, participate in up to three years of leadership programming, and receive full funding for up to three years of your PhD studies at Stanford. Candidates of any country may apply. KHS applicants must have earned their first undergraduate degree within the last seven years, and must apply to both a Stanford graduate program and to KHS. Stanford PhD students may also apply to KHS during their first year of PhD enrollment. If you aspire to be a leader in your field, we invite you to apply. The KHS application deadline is October 9, 2024. Learn more about KHS admission .

Ph.D. Program

Thank you for visiting the graduate program website and for giving us the opportunity to introduce ourselves. We take special pride in our Department’s high national ranking in the discipline — and in the shared determination of our faculty to continue to build an exciting intellectual community. Our graduate program combines outstanding faculty and students, a broad-ranging curriculum oriented toward research, and the resources of one of the nation’s great universities. In addition to housing many leading departments in the social science, humanities and natural sciences, UCLA offers one of the world’s foremost research libraries, exceptional computing facilities, and an extensive network of interdisciplinary centers and institutes that foster linkages across disciplinary boundaries.

Our Department is a fairly large one, staffed by approximately 45 core faculty. Each year we aim for an entering class of about 15 to 20, which allows for considerable personal attention to each of our students. Currently, we have about 150 students in residence. We consider ourselves a “full service” department: our large and intellectually diverse faculty offers coursework and opportunities for research in all of the major sub-fields of the discipline. In addition, our graduate students have found that our curriculum facilitates intensive study in a number of cross-cutting areas – empirical and theoretical, contemporary and historical. Among these interdisciplinary concentrations are political economy, American political development, race and politics, and the philosophical, historical, and literary dimensions of political theory. Because UCLA is home to a large number of centers for language and area studies our students often focus their doctoral research on the politics of specific world regions while drawing theoretical and empirical leverage from sources that transcend conventional boundaries.

Our emphasis on rigorous academic training and independent research creates a diverse and intellectually exciting graduate student community. Most of our doctoral graduates go on to careers in academic institutions, but many have also found challenging employment in the public sector or in private organizations that emphasize research and analytic skills. In the past decade or so, our graduates have obtained tenure-track academic positions at Princeton, Yale, Harvard, Harvard’s Kennedy School, Stanford, Pittsburgh, Rochester, Michigan, UC Berkeley, and UC San Diego. Others have joined such institutions as the World Bank, the State Department, the Federal Reserve Bank, RAND, and the Carnegie Endowment.

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Graduate Programs

Political science.

Our faculty and students profit from the many outstanding institutes, centers and programs at Brown that relate to the study of politics.

The Department of Political Science covers the four main subfields in the discipline:

• American politics focuses on the behavior of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government; state and local politics; the influence of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties on decision-making; and issues of race and gender.
• Comparative politics focuses on the comparative study of the behavior of governments and political institutions, non-governmental actors across the world, and on the relationships between political and economic factors in different cultures and societies.
• International politics considers how political decisions are made in a world without a central authority above the nation-state. Recent emphases include a significant role for international law, norms, and organizations.
• Political theory seeks to analyze both historically and philosophically the origins and underpinnings of political values.

Additional Resources

Our faculty and students profit from the many outstanding institutes, centers, and programs at Brown that relate to the study of politics. These include the  Taubman Center for Public Policy and American Institutions , the  Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs , the  Master of Public Affairs program , the  Urban Studies Program , the  Saxena Center for Contemporary South Asia , the  Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies , the  Center for Philosophy, Politics and Economics , the  Center for the Study of Race and Ethnicity in America ,  Middle East Studies ,  Development Studies , the  Population Studies and Training Center , and  Africana Studies .

Application Information

In addition to the GRE and writing sample, applicants are required to submit a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, transcript(s), and, if applicable, proof of language proficiency. For further application information, please also see the  Political Science admission guidance  and the  Graduate School's admission guidance .

Application Requirements

Gre subject:.

Not required

GRE General:

Official transcripts:, letters of recommendations:.

Required (3)

Writing Sample:

Personal statement:, dates/deadlines, application deadline, completion requirements.

The Ph.D. requires passing thirteen graduate-level courses with a minimum grade of B or better, though A grades are expected, including methods, field proseminars, course(s) in political theory, and Prospectus Writing. Students must also pass a written and oral preliminary examination in their primary field; a written and oral presentation of a dissertation proposal; and a written and oral presentation of a dissertation. A minimum of two semesters as a teaching assistant is also required.

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College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Department of Political Science

Ph.d. in political science.

Gain advanced training and experience with a Ph.D. in Political Science from UConn.

The UConn Ph.D. program in political science prepares students to do innovative research and teaching at institutions of higher education. It also prepares them for careers in government, as well as a range of non-governmental organizations and research foundations.

Our Ph.D. students work closely with faculty in their classes and through research collaboration. Many students conduct their own research with guidance from faculty mentors, resulting in publications in some of the top journals in the field.

Ph.D. Subfields

Ph.D. students can specialize in one of several diverse subfields:

• American politics.
• Comparative politics.
• International relations.
• Political theory.
• Public law.

Learn more about Ph.D. Outcomes

View Admissions Requirements

Requirements and Options

The Ph.D. program includes two stages. In the first stage, students do course work to develop expertise in two chosen subfields in which they will take Ph.D. exams.

Once the student has completed their scope, method, and elective requirements and successfully passed the Ph.D. exams, they become ABD (or all but dissertation). At this stage, students form a dissertation committee and work with their committee to prepare a dissertation proposal outlining an original research project. When this project is complete, they defend the dissertation.

Students are required to take Ph.D. exams in two of the Department’s five subfields. In order to take the Ph.D. exam in a field, students must have completed the course requirements outlined below.

In addition, all doctoral candidates must take:

• POLS 5600. Nature of Political Inquiry.
• POLS 5605. Introduction to Quantitative Methods.
• POLS 5615. Introduction to Qualitative Methods.
• One advanced methods elective.

Finally, all Ph.D. students must enroll in GRAD 6950-003 in their first, second, third, and fourth semesters. To receive the grade of “Pass,” they must attend four scholarly presentations in the relevant semester. The student and major advisor should together determine which presentations to attend and what will constitute sufficient evidence of having attended.

Subfield Requirements

American politics.

In preparing for the Ph.D. Exam in American politics, students must successfully complete the following courses:

• POLS 5406. Seminar in the American Political System
• POLS 5407. Advanced Topics in American Political Institutions and Policy
• POLS 5408. Advanced Topics in American Political Behavior
• POLS 5409. Advanced Topics in American Race, Gender and Ethnic Politics

Comparative Politics

Students should take four courses in POLS 5240:

• Regime Types
• Political Institutions
• Comparative Political Economy
• Contentious Politics

International Relations

In preparing for the Ph.D. exam in international relations, students must successfully complete POLS 5300: Pro-seminar in International Relations and at least three other courses from the following list:

• POLS 5115. Theories of Human Rights
• POLS 5305. Foreign Policy Analysis
• POLS 5315. International Security
• POLS 5320. International Conflict and Cooperation
• POLS 5322. Assessing Human Security
• POLS 5325. International Political Economy
• POLS 5330. International Organization and Law
• POLS 5335. US Foreign Policy in the Middle East
• POLS 5340. Politics and Security in the Middle East
• POLS 5345. Foreign Policies of the Russian Federation and the Former USSR
• POLS 5390. Economic Rights
• A special topics course approved by the IR Field Committee (some prior examples include Special Topics in Human Rights, Feminist Political Methodologies, East Asian Political Economy, Africana Dialogues, and European Approaches to International Relations)

No more than two of the four required courses may be taken with a single international relations faculty member.

International Relations Subfield Comprehensive Exam Policy

In consultation with their faculty advisor, students who take the Ph.D. exam in international relations will choose one of the following options:

• Write a sole-authored research paper that meets at least a “revise and resubmit” peer- review standard. The paper can be a revision of a paper written for a seminar, conference, etc. The length of the paper is to be between 8,000 and 12,000 words, all-inclusive. The paper should build toward the student’s dissertation. The student will identify a journal for which it will be targeted and are required to note this choice on the manuscript’s title page. The format/style of the submission will be determined by the standards of the target journal. No actual submission to a journal is required. A three-member faculty committee will read and grade the paper, with the committee issuing a single rating of “Reject,” “Revise and Resubmit,” or “Accept.” A grade of “pass” for the exam requires a rating of either “Revise and Resubmit” or “Accept.” A grade of “Reject” is considered a failing grade for the exam.  At the discretion of the faculty committee, this option may include an oral defense of the paper with a three-member faculty committee.
• Write an annotated graduate-level syllabus for a 13-week course that introduces students to the field of international relations. This option also requires an oral defense of the syllabus with a three-member faculty committee. The syllabus may be theoretical or thematic in the type of overview of the field provided, with the understanding that theory is one of the major themes of international relations. Students will consult with their faculty advisor regarding which of these two types of syllabi to write. The syllabus must contain specified assignments which are justified relative to course goals and content. For each of the course’s 13 weeks, the syllabus must include: (i) a detailed reading list, and (ii) a fully realized description of the week’s pedagogical goals and content (e.g., How do these readings fit together in their address of the week’s theme/goals?” “How are these readings justified, pedagogically?” “How do these readings address the relevant disciplinary terrain?”).

Political theory

Prior to taking the Ph.D. exam in political theory, students must successfully complete at least four graduate courses in political theory, including POLS 5100: Pro-seminar in Political Theory. We strongly encourage students to take additional coursework with a strong theoretical component.

Some recently offered graduate seminars in political theory include:

• Critical Theory
• Critical Race Theory
• Theories of Human Rights
• Comparative Political Theory
• Women Political Thinkers
• Emotions and Politics
• Public Reason and Deliberation
• Black Feminist Theory and Politics

Political Theory Subfield Comprehensive Exam Policy

Field Designation and Exam Structure Students must pass four political theory courses with a grade of B or higher and with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher in those courses before taking the exam. In consultation with their faculty advisor, and with the approval of the political theory subfield, students will designate if political theory will be a Field of Specialization (FOS) or a Field of Competence (FOC) for their PhD studies.

Field of Specialization (FOS)

• The exam for those who designate political theory as an FOS will comprise both the research paper and the annotated syllabus. They must pass both components to pass the Ph.D. exam. If they do not pass a single component at their first attempt, they will only retake that component during their second attempt. If they fail either component twice, they fail the exam.
• Those who designate political theory as an FOS must take a fifth course with significant political theory content, either graded or as an audit, prior to defending their dissertation.

Field of Competence (FOC) The exam for those who designate political theory as an FOC will comprise the annotated syllabus. If they do not pass at their first attempt, they may only attempt the exam a second time. If they fail at their second attempt, they fail the exam. Research Paper:

• The student will submit a single-authored research paper of between 8,000 and 12,000 words all-inclusive, which may be based upon a previously written, unpublished paper.
• They will identify a target journal for the paper and must note this choice on the manuscript’s title page. The format and style of the submission must meet the standards of the target journal, with the possible exception of the previously-stated word-length requirement. The student does not need to submit the paper to any journal.
• A three-member faculty committee will read the paper and each member will issue a single rating of “Accept,” “Revise and Resubmit,” or “Reject.” Two or more ratings of “Accept” will result in a grade of “pass with distinction” for the exam. Two or more ratings of “Revise and Resubmit” or better will result in a grade of “pass” for the exam. Two or more ratings of “Reject” will result in a grade of “fail” for the exam. Each committee member will provide written feedback to the student.

Annotated Syllabus:

• The student will submit an annotated syllabus for a 14-week, first-year, graduate-level course that introduces students to the field of political theory.
• This should cover a broad range of historical political thinkers and a variety of different approaches to and themes in political theory. The student must include a clear, written defense of their choices regarding the overall structure of the syllabus, including why figures, texts, and themes covered are indispensable to orienting students to the field of political theory. Students should consult the Highly Recommended and Recommended sources from the Political Theory subfield Ph.D. reading list in constructing their syllabus.
• The syllabus must contain a statement of the overall pedagogical goals of the course and a list of specific assignments with clear justifications for how they help achieve those goals.
• a complete description of that week’s topics or themes, connecting them, as appropriate, with themes from weeks that precede and follow it, and specific pedagogical goals,
• a detailed reading list, including annotations, for each reading; the annotations should be between 100 and 150 words for each article or group of two or fewer chapters from a book and 200 to 250 words for each book or group of three or more chapters from a book.
• A three-member faculty committee will read the syllabus and provide written feedback to the student. If the committee deems the syllabus as not possibly passing based upon the overall quality of the written syllabus, it will assign the student a grade of “fail” for the exam. If the committee deems the syllabus as possibly passing, the student must subsequently participate in an oral defense of the syllabus with the committee. At the end of the oral defense, the committee will assign the student a grade of “pass with distinction,” “pass,” or “fail” based upon the overall quality of the written syllabus and the oral defense.

In preparing for the Ph.D. Exam in public law, students must successfully complete all three of the following courses:

• POLS 5505. Law and Society
• POLS 5510. Judicial Decision-making
• POLS 5515. Constitutional Interpretation

And at least one of the following:

• POLS 5010. Law and Social Change
• POLS 5010. Seminar in Legal Theory/Jurisprudence

View the full requirements on the UConn Graduate Catalog's website.

Applicants for the Ph.D. program in political science must apply to and be accepted by both the UConn Graduate School and the Department of Political Science. Applicants must apply online via the UConn Graduate School website.

All application materials, including supporting documents, must be received by January 15. Applications will not be processed until the application fee is paid. The Graduate School can, when a genuine need is demonstrated, extend fee waivers. Applicants must meet a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Required Application Materials

The Department of Political Science is unable to consider applications until the requirements of the Graduate School have been fulfilled. In addition to the Graduate School materials:

• The Department of Political Science requires a personal statement, writing sample, and three letters of recommendation. The Department also recommends (but does not require) students submit the test scores from the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE).
• The personal statement should indicate that you understand what undertaking a Ph.D. in political science involves, that you have relevant preparation for it, and that UConn’s program will enable you to work effectively toward your aims.
• Applicants without a master’s degree should apply directly to the Ph.D. program.
• Your writing sample should be a substantial piece of written work that demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively and to engage in sophisticated critical reasoning with materials and on themes related to the study of politics.
• Your letter writers should be sure that they will be able to submit their recommendations for you by the January 15th deadline and that they can write with considerable detail about your intellectual experience and talent and suitability to a doctoral program. There is no form for letters of recommendation, but they should appear on letterhead with complete contact information for the person writing the letter.
• Letter writers will receive an email asking them to upload your letter to the graduate application website.

International applicants must submit transcripts and degree statements both in the original language and an official English translation. Additionally, international applicants from countries where the official language is not English, or who have not received a degree from an institution where the language of instruction is English, must submit the results of the TOEFL examination to the Graduate Admissions Office:

Graduate School, University of Connecticut 438 Whitney Road Ext., Unit 1152 Storrs, CT 06269-1152 Phone: (860) 486-3617

Application Deadline:

Learn more about financial aid for Ph.D. students.

Apply to the UConn Graduate School

For questions about the Ph.D. in Political Science, please contact:

Christine Luberto

Graduate Coordinator, Department of Political Science [email protected]

Department of Political Science

The Political Science Ph.D.

The Vanderbilt Ph.D. program in political science ranks among the top programs of its kind, both overall and by subfield (American Politics, Comparative Politics, with International Relations on the rise).

Our faculty and students study many varied subjects using a diverse slate of methodologies. Vanderbilt’s political science department is known for its deep expertise in several areas of excellence that cross subfield boundaries, including bureaucracies, political violence and conflict, the politics of gender, democracy in middle-to-low-income countries, mass political behavior, survey methodology, and formal theory.

Our graduate program offers intensive training in three fields of political science: American Politics, Comparative Politics, and International Relations. We admit between eight and twelve doctoral students per year and prepare them for successful careers in academia, government, international organizations, or research-centered jobs.

While we admit a small percentage of applicants for our program, we aim to bring the most diverse, talented, and innovative students in the world to Nashville to study political science. As a student in our program, you are joining a supportive intellectual and social community.

Some of the key benefits of Vanderbilt’s political science Ph.D. program are:

• A top-ranked faculty with deep expertise in substantive political science and the methodologies needed to answer important questions about our political world
• Access to research-supporting resources like the Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions , the Latin American Public Opinion Project Lab, the Research on Conflict and Collective Action Lab, and the Research on Individuals, Politics, and Society Lab
• A nearly 1:1 student: faculty ratio, allowing for close mentoring and support
• A rigorous program of coursework and research milestones that pair deep substantive knowledge with cutting-edge methodological and data science skills
• Membership in a community of smart, hardworking, and supportive doctoral candidates who prioritize collaboration and discovery
• Residence in Nashville, a fast-growing mid-size city with a high quality of life and wide array of entertainment and recreational offerings

Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Like Vanderbilt University, the Department of Political Science defines diversity broadly to include experiences, perspectives, backgrounds, and identities. We believe such diversity among our faculty and students enhances the intellectual experience and achievements of this academic community. As such, we are committed to principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action, and we encourage individuals from diverse, under-represented, and traditionally excluded populations to apply to our program.

Our graduate program seeks to:

• Continually strengthen the climate for current students and faculty from traditionally excluded groups and foster a welcoming and vibrant community of scholars.
• Recruit more graduate students from underrepresented and traditionally excluded groups to the department and discipline.
• Give all students and faculty the tools to succeed and support one another in a diverse discipline.

Applying to the Program

The application deadline for the Ph.D. program is December 1 for the coming fall semester. We welcome applicants from all institutions, backgrounds, and experiences with a passion for research in political science. The application fee is $95.00.

When you apply, you are applying to the program as a whole and the faculty decides together who would be the best fit. Individual faculty members do not review and accept individual doctoral students they want to advise. There is no need to secure a faculty mentor ahead of your application .

Please direct all Ph.D. admission inquiries to Director of Graduate Studies, Sharece Thrower .

Qualifications

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in any major and show evidence of a passion for research in political science. The most successful applicants demonstrate mathematical or statistical proficiency and experience in original research. There is no minimum score for the GRE, TOEFL, or minimum required GPA. It is optional for applicants to submit their GRE scores. Strong letters of recommendation (generally from faculty members) are essential. Finally, but most importantly, we look for a fit between the student's intellectual interests and our faculty's scholarly expertise.

Information to Submit

The Graduate Studies Committee reviews all aspects of an applicant's file. We try to get a sense of an applicant’s many facets, skills, and experiences across the different materials:

• Statement of purpose (see details below)
• Official transcripts from each college or university attended
• 3-5 letters of recommendation speaking to academic abilities
• Writing sample of 15-25 pages (preferably a paper from a course that illustrates the candidate's ability to write and to conduct research)
• Unofficial or official GRE scores are optional
• Students from non-English-speaking countries should also submit a recent TOEFL score; students graduating with a degree from a four-year English-speaking institution are exempt from this requirement.

Statement of Purpose

Successful applicants should use the personal statement to clearly articulate their interest in pursuing a doctorate in political science and their research objectives. There are no required elements, but some questions that can help guide the statement include:

• What questions or puzzles in political science fascinate you?
• What approaches do you think will help you answer those puzzles?
• Why do you want to earn a Ph.D., and why in political science?
• How have your studies and experiences prepared you for a challenging Ph.D. program?
• Why do you think the Vanderbilt program and its faculty are the best place for you to study your questions of interest and develop needed skills?

Visiting Campus

We hold a recruitment visit in March for all applicants who receive offers of admission to the program. Visits consist of meals with current graduate students and faculty, group meetings to learn about program requirements and benefits, and one-on-one meetings with those faculty members and students you are most likely to work with.

Financial Aid                         Plan Your Ph.D.                          Apply Now

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PhD in Political Science

PhD in Political Science Courses | Fields of Study | Requirements | Funding | Admissions

The PhD in Political Science program emphasizes theoretical and methodological rigor and is designed to train applied social-scientists for careers in research. To this end, the program mandates that all students complete a common core of applied formal theory and statistical modeling coursework in addition to the general substantive requirements. Though malleable apart from this core sequence, program requirements are designed to give all students: (1) a firm grasp of the general field of political science; (2) a sophisticated understanding of the theoretical and methodological foundations of the discipline; and (3) a thorough familiarity with the literature and intellectual problems of the fields each student chooses to emphasize.

All fields of study involve the role of incentives, institutions, and strategies in the aggregation of preferences and ultimately the allocation of resources. Major fields of study mirror the disciplinary norm: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, and Public Administration/Public Policy. All students must also declare two minor fields from the list above or substitute Advanced Research Methodology or Race, Ethnic, and Gender Politics.

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Fully Funded PhD Programs in Political Science

Last updated March 30, 2022

As part of our series  How to Fully Fund Your PhD , here is a list of universities that offer full funding for a Ph.D. in Political Science. These programs are designed to produce exceptional researchers and scholars in the fields of American Politics, Political Theory, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Economy, Political Science Research Methodology, Constitutional Studies, and more. Graduates from these programs typically go on to work at top universities, think tanks, consulting firms, and government and non-government organizations (NGOs), both domestically and abroad. With the  average cost of a doctorate degree exceeding $100,000, gaining acceptance to a program with full funding is ideal.

“Full funding” is a financial aid package for full-time Ph.D. students that includes full tuition remission as well as an annual stipend or salary during the entire program, which is usually 3-6 years. Funding usually comes with the expectation that students will teach or complete research in their field of study. Not all universities fully fund their doctoral students, which is why researching the financial aid offerings of many different programs, including small and lesser-known schools both in the U.S. and abroad, is essential.

The  ProFellow database  for graduate and doctoral study also spotlights external funding opportunities for graduate school, including dissertation research, fieldwork, language study, and summer work experiences.

Would you like to receive the full list of more than 1000+ fully funded programs in 60 disciplines? Download the FREE Directory of Fully Funded Graduate Programs and Full Funding Awards !

1. University of Chicago

(Chicago, IL): The University of Chicago provides full funding to all admitted doctoral students to its Ph.D. in Political Science Program. The funding package includes full tuition, an annual stipend, and health insurance, and is guaranteed for the duration of a student’s studies provided they remain in good academic standing.

2. George Washington University

(Washington, D.C.): The George Washington University Ph.D. in Political Science program provides five years of guaranteed funding. The program is designed to produce outstanding researchers and scholars at top universities, policy think tanks, consulting firms, and government institutions. Ph.D. students choose one major study: American Politics, International Relations, or Comparative Politics, and one minor study: Political Theory, Public Policy, or Research Methods.

3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

(Cambridge, MA): The MIT Ph.D. in Political Science program aims to provide merit-based funding to all incoming doctoral students. The funding package is for five consecutive years with full tuition, health insurance, and a 9-month stipend. The program aims to produce new scholarly insights that improve the way governments and societies function and requires preparation in two of these major fields: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Models and Methods, Political Economy, and Security Studies.

4. University of Minnesota

(Minneapolis, MN): The University of Minnesota Ph.D. in Political Science program offers full funding to all incoming doctoral students. The funding provides five years of guaranteed financial support through fellowships, research and teaching assistantships, or graduate instructorships. Research specialties of the program include American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Methodology, Political Psychology (minor), Political Theory, and Political Economy.

5. New York University

(New York, NY): The NYU Ph.D. in Politics program offers full funding to all incoming students through MacCracken fellowships that guarantee five years of support, including tuition and a stipend. The program views teaching as a vital part of the doctoral degree, therefore students who participate in the teaching program are provided additional compensation for each teaching opportunity. There are no department-wide course requirements, but students must take at least three courses in each of at least two of these fields: American Politics, Political Theory, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Economy, and Methodology.

6. University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

(Chapel Hill, NC): The UNC Ph.D. in Political Science program offers most students fellowships and assistantships to fund their academic studies and living expenses. These awards require ten to fifteen hours per week of service duties, which may include teaching, conducting recitation sections, or assisting a faculty member in research and/or teaching. After the first year, graduate students must demonstrate the ability to teach in English in order to be eligible for further financial support. The program’s focus is to prepare students for professional careers in political science at academic institutions, government agencies, and NGOs.

7. University of Notre Dame

(Notre Dame, IN): The University of Notre Dame Department of Political Science provides guaranteed financial support to admitted students for five years. The funding package includes full tuition and a fellowship stipend. Additional funding is also available for students to pursue research and professional development, including covering costs associated with conference travel. The program also offers a joint Ph.D. in Political Science and Peace Studies that provides a full tuition scholarship, generous stipend, health insurance, and additional funding for research and travel.

8. Stanford University

(Stanford, CA): The Stanford Ph.D. in Political Science program offers a fully funded financial package for doctoral students for up to five years. The funding package covers the full cost of tuition and an additional amount for living expenses during the academic year. The latter amount comes in the form of a stipend during the first year and a combination of teaching and research assistantships during years 2-5.  The Department also provides students with annual funds for professional development, health insurance fees, and a living stipend for the first two summers. The aim of Stanford’s Political Science Ph.D. program is to produce scholars, most of which go on to conduct research and teach at universities.

9. Vanderbilt University

(Nashville, TN): The Vanderbilt Ph.D. in Political Science program provides full funding to all doctoral students for five years of study. The financial package includes a university tuition scholarship – a service-free award that covers all tuition costs, and a graduate award consisting of either a university fellowship, graduate teaching assistantship, graduate research assistantship, traineeships, or teacher training award. The program encourages individuals from diverse, under-represented populations to apply and aims to bring the most diverse, talented, and innovative students in the world to Nashville to study political science.

10. Washington University in St. Louis

(St. Louis, MO): Washington University’s Ph.D. program in Political Science provides full funding to all incoming students. The funding package includes full tuition and a stipend for living expenses. The Political Science program is designed to prepare students for careers in academia and prides itself in successfully placing graduates in academic jobs.  The program places about 90 percent of its Ph.D. graduates in jobs, most of them tenure-track positions.

Next step: Narrowing down the list of universities to apply to is important, and a critical factor in your decision should be your potential Ph.D. advisor. As a next step, we recommend that you learn how to find your ideal Ph.D. advisor .

© Victoria Johnson 2020, all rights reserved.

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• Fully Funded PhD Programs in Public Policy and Public Administration
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Ph.D. Program

As the major research institution in the Northwest, the University of Washington affords an expansive learning environment for the approximately eight thousand students who are working toward advanced degrees in the University's graduate and professional schools. The Department of Political Science, one of the largest social science disciplines, offers a graduate program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree. Graduate students working towards the Ph.D. will also complete a Masters of Arts degree as a part of the overall requirements of the program.

Visit the pages below for details about application procedures, program requirements, and departmental resources:

• Program Requirements
• Placement Record
• Graduate Student Guide
• Office Policies and Procedures
• Department and University Policies
• Teaching Assistant Job Descriptions
• Visiting Student Status
• Additional Graduate Student Resources

Questions? Contact [email protected]

More About Our Graduate Program

As a discipline, political science concentrates on the theory and practice of government and politics. At the graduate level, study of political science involves in-depth investigation into a broad range of political phenomena in areas as diverse as regional specializations in comparative politics, international peace and conflict resolution, feminist political theory, and American voting behavior. The breadth of the discipline, which is exemplified by the theoretical and research interests of the political science faculty at the University of Washington, in addition to the supportive philosophy of the faculty, gives students the freedom to shape an individualized program of study to meet their personal interests and career goals.

Located in Gowen Hall, at the center of campus, the Department of Political Science maintains a graduate program of about 50 students in residence, with approximately twelve to fifteen new students entering the program each year, and a full-time and adjunct faculty of fifty members. The program remains small enough to offer students a strongly supportive environment for study and research. In addition, an active student association, which sponsors both academic and social events, fosters a collegial spirit among the graduate students.

Graduate courses, which average from eight to fifteen students, are conducted in a seminar setting where student inquiry and interaction are encouraged. Upon entering the program, each student meets with the Graduate Program Coordinator to outline the first year's course work. However, by the third quarter of residence, each student selects a faculty supervisory committee to advise the student about a program of study that meets individual needs and interests.

The University of Washington provides equal opportunity in education without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran in accordance with University of Washington policy and applicable federal and state statutes and regulations.

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PhD in Political Science

Doctor of philosophy in political science.

Our program maintains the traditional concentrations of the field. Students must select one major and one minor concentration in either

• political philosophy/political theory
• American politics/constitutional law; or
• comparative politics/international relations.

Each of these three traditional areas of concentration, however, will be informed by a set of questions and themes, grounded in the training and research of our faculty, which make this program unique. We focus on the foundations and operation of constitutional government, the character and cultivation of political leadership, and the relation of both to civil society and to the task of educating citizens for the exercise of liberty. Civic education involves learning the mechanics of government, but it also involves the formation of citizens through involvement with civil society and service to the community. Proper civic institutions do not merely buttress individuals from the abuse of political power; they also shape the habits of mind and heart necessary for responsible citizenship and political leadership.

Our program also allows doctoral students to work in an interdisciplinary concentration , such as "Religion and Politics" or "Politics and Literature." This concentration allows students to draw on programs throughout the university, such as Church-State Studies, English, history, philosophy and sociology.

Most importantly, our doctoral program takes as its calling not simply the education of future scholars but also the education of teachers. Teaching apprenticeships -with a one-on-one relationship between an apprentice and a teacher-is another distinguishing feature of our program. Graduate students serve as apprentices for undergraduate courses, and are then given the opportunity to teach them. Doctoral students also have the opportunity to work in Baylor's long-established program in Philanthropy and Public Service.

Political Philosophy/Political Theory

We offer courses in the history of political thought, from the Greeks to the present, as well as in contemporary debates in political theory and in the social sciences as a whole. Related to our program themes of the philosophic origins and development of constitutional government and the character of statecraft and citizenship, are questions about the future and evolution of liberalism; the nature and function of civil society; the condition of its complex web of intermediate institutions such as family, church, and civic organizations; the nature and preconditions of justice; the virtues demanded by good citizenship; and the challenges of politics in a global society.

Our graduate seminars in the history of political thought - Classical Political Thought, Medieval Political Thought, and Modern Political Thought - provide students with an exceptional foundation in the history of Western political thought. "Contemporary Political Thought" explores such thinkers as Oakeshott, Voegelin, and Strauss, or a theme such as just war theory. "Contemporary Democratic Theory" explores recent debates concerning a properly "deliberative democracy" and assesses the special challenges for citizenship and public culture posed by a radically multicultural and pluralistic political setting. Our course in "Politics and Literature" may focus on such topics as "Shakespeare as a Political Thinker," "The American Political Novel," and "Greek Drama and Political Theory." Finally, "Advanced Study in Political Phlosophy" allows professors and students to explore a particular thinker or theme in great depth, and prepares students for their own dissertation research.

American Politics/Constitutional Law

In addition to our courses in institutions, policy, administration, and behavior, our doctoral program in American politics emphasizes the study of constitutional government, especially constitutional law. Our "Seminar in Public Law," which can be taken up to three times for credit, covers a broad range of questions concerning the American judicial system, including judicial politics, constitutional and judicial theory, and jurisprudence. "The American Founding" studies the politics and principles that played a role in the American Founding, utilizing the debates at the 1787 Constitutional Convention, the First Congress, and early fundamental decisions of the Supreme Court that were seminal in its future interpretation. "American Political Development" examines the interaction between institutional structures created by the Constitution and the practice of American politics from the founding period to the present. At issue in both these courses is the relation between political ideas and practical politics, including the institutional, economic, and social constraints both in which statecraft operates and which are in turn shaped by political ideas and actions. We also offer "Presidential Rhetoric," which surveys theories of the rhetorical presidency and genres of presidential discourse in selected eras of American history, from the early republic through the present.

"Comparative Constitutional Law" enables students to study constitutional and legal issues in a comparative perspective. However important the American contribution to the theory and practice of constitutional government, constitutionalism is today a global phenomenon. Through this course students explore the problems and prospects of the fastest growing form of government in the world today. Moreover, this course not only helps to complete their education in American politics and constitutional law, but also serves as a bridge to our third subfield: comparative politics/international relations.

Comparative Politics/International Relations

In addition to our basic seminars in "International Relations" and "Comparative Politics," which offer graduate students introductions to these fields, and "Comparative Constitutional Law," mentioned above, we offer a range of graduate seminars. "American Foreign Policy" examines the intellectual background of American diplomacy, the interaction of constitutional, legal, and informal institutions that shape official actions, and the dilemmas confronting the United States at the beginning of the twenty-first century. Students with interests in both international relations and political theory will enjoy "The Development of International Relations Thought," which studies the realist, rationalist, and revolutionary traditions, as articulated by such thinkers as Hobbes, Grotius, and Kant, and the relation of these traditions to contemporary international relations thought. So, too, "The Development of Strategic Thought" examines the ideas of strategic thinkers who lived in a variety of historical periods, including Thucydides, Sun Tzu, Machiavelli, and Clausewitz.

We also offer senior-level courses for graduate credit (as in the other subfields) in courses in "Grand Strategy," "Terrorism," "Intelligence and Covert Action," "Diplomacy," "International Law," "International Organizations," "International Political Economy," and "Power, Morality, and International Relations." In the area of comparative politics, we offer courses in the governments and politics of such countries or areas as Britain, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America, Mexico, and Russia.

Course work in other departments

Having elected a major and minor field of study in political science, graduate students may take approved courses in other departments that supplement their overall plan of study in political science. In the past, graduate students who have wished to study politics and literature, for example, or religion and politics, have supplemented Political Science offerings in these areas with courses in other departments, such as English, Philosophy, History, Communication Studies, Religion, and Great Texts. We think that such courses can deepen a student’s understanding of the contributions of theology, philosophy and literature (epic poetry, comedies and tragedies, novels, etc.) to fundamental questions of political philosophy and to the formation of a nation’s or an individual’s spiritual and political self-understanding. Such courses can also deepen a student’s grasp of constitutional and political issues, such as religious freedom and its place in liberal government, or the role of civil society in linking the individual to the broader political community and in fostering a responsible and engaged citizenry.

Methodology Requirement

"Seminar in Research Design and Research Methods" provides an introduction to the discipline of political science, introduces the logic of research design as well as specific research strategies and techniques, whether quantitative or qualitative, and discusses questions related to the philosophy of science.

In addition, students are required either to demonstrate competence in one foreign language (Classical or Modern), as defined by the Graduate School, or to take an advanced methodology course, such as SOC 5312, Social Science Data Analysis (cross-listed as PSC 5312).

Teaching Apprenticeship Requirements

In their second and third years of the program, students have the opportunity to serve in an apprenticeship with a faculty member each semester. Apprenticeships will be arranged on an individual basis by the student in consultation with the graduate director. The apprenticeship will ordinarily involve full participation in planning and executing an undergraduate course. Apprentices will attend the classes of their faculty mentor, and help with student evaluation.

While apprentices, students may take a section of the 5000-level course, "Teaching Political Science," a directed readings course with a faculty member for whose course they serve as apprentice. The readings will involve the subject matter of the undergraduate course, and the requirements might involve a graduate level paper on those materials, or an annotated bibliography of materials that might be used in the undergraduate course. One section of 5396 is required of all graduate students, but no more than two are permitted to count toward the PhD requirements. "Teaching Political Science" courses count toward the major and minor.

During the third or fourth year of their program, students will have responsibility for at least one course, in most cases a course of the same kind in which they served their apprenticeship. For example, an apprentice for "Government and Politics of Latin America" or for "Government and Politics of the Middle East" might then teach a section of "Comparative Politics," depending on student preference and departmental need. "American Constitutional Development" has proven particularly useful for apprenticeships, which have prepared many of our doctoral students to teach sections of their own of this course. Student evaluations administered by the University will be given and become part of a student's placement file, along with the faculty member's evaluation.

In addition to the department's teaching apprenticeships, Baylor graduate students have the opportunity to participate in Seminars for Excellence in Teaching .

Department of Political Science

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College of Arts & Sciences

Ph.D in Government

Please explore further each of our fields of expertise:

• American Government
• Comparative Government
• International Relations
• Political Theory

Course scheduling and course information is available on the Schedule of Classes . Graduate Students should select a Term. Then “Government” as the Subject and choose “Advanced Search” and select “MN or MC Graduate” for Level.

The mission of the Government Department Ph.D. program is to provide students with the analytical skills and substantive knowledge needed to both generate and evaluate research in political science, preparing them for careers at the highest levels of scholarship and teaching. A Georgetown Ph.D. in Government signifies theoretical, methodological, and substantive expertise in various topics of political significance, as well as the research and communication skills necessary for productive scholarship.

The degree indicates that the recipient has acquired extensive knowledge in at least two fields, both typically drawn from the four major subfields of political science, but which may also include related fields such as history, security studies, or public policy. A Georgetown Ph.D. in Government is granted only to students who have demonstrated the ability to synthesize large quantities of information and rigorously evaluate the merits of competing theoretical and empirical arguments. The degree indicates that its holder has obtained the analytical and methodological skills to design and conduct original research of the highest quality. It further certifies that its holder has the written and oral communication skills necessary to engage with debates at the leading edge of the field. Individuals holding a Georgetown Ph.D. in Government are also equipped with the knowledge and skills to teach political science at the university level in both survey courses and specialized seminars.

Doctoral-level seminars taken during coursework are designed to familiarize students with the scholarly literature in at least two fields of study. Students gain a broad understanding of the development and major topics of research within these fields, as well as expertise in several more specialized areas. Students learn to evaluate and engage with the major scholarly debates in their fields of study, both in classroom discussion and in written work. All students learn the methodological skills needed to carry out original research in their respective fields.

Ph.D. students are required to take comprehensive examinations in one major. The purpose of comprehensive examinations is to demonstrate a student’s broad familiarity with the literature in his or her fields of study. This prepares students both as professional members of a scholarly community and as future teachers at the university level. Our doctoral students write dissertations that consist of rigorous original research that contribute to our understanding of a topic of empirical importance and theoretical significance to the field of political science. Once a dissertation of high quality is complete, there is a dissertation defense at which the student presents the results of his or her research and is questioned about the implications of the work for the field of political science by the dissertation committee.

In addition to the formal requirements of the doctoral program, students are encouraged and expected to participate in opportunities for professional socialization and development. All four subfields of the department organize speaker series to host scholars from other universities and promote intellectual exchange. Doctoral students are also encouraged to attend our seminars on various aspects of the academic profession, including teaching, publishing, and the job market.

Students acquire teaching skills in a number of settings. Many serve as teaching assistants for the larger undergraduate courses offered by the department, while others may have the opportunity to teach their own undergraduate-level seminars. Students may also take advantage of training seminars offered by the department, as well as the certification offered through the  Apprenticeship in Teaching Program  run by the  Center for New Designs in Teaching and Learning .

Doctoral students engage with the political science community outside of Georgetown by attending specialized seminars and presenting their research at academic conferences.

For students admitted with a Fellowship, we provide tuition and a stipend of $38,000. Typically students in their first year are assigned a service-free fellowship and will work on coursework and related research. In their second year, students normally are assigned service assistantships and and will typically serve as TA’s in GOVT courses or on other assignments. Students in their fourth year are assigned service assistantships and typically serve as an RA for a professor or some other assignment. In the fifth year, students usually also are service-free conditional on having successfully defended their dissertation prospectus and advanced to ABD status.

Our Ph.D. graduates have tenure-track jobs at many excellent institutions, including:

• American University
• Cornell University
• University of Wisconsin at Madison
• LBJ School of Public Policy at the University of Texas at Austin
• George Washington University
• George Mason University
• University of California at Riverside
• University of Michigan
• Villanova University
• Carleton University

In addition, our Ph.D.s have been winning prestigious fellowships, including ones from Harvard, Princeton and Brookings.

Part of our placement success is due to our strong record of working closely with students, including producing jointly authored articles.

All inquiries should be sent to [email protected] .

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Political Science

Degree requirements.

Learn more about the program by visiting the Department of Political Science

See related Interdisciplinary Clusters and Certificates

Degree Types: PhD

The Political Science PhD Program is designed for students whose primary concern is a mastery of theories, methods of research, and substantive literature of the discipline of political science.

The program reflects an effort to address big questions in politics by combining multiple social science methodologies including quantitative, qualitative, experimental, interpretive methods. Committed to excellence in research and teaching, methodological diversity, and interdisciplinary collaborations, the department offers a stimulating intellectual community that is committed to diversity and equality of opportunity for students and faculty of all backgrounds.

We offer field training in American politics, comparative politics, political theory, international relations, and methods. Our graduate training strengths include:

• Race, Ethnicity and Politics
• Conflict Studies
• Law and Politics
• Public Opinion, Political Communication and Political Participation
• American Political Development
• International Theory
• Comparative Historical Analysis
• Feminist and Gender Studies

Students in this program are also encouraged to participate in TGS’s Interdisciplinary Initiative program. For more information on how you can have a second intellectual “home” outside of your department or program please visit the Interdisciplinary Clusters page .

Additional resources:

• Department website
• Program handbook(s)

Program Statistics

Visit PhD Program Statistics for statistics such as program admissions, enrollment, student demographics and more.

Program Contact

Contact Justine Zhao Graduate Program Coordinator

The following requirements are in addition to, or further elaborate upon, those requirements outlined in  The Graduate School Policy Guide .

Total Units Required: 18

Political Theory students are occasionally exempt from the requirement to take POLI_SCI 403-0 Introduction to Probability and Statistics and POLI_SCI 405-0 Linear Models .

Other PhD Degree Requirements

• Research Paper Requirement:  Scholarly paper in first or second year
• Second Field Requirement :  Five courses in a student's second field, or optional qualifying examination
• Examination:  One written qualifying examination in student's first field; optional examination in student's second field
• Prospectus:  Dissertation research design presented during the quarter after passing the qualifying examination
• Final Evaluations:  Oral defense of dissertation
• Other:  Teaching requirement begins in second year in an undergraduate course

Last Updated: September 12, 2023

Political Science, PhD

• Program description
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• Admission requirements
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• Career opportunities
• Contact information

American Politics, Comparative Government, Global Affairs, International Relations, Political Science, government, history, politics

Gain a strong foundation in research methods and substantive content for advanced postgraduate study of political science. The very low student-to-faculty ratio provides exceptional opportunities for research collaboration and guidance throughout the program.

The PhD program in political science is intended to develop scholars who demonstrate a high level of excellence in teaching and research as professional political scientists. It offers a variety of areas of specialization within and between the four main subfields of political science: American politics, comparative politics, international relations and political theory. Students interested in a political theory specialization should consult with the academic unit prior to application.

Program faculty have particular strengths in Latino and Latina politics, women and politics, ethnoreligious dynamics, political violence, human rights, political psychology and political economy.

The school is host to the Center for Latina/os and American Politics Research, the Future Security Initiative and an experimental lab. Faculty are also affiliated with other centers at ASU, such as the Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab; the Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict; the Melikian Center for Russian, Eurasian and East European Studies; as well as the Center for the Study of Economic Liberty. Many faculty members are active in collaborative interdisciplinary research at ASU and with scholars at other universities, and they have won major grants and awards, as have the school's doctoral students.

• College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Location: Tempe

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (3 credit hours) POS 503 Empirical Political Inquiry (3)

Electives and Research (69 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) POS 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information A maximum of 12 credit hours of approved coursework outside the department but within ASU may count toward the required 84 credit hours.

Coursework beyond the 12-credit-hour maximum may be taken outside the department with permission of both the director of Graduate Studies and the faculty advisor.

When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, this program allows 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to be used for this degree. If students do not have a previously awarded master's degree, the 30 hours of coursework is made up of electives and research to reach the required 84 credit hours.

Also required is a formal oral defense of the dissertation and a written comprehensive examination in the major field.

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• personal statement
• writing sample
• three letters of recommendation
• list of political science courses taken
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

ASU does not accept the GRE® General Test at home edition.

To assist in evaluating all candidates, the applicant should list titles and related information for all previous undergraduate and graduate courses or coursework in political science or related fields. The file must be saved in a .pdf, .doc, .rtf or .txt format and uploaded with the online graduate admission application. The information should be in a table with the following column headings: Course Title, Undergrad Credit Hours, Graduate Credit Hours, Grade, Institution, Year.

Undergraduate coursework in political science is not a prerequisite for admission. However, applicants to the doctoral program should have a basic understanding of elementary statistics and the undergraduate content of the political science fields of specialization that they wish to study. Students without this background should allow sufficient time to acquire it.

The personal statement (one to three pages) should describe the areas of political science the applicant wishes to study, post-graduation goals, and why the School of Politics and Global Studies is the best fit for the applicant. Applicants may also mention any particular faculty members with whom they are interested in working and why, as well as provide context for any discrepancies in their educational background.

The writing sample is typically a previously written research or other similar paper that best demonstrates the applicants critical thinking and writing skills in political science or a related field. There is not a length requirement for the writing sample, but it should be of sufficient level to allow the admissions committee to evaluate the applicant's knowledge and skills.

Program graduates have a strong track record of obtaining positions in academic, public and private sectors. The program works closely with students so they have the opportunity and tools needed to achieve their career goals. The doctoral program provides advanced education for students preparing for teaching, research or applied careers in political science in government, nonprofits and the private sector.

Career examples include:

• campaign consultant
• campaign strategist
• data analyst
• research specialist
• tenure-track or instructional faculty in political science

School of Politics and Global Studies | COOR 6801 [email protected] 480-965-8563

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Loyola University Chicago

Department of political science, phd in political science.

The PhD program in political science is intended for students who wish to acquire careers in teaching and research or work in the government or the private sector. The focus includes the four fields of American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory. Students will take most of their courses and specialize in two fields. One of the two fields will constitute the major field and the other the minor field.  Interested students should refer to the Prospective PhD Students information page .

Degree Outcomes and Professional Success  

The PhD in Political Science offers students:

• An in-depth understanding of the theories and scholarly literature in the subfields of Comparative Politics (study of political regimes, including the state, development and modernization, political, economic, and social movements), International Relations (study of global processes throughout the international system), American Politics (study of U.S. institutions and political processes), and Political Theory (study of political philosophy ranging from Ancient to Modern and Contemporary political thought).
• Extensive methods training, including research design and statistical analysis, that will enable the successful candidate to effectively design and conduct research.
• Research and teaching training by serving as both a research assistant for department faculty and professor of record for at least one class during the period of the PhD student’s funding.
• An enhanced ability to express their thoughts in writing (all Political Science graduate classes include a significant writing component).
• Preparation for careers in research and teaching at colleges and universities or work in the government, non-profit, and private sectors.

We also encourage our PhD students to take advantage of additional learning opportunities:

• Advanced methodological training
• Advanced language training/proficiency in a language other than English
• Advanced research skills
• International, cross-cultural experience
• Professional development and experience
• Networking opportunities

Degree Requirements

1. Completion of the Master's degree (those students who did not come to Loyola with an M.A. can take the MA comprehensive exam after having completed 10 courses, including PLSC 401, 475 and 476, and earn an MA).

2. Forty-eight semester hours (16 courses) of work, six hours (2 courses) of which can be in a related discipline. Required coursework includes:

a. Methodology (475 must be taken in the first fall semester):

• PLSC 401: Research Design                   
• PLSC 475: Techniques of Political Analysis I
• PLSC 476: Techniques of Political Analysis II

b. Four classes (12 credits) in major field (International Relations, Comparative Politics, American Politics, or Political Theory) and three classes (9 credits) in minor field (International Relations, Comparative Politics, American Politics, or Political Theory).

c. Any 5 elective courses (15 credits), chosen from at least two subfields (International Relations, Comparative Politics, American Politics, or Political Theory).

d. One Directed Readings course (PLSC 499) to develop a dissertation proposal. This course should be taken in the last semester of that the student takes courses.

Note: Students may be required to develop language proficiency to conduct research for their doctoral dissertations. The Graduate School can offer tuition credit for PhD students who need to take language courses that are necessary for dissertation research.

3. Comprehensive Exams: Candidates must pass comprehensive examinations. The comprehensive examinations have both written and oral components. All course requirements, including removal of all existing incompletes, must be fulfilled before students can take the written comprehensive exam.

4. Dissertation Proposal and Dissertation: Candidates must complete and successfully defend both a dissertation proposal and the completed dissertation. Sometime in the third year of study, students are expected for form a dissertation committee, with the assistance of the Graduate Program Director.

Note: Students may transfer up to 12 semester hours (4 courses) of graduate credit from another university program based on an evaluation of their transcript. Students must complete four semesters of residence, including at least two consecutive semesters at Loyola. At least one academic year (two consecutive semesters) must be spent as a full-time student.  

Acceptance is based on a consideration of the following:

• Online application (free)
• Undergraduate academic record (applicant must provide all college transcripts)
• Three letters of recommendation
• A statement of purpose, not to exceed two single-spaced pages, describing academic interests and professional goals
• Please see the Prospective Doctoral Students Webpage for additional explanation of the above requirements.

Acceptance will be on a rolling basis, with a February 15 th  application deadline.

Program Length & Time Limits  

The average time-frame nation-wide for students to earn the PhD is six years. Completing the course work and passing the comprehensive exams normally takes two-and-a-half to three years, the remainder of the time to degree is principally up to the student. Some of our students have completed the PhD in just under five years.

Graduate School regulations require students entering the program with a Bachelor's Degree to complete all Ph.D. requirements, including the dissertation, within eight years of taking their first course in the degree program. Students admitted to the doctoral program with a Master's degree must complete all Ph.D. requirements, including the dissertation, within six years of the start of their program. A student failing to meet these deadlines may submit a petition to the Graduate Studies Committee requesting an extension of the relevant deadline. The final authority to extend the time limits resides in the Graduate School.

For further information, please contact Professor Eric Hansen, Graduate Program Director for Political Science, at [email protected]  or 773.508.3053.

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The Graduate Program in Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania reflects the methodological diversity of the discipline. The Department’s areas of strength include comparative politics and political economy; international political, economic, and military problems; the domestic politics and foreign relations of major powers and geographic areas, American politics and political development, political theory, and constitutional theory.

Courses in each field clarify important intellectual and conceptual issues affecting the formulation of research problems and objectives. The option of an individualized specialization makes available unusual opportunities for in- depth study of distinctive national experiences or aspects of political science not constituted as one of the Department’s standard fields. Courses in research methods provide students with the basic knowledge and proficiency required for the selection and application of appropriate research skills in each field of specialization. The Graduate Program offers the Ph.D. degree. Candidates completing the Ph.D. degree follow careers in university teaching and scholarship, and in private or public research institutions. Information about the interests of our faculty is available on our faculty web pages .  All students admitted to our program receive financial support from either a teaching fellowship or a research fellowship.  Continuation of financial support from term to term is contingent upon satisfactory academic performance and progress.  Individuals interested in applying to our Ph.D. program may read about the application requirements, deadlines, and admission policies on the admissions page.

Apply online by going to the online application .

Alexander Weisiger , Graduate Chair

Nathalie Lacarrière , Graduate Coordinator

Twitter: @PoliticsAtPenn

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The Top International Relations Schools

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The Top International Relations Schools of 2024, Ranked

An insider’s guide to the world’s best programs—for both policy and academic careers.

The Teaching, Research, and International Policy (TRIP) Project at William & Mary’s Global Research Institute has long partnered with Foreign Policy to create a reputational ranking of academic programs in international relations. Over the past two decades, our process has remained simple and consistent: We ask IR professionals what they think are the five best places to study for an undergraduate, terminal master’s, and doctoral degree.

In our most recent survey on the topic, conducted from October 2022 to January 2023, we received responses from 979 IR scholars across the United States, 294 staff affiliated with U.S. think tanks, and 291 policymakers who worked in the U.S. government during the George W. Bush, Obama, and Trump administrations. For the first time, we also asked respondents which Ph.D. programs are best for a student interested in a policy career, rather than an academic one. As the number of tenure-track positions in universities declines and the demand for expertise within the policy community increases , this question is more relevant today than ever before.

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• UNDERGRADUATE
• Ph.D., ACADEMIC
• Ph.D., POLICY

Undergraduate Programs

These results should look familiar to those who follow national undergraduate rankings. Ivy League schools, Stanford University, the University of Chicago, and a few large public universities were favored across the board. But a handful of outliers punched well above their weight: Georgetown University, American University, George Washington University, Tufts University, and William & Mary all placed much higher here compared with their rankings in U.S. News & World Report , widely considered the most influential college ranking in the United States. In fact, Georgetown stands out as the top undergraduate choice among policymakers and think tank staff.

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Master’s Programs

For master’s students hoping to pursue a policy career, all three groups we surveyed expressed a preference for programs on the East Coast. Only a few schools located west of the Rocky Mountains made the top 20 in each list. Respondents also highlighted several options outside the United States in the top 20: IR faculty included four international programs, while policymakers included five—all located in Europe—and think tankers included eight, one of which is in Asia.

Ph.D. Programs for Academics

IR faculty members’ rankings of Ph.D. programs have proved remarkably stable over the years. Between our 2017 survey and our most recent one, no top 15 program has moved more than one spot in either direction; in fact, most held the same rank. Additionally, policymakers and think tank staff appeared to value academic Ph.D. programs located in Washington, D.C., and outside the United States much more than U.S.-based IR scholars did.

Ph.D. Programs for Policymakers

When asked about doctoral students pursuing a policy career, all three groups we surveyed showed a preference for institutions with strong connections to Washington. Schools such as George Washington University, Georgetown University, and American University are ranked higher for students pursuing policy careers than for those hoping to enter academia. Conversely, institutions such as the University of Chicago and Massachusetts Institute of Technology are ranked lower for policy careers than academic ones. This shift highlights the importance of proximity to policy centers and the availability of practical engagement opportunities in shaping perceptions of a program’s value for a policy-oriented career in IR.

Advice to Prospective Students

Prospective students would do well to explore the specific features of various programs rather than focusing solely on a broad reputational ranking, which tells us little about a program’s regional, functional, or methodological strengths. For example, both academic and policymaker respondents who specialize in international political economy and/or trade policy ranked the London School of Economics master’s program higher than respondents who focus on security policy. Similarly, academics who specialize in the study of Latin America ranked the University of California, Berkeley Ph.D. program higher for an academic career than their non-Latin Americanist colleagues.

Still, prospective students should keep in mind that reputation matters. Although reputation may be an imperfect indicator of quality, it is a strong indicator of perceived quality within the field. A program’s standing can have conscious and unconscious effects on graduate school admissions committees, scholarship committees, and hiring managers in the public, private, and higher education sectors. For this reason, our ranking provides a systematic measure of these perceptions to assist prospective students in making informed choices as they plan for their future.

Advancing a Global Affairs Career

The intersection of large-scale challenges and technological advancements demands a broader range of knowledge and skills from international relations professionals. Learn about the impact this is having on employment trends in the latest FP Graduate School Guide .

To learn how your academic institution can be part of the FP Guides, contact Director of Academic Partnerships: Sherri Greeves, [email protected] .

Irene Entringer García Blanes is a senior project manager for the Teaching, Research, and International Policy Project at William & Mary. Twitter:  @EntringerIrene

Susan Peterson is the Wendy and Emery Reves professor of government and international relations at William & Mary.

Michael J. Tierney is the George and Mary Hylton professor of international relations and director of the Global Research Institute at William & Mary. Twitter:  @MikeTierneyIR

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DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

• Information for Current Students

Information for New Students

Welcome from the graduate program coordinator.

I’m Justine, the Graduate Program Coordinator for Northwestern’s PhD in Political Science program. Welcome to our incredible department! We are so excited to have you join us this Fall. We will work closely through each milestone of the program to ensure you are well-informed and meet all important deadlines. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out or schedule an appointment with me here ! During the Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters, I am typically in Scott Hall 217 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.  

This page is intended to be a starting point for the variety of resources available to new students and to help answer questions that often arise before your arrival on campus. 

Recommended Links to Review

• The Graduate School provides a comprehensive  list of pages  covering most of the issues new students face. Please visit their Newly Admitted Students page for even more details.   
• Please also review our  Guide to Graduate Study  , which outlines our policies and procedures. Note that this version is outdated, and the new one is currently under construction. For the most up-to-date deadlines, please review our Program Requirements .    
• You can view important dates for your first semester in Calendar View or Grid View on our live Smartsheet dates document.
• Read through recommendations from current students regarding what they wish they knew.

International Students

Please review the important information provided by the  International Office  well before arriving in Evanston.  Don’t hesitate to consult International Office representatives for more information ; they are available all summer and host drop-in hours every Wednesday from noon until 4 PM .   

Orientation

Our Political Science Department Orientation will be on Thursday, September 19 th, at 1:00 PM. You will hear from Political Science staff and faculty, and lunch will be provided, followed by a casual reception with faculty. Students not attending OISS orientation (below) are welcome to gather in Scott Hall before 1:00 PM to work on homework and socialize.  

This year, The Graduate School (TGS) is hosting a virtual orientation on August 19 th for you to complete at your own pace. TGS will email a link to the virtual orientation to your Northwestern email address once the course has launched. Please complete this virtual orientation before the start of the Fall Quarter on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. Plan approximately 90 minutes to complete all the modules.  

• Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS) Orientation will occur on Thursday, September 19 th at 9:00 AM:  
• Meet an OISS Advisor (learning information about their immigration status and the OISS Office) from 9-11 am  
• Lunch with the OISS Office (casual lunch and meet and greet) from 11:30-1:30 pm  

Though not required, Math Camp is a fantastic experience for students to brush up on math skills before classes start, meet their peers, attend faculty and current student panels, and have breakfast and lunch provided.  

Math Camp will take place from approximately 9 AM – 4 PM on:  

• September 16th   
• September 17th  
• September 18th  
• September 20 th  

There is typically a morning session with the Math Camp professor beginning at 9 AM, a lunchtime panel, and a lab session in the afternoon with the Math Camp TA.   

Please contact Justine to confirm your attendance.   

Obtaining a Northwestern Email

Your Northwestern email is a very important piece of your time as a student, and we encourage all students to obtain their NU email as soon as possible.  During the summer before your arrival, you will receive communication from Northwestern University Information Technology (NUIT) about how to activate your NetID and set up your email account.  Be sure to not delete this email by accident!

Here is a helpful link  to help you get started.

Connecting with other students

The Commune will send helpful information out to incoming students over the summer, with details about how to find housing, how to connect with current students, and how to connect with each other.  We encourage incoming students to make contact with each other before arriving on campus!

New to Fall 2024, we will be connecting incoming students with current students with shared interests.  Stay tuned for more information!

Graduate Student Life

Check out our Graduate Student Life  page for more about what our Department community does each year.

To learn more about housing options through northwestern, you can visit the housing  link provided by The Graduate School. Currently, there is no roommate finding service for graduate students, although our Department and the Graduate Student Association are sometimes able to send emails to their listservs with roommate requests.

Information on university housing can be found at:

• University Graduate Student Housing
• Off-Campus Housing

Alternatively, the Evanston campus is readily accessible by public transport from Chicago.

Southern Illinois University

Graduate degree programs, on this page, degree programs, certificate programs.

/https://siu.edu/search-results.php

Last Updated: Aug 06, 2024, 03:59 PM

Are you ready to take your education and personal growth to the next level? Look no further than Southern Illinois University! We offer a wide range of options for those seeking post-baccalaureate certificates, online Master's programs, and residential Master's or Doctoral programs. Whether you're looking to enhance your skills in a specific field, advance your career, or delve into cutting-edge research, SIU has plenty of available options to suit your ambitions.

Accountancy - M.Acc.

Degrees offered:.

• M.Acc. in Accountancy
• Concurrent Degree Program: Law (J.D.) / M.Acc.
• See Business Administration for Ph.D. in Accounting

Areas of Interest: Auditing and Accounting Information Systems - M.Acc. Taxation - M.Acc. General - M.Acc.

On Campus - Yes Online - Yes Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - no test required Deadlines - None

Visit the Accountancy Program for Full Details

Agribusiness Economics - M.S.

• M.S. in Agribusiness Economics
• Concurrent Degree Program - M.B.A. / M.S.
• See Environmental Resources Policy for Ph.D.
• See Agricultural Sciences for Ph.D.

Areas of Interest: Agribusiness Economics - M.S. Agricultural Services - M.S. Concurrent Degree Program with Business Administration (COB) - M.S. / M.B.A.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - no test required Deadlines - None

Visit the Agribusiness Economics Program for Full Details

Agricultural Sciences - Ph.D.

• Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences

Areas of Interest: Agricultural Economics - Ph.D. Agricultural Systems and Education - Ph.D. Animal Science - Ph.D. Crop Science and Environmental Management - Ph.D. Food and Nutrition - Ph.D. Forestry - Ph.D. Horticulture - Ph.D.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE Deadlines - None

Visit the Agricultural Sciences Program for Full Details

Animal Science - M.S.

• M.S. in Animal Science

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE Deadlines - Fall - March 1 Spring - September 2

Visit the Animal Science Program for Full Details

Anthropology - M.A., Ph.D.

• M.A. in Anthropology  (currently unavailable)
• Ph.D. in Anthropology  (currently unavailable)

Areas of Interest: Archaeology - M.A., Ph.D Physical / Biological - M.A., Ph.D. Sociocultural - M.A., Ph.D.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - None Tests Required - GRE (600/250/100 TOEFL required for all internationals) Deadlines - None

Visit the Anthropology Program for Full Details

Architecture - M.Arch.

• On-Campus Degree Path starts in the Summer term – 15 month program
• Online Degree Path starts in the Fall term

Areas of Interest: General

On Campus - Yes Online - Yes Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - no test required Deadlines - February 1

Visit the Architecture Program for Full Details

Art and Design - M.F.A.

• M.F.A. in Art and Design

Areas of Interest: Ceramics - M.F.A Design - M.F.A Drawing - M.F.A Glass - M.F.A Metalsmithing/Blacksmithing - M.F.A Painting - M.F.A Printmaking - M.F.A Sculpture - M.F.A

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - no test required Deadlines - Fall - Feb 15 Applications accepted for Fall ONLY

Visit the Art and Design Program for Full Details

Aviation Management - M.S.

• M.S. in Aviation Management  – Online Program

On Campus - No Online - Yes Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - no test required Deadlines - None

Visit the Aviation Management Program for Full Details

Behavior Analysis and Therapy - M.S.

• M.S. in Behavior Analysis and Therapy (on-campus and 100% online options available)
• Ph.D. in Psychology available

Areas of Interest: Autism Child Abuse and Neglect Experimental Analysis of Behavior Behavioral Economics Applied Behavior Analysis Become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

On Campus - Yes Online - Yes Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE required for the Psychology – Behavioral Analysis and Therapy Specialization Ph.D. program Deadlines - Feb. 1, 2024 is last day to submit applications for Fall 2024 admission.

Visit the Behavior Analysis and Therapy Program for Full Details

Biological Sciences / MEDPREP - M.S.

• M.S. in Biological Sciences

Areas of Interest: MEDPREP - The concentration in MEDPREP / MS program is the only area of interest available through the Biological Sciences program. All other areas of the Biological Sciences program remain closed. If you have not applied to the MEDPREP program, you cannot apply for the Biological Sciences MS program.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - no test required Deadlines - May 1 - Accepting Applications for Summer ONLY

Visit the Biological Sciences Program for Full Details

Biomedical Engineering - M.S., M.E.

• M.S.in Biomedical Engineering
• M.E. in Biomedical Engineering

Areas of Interest: Bioinformatics Computational Medicine - M.S., M.E. Biomedical Imaging - M.S., M.E. Biomedical Instrumentation - M.S., M.E. Biomechanics and Biomaterials - M.S., M.E. Modeling and Simulation of Biomedical Processes - M.S., M.E.

On Campus - Yes Online - M.E. only Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE Deadlines - None

Visit the Biomedical Engineering Program for Full Details

Biomedical Science - M.S.

• M.S. in Biomedical Science

Visit the Biomedical Science Program for Full Details

Business Administration - M.B.A., Ph.D.

• M.B.A.: Master of Business Administration - Online Only
• Ph.D. in Business Administration

M.B.A. Concentrations: General Analytics for Managers

Ph.D. Areas of Interest: Finance Marketing Accounting Management

On Campus - Ph.D. only Online - M.B.A. only Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - Ph.D. - GMAT (preferred score 600) or GRE Deadlines - Ph.D. admissions in even numbered years for Fall entry term ONLY Online M.B.A. admissions annually for Summer entry term ONLY

Visit the Business Administration Program for Full Details

Business Analytics - M.S.

• M.S. in Business Analytics - Online Progam

Visit the Business Analytics Program for Full Details

Chemistry - M.S., Ph.D.

• M.S. in Chemistry
• Ph.D. in Chemistry

Areas of Interest: Analytical - M.S., Ph.D. Biochemistry - M.S., Ph.D. Inorganic - M.S., Ph.D. Materials - M.S., Ph.D. Organic - M.S., Ph.D. Physical - M.S., Ph.D.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE General Exam Deadlines - Fall - February 1 Spring - August 1

Visit the Chemistry Program for Full Details

Civil and Environmental Engineering - M.S., M.E.

• M.S. in Civil Engineering
• M.E. in Civil Engineering
• See Engineering Science for Ph.D.

Areas of Interest: Environmental - M.S., M.E. Geotechnical - M.S., M.E. Hydraulic and Water Resources - M.S., M.E. Structural - M.S., M.E.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE for M.S. Only Deadlines - Fall - March 1 Spring - September 1 Summer - March 1

Visit the Civil and Environmental Engineering Program for Full Details

Communication Disorders and Sciences - M.S.

• M.S. in Communication Disorders and Sciences

Areas of Interest: Speech and Language Pathology - M.S.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE is optional Deadlines - Summer - February 1st Applications accepted for Summer Term only

Visit the Communication Disorders and Sciences Program for Full Details

Communication Studies - M.A., Ph.D.

• M.A. in Communication Studies
• Ph.D. in Communication Studies
• *Theater Applicants - For M.F.A. admission, apply to the Theater department. For Ph.D. level admission, apply to the Communication Studies Ph.D. program and note a specialization in Theater on the departmental application. ALL theater applicants (M.F.A. and Ph.D.) should contact Professor Jacob Juntunen in Theater (phone: 618-453-5747 or email:  [email protected] ) for information about the application process and procedures.

Areas of Interest: Intercultural Communication and Pedagogy - M.A., Ph.D. Gender, Sexuality and Communication - M.A., Ph.D. Performance Studies - M.A., Ph.D. Rhetoric and Society Theater - M.A. Theater-Playwriting - Ph.D. Theater-History and Criticism - Ph.D.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE is optional. Students wishing to be considered for fellowships with the Graduate School should submit GRE scores. (600/250/100 TOEFL required for all international students) Deadlines - Fall - January 1 Applications accepted for Fall ONLY. Theater applicants can apply for any term.

Visit the Communication Studies Program for Full Details

Computer Science - M.S., Ph.D.

• M.S. in Computer Science
• Ph.D. in Computer Science

Areas of Interest: Artificial Intelligence, Soft computing and Multi-Agent Systems - M.S., Ph.D. Bioinformatics - M.S., Ph.D. Computer Graphics and Human Computer Interaction - M.S., Ph.D. Data Management - M.S., Ph.D. Distributed and Parallel Computing - M.S., Ph.D. Networks and Security - M.S., Ph.D. Pattern Recognition, Visualization and Multimedia Processing - M.S., Ph.D. Software Engineering - M.S., Ph.D.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE for Ph.D. only Deadlines - Master's - Fall - February 15 Master's - Spring - September 15 Ph.D. - Fall - December 31

Visit the Computer Science Program for Full Details

Counseling and Rehabilitation Education - M.S.

• M.S. in Counseling and Rehabilitation Education

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - None Deadlines - Fall - 1st Friday in July Spring - 1st Friday in October Summer - 1st Friday in March

Visit the Counseling and Rehabilitation Education Program for Full Details

Creative Writing - M.F.A.

• M.F.A. in Creative Writing

Areas of Interest: Poetry - M.F.A. Fiction - M.F.A.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE recommended but not required Deadlines - Fall - February 1

Visit the Creative Writing Program for Full Details

Criminology and Criminal Justice - M.A., Ph.D.

• M.A. in Criminology and Criminal Justice
• Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Areas of Interest: Corrections - M.A., Ph.D. Crime Prevention - M.A., Ph.D. Juvenile Justice - M.A., Ph.D. Law and Society - M.A., Ph.D. Policing - M.A., Ph.D. Policy Analysis and Evaluation - M.A., Ph.D. Spatial Analysis of Crime - M.A., Ph.D.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE (not required for admission to the MA program) Deadlines - None

Visit the Criminology and Criminal Justice Program for Full Details

Curriculum and Instruction - M.S.Ed., Ph.D.

• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
• M.S.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction
• Ph.D. in Education : Curriculum and Instruction

Areas of Interest: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment - M.S.Ed., Ph.D. Human Development and Family Studies- Ph.D. Learning Systems Design Technology - M.S.Ed., Ph.D. Language, Literacies, and Culture - Ph.D. Mathematics Education - Ph.D. Science Education - Ph.D. Secondary Biology, Chemistry, English-Language Arts, History, and Mathematics - MAT Social Science Education - Ph.D. STEM Education - Ph.D. Teacher Leadership - Ph.D.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE - Ph.D. ONLY Deadlines - MAT - Fall - April 15 M.S.Ed - Fall - July 1/Spring - October 15/Summer - April 1 Ph.D. - Fall - February 1/Spring - September 1/Summer - February1

Visit the Curriculum and Instruction Program for Full Details

Cybersecurity and Cyber Systems - M.S.

• M.S. in Cybersecurity and Cyber Systems
• Interdisciplinary program between the School of Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering and the School of Computing

Areas of Interest: Cybersecurity Cyber Systems

On Campus - Yes Online - Coming Soon Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - no test required Deadlines - None

Visit the Cybersecurity and Cyber Systems Program for Full Details

Doctor of Medical Science - DMSc

• Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc)

Areas of Interest: Doctorate Education for PAs

Application Criteria: PA degree from an ARC-PA accredited PA program Active or maintained NCCPA certification Curriculum vitae or résumé Personal Statement 1-3 letter(s) of recommendation

On Campus - No Online - Yes Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - NCCPA Board Certification Deadlines - Two cohort start options per year: Summer semester (May/June) and Spring semester (January) Deadline to apply is 8 weeks before each cohort start

Visit the Doctor of Medical Science Program for Full Details

Economics - M.A., M.S., Ph.D.

• M.A. in Economics
• M.S. in Economics
• Ph.D. in Economics

Areas of Interest: Economic Development - M.A., M.S., Ph.D. International Economics - M.A., M.S., Ph.D. Monetary Economics - M.A., M.S.

Visit the Economics Program for Full Details

Education - Ph.D.

Areas of Interest: Curriculum and Instruction Educational Administration Workforce Education and Development, currently transitioning to… Organizational Learning, Innovation, and Development

Visit the Education Program for Full Details

Educational Administration - M.S.Ed., Ed.D., Ph.D.

• M.S.Ed. in Educational Administration
• Ph.D. in Education: Educational Administration
• Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Administration

Areas of Interest: Educational Administration - M.S., Ph.D. Endorsement Program (requires M.S.Ed.)

Visit the Educational Administration Program for Full Details

Electrical and Computer Engineering - M.S., M.E., Ph.D.

• M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering
• M.E. in Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Concurrent Degree Program - Law (J.D.) / M.S. in ECE

Areas of Interest: Bioinformatics and Biomedical Instrumentation - M.S., Ph.D. Computer Engineering and Embedded Systems - M.S., Ph.D. Electromagnetics and Optics/Photonics - M.S., Ph.D. Nano Electronics and Emerging Technologies - M.S., Ph.D. Networks - M.S., Ph.D. Power Systems and Control - M.S., Ph.D Security - M.S., Ph.D. Telecommunications and Signal Processing - M.S., Ph.D. VLSI and Design Automation - M.S., Ph.D JD/ECE Concurrent Degree Program - M.S.

On Campus - Yes Online - M.E. only Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE - Required for Ph.D and M.S. Deadlines - None

Visit the Electrical and Computer Engineering Program for Full Details

Engineering Science - Ph.D.

• Ph.D. in Engineering Science
• Ph.D. Coop Program Available with SIUE - See Department for Details

Areas of Interest: Civil and Environmental Engineering - Ph.D. Electrical and Computer Engineering - Ph.D. Industrial and Quality Engineering - Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering and Energy Processes - Ph.D.

Visit the Engineering Science Program for Full Details

English - M.A., Ph.D.

• M.A. in English
• Ph.D. in English

Areas of Interest: Literary Studies - M.A., Ph.D. Rhetoric and Composition - M.A., Ph.D.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - no test required Deadlines - M.A. - January 1 Ph.D. - January 1

Visit the English Program for Full Details

Environmental Resources Policy - Ph.D.

• Ph.D. in Environmental Resources and Policy

Areas of Interest: Earth and Environmental Processes - Ph.D. Energy and Mineral Resources - Ph.D Environmental Policy and Administration - Ph.D. Forestry, Agricultural and Rural Land Resources - Ph.D. Geographic Information Systems and Environmental Modeling - Ph.D. Water Resources - Ph.D.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE Deadlines - Fall Admission ONLY

Visit the Environmental Resources Policy Program for Full Details

Forestry - M.S.

• M.S. in Forestry

Areas of Interest: Forest Resource Management – M.S. Ecological Restoration – M.S. Fire Science – M.S. Recreation Ecology – M.S. Human Dimensions of Natural Resource Management – M.S. Wildlife Conservation and Management – M.S. Watershed Management – M.S. Hydrology and Soil Science – M.S.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE Deadlines - Fall - Second Saturday in July Spring - Last Saturday in November Summer - Last Saturday in March

Visit the Forestry Program for Full Details

Geography and Environmental Resources - M.S.

• M.S. Geography and Environmental Resources
• See Environmental Resources and Policy for Ph.D.

Areas of Interest: Agricultural Geography - M.S. Applied Cartography and Geographic Visualization - M.S. Climate and Water Resources - M.S. Climatology - M.S. Conservation - M.S. Environmental Sustainability - M.S. Geographic Information Science - M.S. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - M.S. Land Use - M.S. Natural Hazards - M.S. Natural Resource Management - M.S. Remote Sensing - M.S. Rural Geography - M.S.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE recommended but not required Deadlines - Fall Admission ONLY - February 1

Visit the Geography and Environmental Resources Program for Full Details

Geology - M.A., M.S.

• M.S.in Geology (Fall Admission ONLY)
• M.A. in Geology
• See Geosciences for Ph.D.

Areas of Interest: Active Tectonics - M.A., M.S. Applied Seismology and Potential-Field Geophysics - M.A., M.S. Coal and Energy Resource Geology - M.A., M.S. Environmental Geology - M.A., M.S. Environmental Geochemistry - M.A., M.S. Environmental Geophysics - M.A., M.S. Geomorphology - M.A., M.S. Hydrogeology - M.A., M.S. Low-Temperature Geochemistry - M.A., M.S. Ore Deposits and Economic Geology - M.A., M.S. Organic Geochemistry - M.A., M.S. Paleontology, Micropaleontology, and Paleoecology - M.A., M.S. Petrology - M.A., M.S. Pleistocene Geology - M.A., M.S. Sedimentation and Stratigraphy - M.A., M.S. Structural Geology - M.A., M.S.

Visit the Geology Program for Full Details

Geosciences - Ph.D.

• Ph.D. in Geosciences

Areas of Interest: Biogeochemistry - Ph.D. Earth Surface Processes - Ph.D. Energy and Mineral Resources - Ph.D. Geophysics and Tectonics - Ph.D. Paleobiology - Ph.D.

Visit the Geosciences Program for Full Details

Health Administration - M.H.A.

• Master of Health Administration

Areas of Interest: Health Administration

On Campus - Yes Online - Yes Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - All international applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the English language by submitting an approved English Language Competency Test score with their application. These applicants must have one of the following minimum scores for consideration:

• 550 on the paper-based TOEFL
• 80 on the internet-based TOEFL
• 6.5 on the IELTS
• 105 on the Duolingo English Exam

This applies to all international applicants. No waivers or exemptions will be provided. Students must provide a copy of their scorecard, verifying test results, with their application to the MHA.

Given the accelerated nature of the MHA, the academic program does not agree to or approve late arrivals. Deadlines - None

Visit the Health Administration Program for Full Details

Health Informatics - M.H.I.

• Master of Health Informatics

Areas of Interest: Health Informatics

Visit the Health Informatics Program for Full Details

Higher Education - M.S.Ed.

• M.S.Ed. in Education
• Certificate in College Teaching

Areas of Interest: College Student Personnel (CSP) - M.S.Ed.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE or MAT Deadlines - None

Visit the Higher Education Program for Full Details

History - M.A., Ph.D.

• M.A. in History
• Ph.D. in Historical Studies

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE (no longer required), TOEFL required for all internationals Deadlines - Fall - January 15 Spring - November 1

Visit the History Program for Full Details

Human Sciences - M.S.

• M.S. Human Sciences

Areas of Interest: Exercise Science Nutrition and Dietetics Sport and Recreation Studies Interdisciplinary

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - no test required Deadlines - Fall - July 15 Spring - November 15 Summer - April 15

Visit the Human Sciences Program for Full Details

Linguistics - M.A.

• M.A. in Linguistics

Areas of Interest: Phonetics and phonology Morphology and syntax Sociolinguistics and applied linguistics

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - 90 on TOEFL (internet-based) or 7.0 on IELTS for international students who are not native speakers of English Deadlines - January 15 - to be considered for fellowships February 25 - to be considered in the first round of funding for teaching assistantships April 25 - to be considered in the final round of funding for teaching assistantships July 25 - to seek admission without funding

Visit the Linguistics Program for Full Details

Mass Communication and Media Arts - M.F.A., Ph.D.

• M.F.A. in Mass Communication and Media Arts
• Ph.D. in Mass Communication and Media Arts

Areas of Interest: Interdisciplinary Media Arts (film, photo, video, sonic, intermedia) - M.F.A. Mass Communication and Media Arts - Ph.D.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE - Ph.D. ONLY, 100 TOEFL required for all internationals Deadlines - Fall - March 1

Mathematics - M.A., M.S., Ph.D.

• M.S. in Mathematics
• Ph.D. in Mathematics
• Certificate in Dual Credit Mathematics

Areas of Interest: Applied Math - M.S., Ph.D. Probability and Statistics - M.S., Ph.D. Pure Math - M.S., Ph.D.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE recommended but not required Deadlines - Fall - January 31 Spring - October 1 Summer - January 15 *Late applications will be considered if there are openings for admission / assistantships

Visit the Mathematics Program for Full Details

Mechanical Engineering and Energy Processes - M.S.

• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Areas of Interest: Chemical Engineering - M.S. Energy and Fuels - M.S. Material Engineering - M.S. Material Science - M.S. Mechanical Systems - M.S. Thermal and Fluid Science - M.S.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE Deadlines - Fall - March 1 Spring - October 1 Summer - March 1

Visit the Mechanical Engineering Program for Full Details

Media Theory & Research - M.A.

• M.A. in Media Theory and Research

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE, 600/250/100 TOEFL required for all internationals Deadlines - Fall - February 1

Visit the Media Theory & Research Program for Full Details

Medical Dosimetry - M.S.

• M.S. in Medical Dosimetry

On Campus - No Online - Yes Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - no test required Deadlines - Fall Semester Admission Only January 1 for Track One applications and No Deadline for Track Two applications

Visit the Medical Dosimetry Program for Full Details

Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry - M.S., Ph.D.

• M.S. in Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry
• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry

Areas of Interest: Bacteriology - M.S., Ph.D. Biochemistry - M.S., Ph.D. Biophysics - M.S., Ph.D. Cancer Biology - M.S., Ph.D. Cell Biology - M.S., Ph.D. Developmental Biology - M.S., Ph.D. Genetics - M.S., Ph.D. Immunology - M.S., Ph.D. Microbial Physiology - M.S., Ph.D. Microbiology - M.S., Ph.D. Molecular Biology - M.S., Ph.D. Mycology - M.S., Ph.D. Public Health Laboratory Science - M.S., Ph.D. Structural Biology - M.S., Ph.D. Virology - M.S., Ph.D.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE recommended but not required Deadlines - None

Visit the Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry Program for Full Details

Molecular, Cellular, and Systemic Physiology - M.S., Ph.D.

• M.S. in Molecular, Cellular and Systemic Physiology
• Ph.D. in Molecular, Cellular and Systemic Physiology

Areas of Interest: Cancer Biology - M.S., Ph.D. Endocrinology - M.S., Ph.D. Metabolism - M.S., Ph.D. Neuroscience - M.S., Ph.D. Reproductive Biology - M.S., Ph.D.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE Deadlines - January 31

Visit the Molecular, Cellular, and Systemic Physiology Program for Full Details

Music - M.M.

• M.M. in Music

Areas of Interest: Collaborative Piano - M.M. Music History and Literature - M.M. Music Education - M.M. Performance (Orchestral Instruments, Guitar, Piano, Vocal, Orchestral Conducting, Wind Conducting, Choral Conducting) - M.M. Music Theory and Composition - M.M.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - None Deadlines - February 15th (for priority consideration)

Visit the Music Program for Full Details

Occupational Therapy

• OTD in Occupational Therapy

Accreditation Status:

The entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program, offered through the School of Health Sciences within the College of Health and Human Sciences, has been granted candidacy status for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its Web address is  www.acoteonline.org .

Consistent with ACOTE policy, the OTD program must have a pre-accreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted accreditation for students to be eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, (NBCOT) Certification Examination. After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. 

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE requirement waived for Fall 2022 and Fall 2023, will be required for Fall 2024. See admission criteria . Deadlines - Applications are now open

Visit the Occupational Therapy Program for Full Details

Organizational Learning, Innovation, and Development - M.S.Ed., Ph.D.

• M.S.Ed. in Organizational Learning, Innovation, and Development (online only)
• Ph.D. in Education : Workforce Education and Development

On Campus - Yes Online - Yes Application Fee - $65 Tests Required - GRE required for Ph.D.

• Contact Program for details
• M.S.Ed. - Applications accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer
• Ph.D. - Applications accepted for Fall

Visit the Organizational Learning, Innovation, and Development Program for Full Details

Pharmacology & Neuroscience - M.S., Ph.D.

• M.S. in Pharmacology & Neuroscience
• Ph.D. in Pharmacology & Neuroscience

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required:

• GRE: Required for international applicants, optional but recommended for domestic applicants.
• English proficiency test (International students only - TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo accepted)

Deadlines - February 15 for Fall semester admission

Visit the Pharmacology & Neuroscience Program for Full Details

Philosophy - M.A., Ph.D.

• M.A. in Philosophy
• Ph.D. in Philosophy

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required:  GRE Deadlines - February 14

Visit the Philosophy Program for Full Details

Physician Assistant - M.S.P.A., D.M.Sc.

• M.S.P.A. in Physician Assistant Studies
• (For D.M.Sc. please see Doctor of Medical Science)

On Campus - Yes Online - Yes Application Fee - $65 Tests Required:  None Deadlines :

• Summer Admission ONLY. Apply by November 1 (unless extended with notice).
• Complete and submit a PA program application at  https://caspa.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login
• Courses begin either during the last week of May or during the first week of June, depending upon the calendar year.

Visit the Physician Assistant Program for Full Details

Physics - M.S., Ph.D.

• M.S. in Physics
• Ph.D. in Applied Physics
• Experimental Physics : Magnetism, Magnetocaloric materials, Gas Adsorption, Nanomaterials, Transport properties, Energy Storage Materials, Novel Functional Nanostructures, Semiconductor Physics, Laser Spectroscopy, Optical Physics, Biomedical Optical and Laser Spectroscopy Research, Optical spectroscopy, Spintronics, Thin Film Heterostructures, Quantum materials - M.S., Ph.D
• Theoretical Physics: Soft Condensed Matter Theory, Quantum Computing, Quantum Error Correction, Quantum Information Theory, Computational Materials Physics - M.S., Ph.D.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required: GRE required for Ph.D. only Deadlines :

• Fall semester: Jan 15th
• Spring semester: Oct 15th

Visit the Physics Program for Full Details

Plant Biology - M.S., Ph.D.

• M.S. in Plant Biology
• Ph.D. in Plant Biology

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required: 550/213/79-80 TOEFL required for all internationals Deadlines : None

Visit the Plant Biology Program for Full Details

Plant, Soil and Agricultural Systems - M.S.

• M.S. in Plant and Soil Science

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required: None Deadlines : None

Visit the Plant, Soil and Agricultural Systems Program for Full Details

Political Science - M.A., Ph.D.

• M.A. in Political Science
• Ph.D. in Political Science
• Expects Verbal and Quantitative scores sum to 300 or higher
• 600/250/100 TOEFL required for all internationals

Deadlines : Fall - January 15

Visit the Political Science Program for Full Details

Population Health - Ph.D.

• Ph.D. in Population Health - Fall admission only

On Campus - Yes Online - Yes Application Fee - $65 Tests Required : None Deadlines : April 1st

Visit the Population Health Program for Full Details

Professional Media & Media Management Studies - M.S.

• M.S. in Professional Media and Media Management Studies

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required : 600/250/100 TOEFL required for all internationals Deadlines : Fall - February 1

Visit the Professional Media & Media Management Studies Program for Full Details

Psychology - M.A., M.S., Ph.D.

• Accelerated M.S. in Applied Psychology ( only current SIU undergraduate students can apply)
• Ph.D. in Psychology – Applied Psychology, Brain and Cognitive Sciences, and Clinical Psychology (Adult/Child)

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required : GRE required for the Psychology – Behavioral Analysis and Therapy Specialization Ph.D. program Deadlines : 

• December 1st for Clinical Psychology is last day to submit applications for Fall 2024 admission
• February 1st for Applied Psychology and Brain and Cognitive Sciences is last day to submit applications for Fall 2024 admission

Visit the Psychology Program for Full Details

Public Administration - M.P.H.

• M.P.A. in Public Administration - Online only
• Concurrent Degree Program - Law (J.D.) / M.P.A.

On Campus - No Online - Yes Application Fee - $65 Tests Required : None Deadlines : N/A

Visit the Public Administration Program for Full Details

Public Health - M.P.H.

• M.P.H. in Public Health
• Concurrent Degree Program - Ph.D / M.P.H.
• Concurrent Degree Program - M.D. / M.P.H.

On Campus - No Online - Yes Application Fee - $65 Tests Required : None Deadlines : Summer - May 1 (Summer Admission Only)

Visit the Public Health Program for Full Details

Public Safety Administration - M.S.

• M.S. in Public Safety Administration

On Campus - Yes Online - Yes Application Fee - $65 Tests Required : None Deadlines : Fall - July 15 Spring - December 1 Summer - May 15

Visit the Public Safety Administration Program for Full Details

Quality Engineering and Management - M.S.

• M.S. in Quality Engineering and Management

On Campus - Yes Online - Yes Application Fee - $65 Tests Required : None Deadlines : Fall - April 1 Spring - October 1 Summer - February 1

Visit the Quality Engineering and Management Program for Full Details

Radiological Sciences - M.S.

• M.S. in Radiological Sciences

Visit the Radiological Sciences Program for Full Details

Social Work - M.S.W.

• M.S.W. in Social Work
• Concurrent Degree Program - Law (J.D.) / M.S.W..

On Campus - Yes Online - Yes Application Fee - $65 Tests Required : None

Visit the Social Work Program for Full Details

Sociology - M.A., Ph.D.

• M.A. in Sociology
• Ph.D. in Sociology

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required : GRE Deadlines : January 1

Visit the Sociology Program for Full Details

Speech Communication - M.A., Ph.D.

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required :

• GRE - optional. Students wishing to be considered for fellowships with the Graduate School should submit GRE scores.
• 600/250/100 TOEFL or IELTS score of 7 required for all international students, unless from a country on the  exempt list

Deadlines : Fall - January 1 Applications accepted for Fall ONLY. Theater applicants can apply for any term.

Visit the Speech Communication Program for Full Details

Strategic Analytics - M.S.

Visit the Strategic Analytics Program for Full Details

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages - M.A.

• M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required : 90 on TOEFL (internet-based) or 7.0 on IELTS for international students who are not native speakers of English Deadlines : January 15 - to be considered for fellowships February 25 - to be considered in the first round of funding for teaching assistantships April 25 - to be considered in the final round of funding for teaching assistantships July 25 - to seek admission without funding

Visit the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Program for Full Details

Theater - M.F.A.

• M.F.A. in Theater
• Ph.D. - Visit Communication Studies for information

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required : None Deadlines : N/A

Visit the Theater Program for Full Details

Workforce Education and Development - M.S.Ed., Ph.D.

On Campus - No Online - Yes Application Fee - $65 Tests Required : GRE required for Ph.D. Deadlines : M.S.Ed. - Applications accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer Ph.D. - Applications accepted for Fall Contact Program for details

Visit the Workforce Education and Development Program for Full Details

Zoology - M.S., P.S.M., Ph.D.

• P.S.M. in Zoology
• M.S. in Zoology
• Ph.D. in Zoology

On Campus - Yes Online - No Application Fee - $65 Tests Required : GRE optional Deadlines : N/A

Visit the Zoology Program for Full Details

Discover how our specialized certificates will equip you with the skills and knowledge to stand out in your desired field. Unleash your potential and make a meaningful impact in today's competitive professional landscape.

Department of Political Science

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About the Graduate Program

The Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science prepares students to find or advance in academic and non-academic employment. It does so in two ways: (1) By providing detailed knowledge of a range of issue-areas and regions of the world; and (2) By training students in enhanced critical analysis of information, creative thinking, effective communication and presentation skills, and how to conduct research. Applicants must have completed a Bachelor of Arts from an accredited university or college.

The decision to enroll in an MA program is a complex decision in that there are several things you want to consider. Begin by asking yourself: Why do I want to go to grad school? What do I hope to gain from it?

Other questions include:

• Do I like research? Writing? Speaking? Graduate work is based on these things. 
• Do I have time? The POLS MA can be done in 2 years, if you take a full time load (three courses). That is on top of the three or four years put into your BA.
• Can I afford it? The UT Arlington Political Science MA is not overly expensive [ Cost Estimation Tool ], but there are still tuition costs and, if you are coming from outside the Metroplex, there are other cost-of-living considerations, such as housing, food, and transportation.
• Do I manage my time well? The MA program focuses on reading, writing, and research. Whether you’re working full time or have other responsibilities or not, you need to be able to manage time effectively.

Most MA classes are offered in the evening, 7:00 – 9:50PM, which creates space for students to meet other family or work responsibilities. All graduate courses are seminars (discussion-based).

Students may take up to three courses per semester, though many will take one or two depending on their other commitments and responsibilities.

Students enrolled in the Political Science MA degree must select a non-thesis or a thesis track. The non-thesis track is 36 course credit hours plus one-credit hour for the final degree exam. The thesis track is 24 course credit hours plus a six-hour thesis course.

Certification and Credentialing

The Department offers an 18-hour program for individuals who require graduate coursework for certification or credentialing. Applicants apply for non-degree seeking status. The same requirements for regular admission hold for this special program.

Dual Degree

Students in political science may participate in a dual degree program whereby they can earn a Master of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Arts in another program, such as Criminal Justice or Sociology. By participating in a dual degree program, students can apply a number of semester hours jointly to meet the requirements of both degrees, thus reducing the total number of hours which would be required to earn both degrees separately. The number of hours which may be jointly applied ranges from nine to 18 hours, subject to the approval of Graduate Advisers from both programs. To participate in the dual degree program, students must make separate application to each program and must submit a separate program of work for each degree. Those interested in a dual degree program should consult the appropriate Graduate Adviser(s) for further information on course requirements.

For full information on graduate work at UT Arlington, see the  Office of Graduate Studies  website.

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Address: 206 University Hall 601 S. Nedderman Drive Arlington, TX 76019

Department Phone: 817-272-2991 Department Email: [email protected]

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Political Science - Legal Studies Emphasis

Gain a foundation in political science and prepare for law school or graduate school with a bachelor's degree in legal studies from UW-Eau Claire.

The First Step of Your Political Career

Housed in the rigorous political science department, the program will encourage you to explore topics in American politics, government, judicial politics, and so much more.

The legal studies degree takes an interdisciplinary approach, allowing you to choose complementary courses that interest you and further your career goals. Take courses in history, economics, philosophy, communication, and anthropology. Through unique projects and group discussions, you'll learn about lawmaking, how politics affect our media and even film, public administration, and countless other facets of political science. Curriculum is designed to keep classes small, encouraging thoughtful conversations, with classes taught by expert faculty who are passionate about legal studies and creating a personalized education.

While pursuing your degree, you'll have countless opportunities to expand upon your education. Study abroad and immersion experiences give you the chance to study the world and its politics outside the classroom. Internships can help you network while creating an impressive resume. Or maybe you'll work with a faculty member on a groundbreaking research project that sparks your interest.

No matter how you choose to design your degree and build upon it, we are here to help. Our comprehensive, experiential education will leave you well-prepared for the future and all the success you'll find in it. 

Program Details

UW-Eau Claire is home to three incredible resource centers — the Center for Global Politics, the Political Research Institute and the Center for Constitutional Studies — each with the goal of supporting you as you work toward your degree. The Center for Constitutional Studies, for example, is a nonpartisan organization that promotes research, education and community outreach on matters related to the Wisconsin Constitution and the United States Constitution.

An advanced internship program within the political science department offers opportunities for on-the-job experience in an executive or legislative office, a nongovernmental agency, an Eau Claire city or county office, a political campaign for president, Congress, city council, or with interest groups. Not only do internships provide you with real-world learning and valuable connections — but you'll also earn up to six college credits.

Limitless research opportunities await you at UW-Eau Claire. The political science department's student-faculty research program has given students a chance to work on projects studying topics like cyberbullying, digital teen dating violence, and globalization and Islam. This strong education and valuable out-of-classroom experience has helped the political science department produce four Fulbright Award winners — and you could be next!

As a legal studies major, you'll have access to valuable and fun student organizations that can help take your learning to the next level. Many legal studies students find interest in the Pre-Law Club, an organization that sponsors speakers from various law-related occupations, organizes trips to law schools and law school fairs, and provides practice tests for the Law School Admission Test.

Blugold Stories

Ever since he was 5 years old, Sgt. Cliff Hayes had his sights set for the military. Soon after joining the Wisconsin Army National Guard, Hayes enrolled at UW-Eau Claire to pursue a career in criminal justice. Being the first in his family to go to college, he needed some guidance on understanding his roles and duties as a veteran and full-time student. He turned to the Veterans Center at UW-Eau Claire and received resources and support to guide his educational needs. 

Not only did I have one-on-one time with professors and so many more opportunities here than anywhere else you could possibly go, but it's also just a great environment and community to be a part of. I'm 100% convinced that if I had gone anywhere else, I wouldn't have been able to do all of the things that I've been able to do at UW-Eau Claire.

Just the facts

100% Employed or Continuing Education Every 2022-2023 graduate from this major is currently employed or continuing their education.

4 Majors, 3 Minors, 3 Certificates With 10 programs to explore, we will help you find the path you need to make the difference you want.

Where can the political science - legal studies emphasis program lead me after graduation?

Many of our graduates go on to pursue law school or graduate school, becoming attorneys, government employees, political analysts, and more. 

Example Careers

• Political analyst
• Law enforcement officer
• Nonprofit advocate

Grounded in a strong foundation of political science, the legal studies degree will help you become more than well-prepared for law school or graduate school. Coursework throughout the program will help you gain thorough and critical knowledge of U.S. constitutional studies, political analysis, and American national politics.

Here are a few courses in Political Science - Legal Studies Emphasis at UW-Eau Claire.

Introduction to Political Analysis

Examines the nature and design of scientific research; raises philosophical and methodological issues regarding the logic, theory, and empirical analysis of political research; explores reasoning, causality, and data analysis in scientific research.

Judicial Politics

A study of the judicial system and judicial policy-making, emphasizing the U.S. Supreme Court and lower federal judiciary.

Public Opinion and Political Behavior

Development, nature and impact of political attitudes and opinions; white and minority opinion compared; political role of the mass media; personality and opinions; political participation; behavioral techniques of analysis; all in an American politics context.

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Related Programs

Thinking about studying political science - legal studies emphasis? You might also be interested in exploring these related programs.

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University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

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715-836-4636

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Department of Geography

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The Ph.D. is a different kind of degree from the master’s degree. A doctoral candidate in geography must be capable of making original contributions to knowledge and scholarship. For the students to make such contributions, they must concentrate on a narrow and clearly defined field of study. We require, however, that doctoral candidates know more of geography than their particular specialties; thus, any aspirant for a doctorate must obtain master’s training or its equivalent before being admitted to doctoral candidacy. In short, admission to doctoral candidacy is official recognition that a student’s general foundation in the breadth of geography is satisfactory. Students then devote their attention to developing depth in chosen specialties.

The general requirements for a doctoral degree in geography are more rigorous than those for a master’s degree. At the same time, the greater flexibility of the doctoral program allows advanced students to pursue programs of study tailored to their special interests and needs.

Progress through the degree is marked by: 

• Successful performance in a verbal qualifying exam; 
• Four-day written comprehensive exam, with a verbal portion after the written answers have been assessed by the committee;  
• Formal dissertation proposal; and 
• Verbal defense of a completed dissertation.

The four-year Ph.D. program is reserved for students who have a master’s degree from another graduate program. That can be another geography program at another university, a non-geography program at another university, or a non-geography program at Penn State.

Students entering the four-year Ph.D. program must take the doctoral qualifying exam in their first year. A committee from three of the four fields of geography and formally appointed by the Graduate Program Officer will administer the qualifying exam. The qualifying exam can take place any time during the year, but students in the four-year Ph.D. program typically take it during spring semester.

Students in the four-year Ph.D. program complete a comprehensive exam and defend their dissertation proposal in the second year. Depending on the needs of their research, and in agreement with their doctoral committee, students can fulfill these two requirements in either order. Once students have successfully passed their comprehensive exam and defended their proposal, they typically take two years to research, write, and defend their dissertations.

Our online Graduate Student Handbook explains the program requirements for all degrees.

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Undergraduate

Political Science

Create positive change across the globe with a degree in political science.

Majoring in Political Science will prepare you to make bold, strategic decisions grounded in your values through critical-thinking, writing, public speaking and people skills that make a difference.

Why earn your political science degree at St. Edward's?

Whether you’re looking to become a lobbyist, foreign service officer, political journalist, campaign manager or attorney, one thing is certain: The advantages of your St. Edward’s education will prepare you to succeed. You’ll find opportunities in and outside the classroom to learn, give back and achieve your goals. And your mentors will support you every step of the way.

Build relationships with your professors

You’ll learn in small classes taught by award-winning professors who make a point of getting to know you and becoming your trusted advisors. They’ll help you identify and focus on your goals, and provide guidance and insight during and after your college years.

Intern at the Texas State Capitol

Austin is the capital of Texas and is the ideal place to study politics at the local or state level. You’ll have the opportunity to intern for a state senator or representative during the biannual Texas legislative session, where you’ll learn how a bill becomes a law (or doesn’t).

Gain skills with experiential learning

State and Local Governments use the city of Austin as a lab. You’ll complete hands-on learning activities in and around City Hall in Texas’ top political scene.

Make your voice heard on a civics life podcast

One of the most exciting ventures that Political Science offers is the opportunity to assist with The Civics Lab, a podcast that gives St. Edward's students the opportunity to discuss issues around the intersection of politics, economics, society, public policy, religion and much more.

Reap the Rewards of Austin

Austin is the home base for nonprofits and advocacy groups that work to shape state laws that affect children, the environment, and dozens of different industries. As a Political Science major, you’ll have the chance to learn how to lobby for a cause you care about.

What do our graduates do?

Political Science majors go on to a variety of careers and graduate schools from St. Edward’s. Here’s a sample.

• Foreign service officer for the U.S. Department of State
• Judicial law clerk at Court of Appeals for the First District of Texas
• Asylum and immigration attorney
• Health policy and advocacy director for Young Invincibles
• Director of marketing for FILA North America
• Trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
• Data Analyst for the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities 
• Law students at The University of Texas at Austin, the University of Pennsylvania and George Washington University
• Graduate students at the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University, Georgetown University, New York University, and Stanford University.

Explore Details About a Degree in Political Science

Degree requirements.

Major Requirements: The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science requires 45 hours of major courses, which include a combination of different political studies classes. In addition, students choose two of the following tracks: American Politics, Applied Politics, International Politics or Pre-Law.

Electives: Students complete 6 hours of Political Studies electives and 21 hours of elective courses in any area of study they choose. 

General Education Requirements: The degree requires 54 hours of general education courses that students complete over four years in addition to their major courses and electives.

View and download the full  degree plan for our Political Science major (PDF).

A few examples of courses students in this major take:              

• Politics and the Media – explore how public officials, political campaigns, and interest groups attempt to influence media coverage.
• Civil Rights and Liberties – examine the way the U.S. Constitution protects individual rights in the context of competing claims by various groups and interests.
• Strategic Intelligence and Covert Action – delves into the role the intelligence community plays in American foreign relations.

Learning Outcomes

What you will learn.

• You’ll study how people obtain and use power at the local, state, national and international level.
• Your courses will teach you the history and theory behind the political process and then immerse you in the practice.
• You will learn how to work towards positive change in your community.

Skills You Will Gain

• Political Science will give you the knowledge required for understanding and navigating political processes at the local, national, and international levels.
• You will develop the analytical skills required for developing strategic political solutions for thorny issues of relevance for your community.
• You will sharpen your ability to critically assess how to translate your values into political action.

Experiential Learning

Your courses will teach you the history and theory behind the political process and then immerse you in the practice. Legislative Process and Lobbying meets when the Texas legislature is in session. You’ll alternate between attending classroom lectures and discussions on campus, and sitting in on hearings, debates and programs at the Texas State Capitol.

Scholarships, Conferences and Summer Institutes

Political Science majors have been selected for many competitive learning opportunities domestically and abroad. They include:

• The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, sponsored by the State Department, which offers grants to undergraduates to study or intern abroad in locations including Chile, Brazil and Morocco.
• The State Department Critical Language Scholarship, an intensive overseas language and cultural immersion designed to expand the number of Americans mastering foreign languages that are critical to national security and economic prosperity.
• The Public Policy and International Affairs Junior Summer Institute at Carnegie Mellon University, a highly competitive seven-week program that trains students in the quantitative, analytical and communication skills they’ll need to study public policy in graduate school and enter a career that serves the public good.
• The highly selective Harvard Kennedy School Public Policy Leadership Conference, which introduces students to graduate programs in public policy at Harvard.
• The John Jay Fellows Program in Philadelphia, a semester-long leadership development program based on Christian principles that prepares participants for careers in public service.

Internships and Student Organizations

Internships.

Every Political Science major completes at least one internship, but you’ll be encouraged to go beyond that requirement to expand your education. Students recently have interned with these organizations:

• No Labels, a Washington, D.C.-based organization that supports nonpartisan problem solving
• Office of Austin Mayor Steve Adler
• Office of U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett
• Office of State Rep. Oscar Longoria
• Office of former Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper
• Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott
• Beto O’Rourke Senate Campaign
• Texas Public Policy Foundation
• Texas Senate Finance Committee
• Equal Justice Center, a nonprofit law firm
• Workers Defense Project
• Foley & Lardner LLP
• Generation Citizen, a nonprofit that teaches middle- and high-school students civic participation and engagement strategies
• Mighty Citizen, a local marketing agency focused on promoting community-impact organizations
• Annie’s List
• Caritas of Austin
• Texas Democratic Party
• Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute in Washington, D.C.
• Public Citizen, a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization
• Make-A-Wish Central and South Texas

Student Organizations

• The St. Edward’s Criminal Justice Club is a chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association, Lambda Alpha Epsilon. The club meets twice a month to hear guest speakers, go on field trips, offer community service, and complete training together.
• Alpha Phi Sigma is the national criminal justice honor society.
• Phi Alpha Delta, the pre-law organization, meets weekly to listen to guest speakers, learn about the law school admission process, participate in mentorship programs, do service work and learn about internships. The club also has a mock trial team that competes in events hosted by the American Mock Trial Association and Phi Alpha Delta. The team has traveled to Washington, D.C., to compete.
• Student Government Association represents the ideas and needs of all St. Edward’s students.
• Students for Sustainability educates the St. Edward’s community about eco-friendly practices and works with the St. Edward’s administration to implement environmental initiatives. Members help maintain the campus garden, learn about biking and public transportation, encourage fellow students to reduce their use of plastic water bottles, and have clothing swaps and upcycled craft nights.
• Hilltop Views , the weekly student newspaper, is published both in print and online. Student journalists report news from the campus and greater Austin community. You can get involved as early as your freshman year as a writer, editor, photographer or designer.
• The S.E.R.V.E. program, coordinated by Campus Ministry, connects you with volunteer opportunities in Austin. You can participate in a Saturday-morning program where you clean up a park or paint a school building, or commit to weekly service for the whole semester at an organization helping immigrants, children or the elderly.

Minor in Political Science

Students interested in pursuing a role in law or government can enhance their knowledge and skill sets with a Political Science minor. Students must complete the 18 hours of required coursework.

Required Courses:

• American National Government
• International Relations
• Comparative Politics
• Any three upper-division Political Science courses

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