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2024 Best Political Science & Government Doctor's Degree Schools

For its 2024 ranking, College Factual looked at 103 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for political science & government students pursuing a doctor's degree. Combined, these schools handed out 654 doctor's degrees in political science & government to qualified students.

What's on this page: * Our Methodology

• Best Doctor’s Degree Schools List

Choosing a Great Political Science & Government School for Your Doctor's Degree

Overall Quality Is a Must

A school that excels in educating for a particular major and degree level must be a great school overall as well. To take this into account we include a school's overall Best Colleges for a Doctor's Degree ranking which itself looks at a host of different factors like degree completion, educational resources, student body caliber and post-graduation earnings for the school as a whole.

Average Early-Career Salaries

Average early-career salary of those graduating with their doctor's degree is one indicator we use in our analysis to find the schools that offer the highest-quality education. That is, everyone wants their doctor's degree to be worth something, and salaries are one measure of determining that.

Other Factors We Consider

The metrics below are just some of the other metrics that we use to determine our rankings.

• Major Focus - How much a school focuses on political science & government students vs. other majors.
• Major Demand - The number of political science & government students who choose to seek a doctor's degree at the school.
• Educational Resources - How many resources are allocated to students. These resources may include educational expenditures per student, number of students per instructor, and graduation rate among other things.
• Student Debt - How much debt political science & government students go into to obtain their doctor's degree and how well they are able to pay back that debt.
• Accreditation - Whether a school is regionally accredited and/or accredited by a recognized political science & government related body.

Our full ranking methodology documents in more detail how we consider these factors to identify the best colleges for political science & government students working on their doctor's degree.

More Ways to Rank Political Science & Government Schools

When choosing the right school for you, it's important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we've created a number of major-specific rankings , including this Best Political Science & Government Doctor's Degree Schools list to help you make the college decision.

Featured Political Science & Government Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

BA in Political Science

Gain a solid understanding of American political history, the current political landscape, and the major political parties with this online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.

Best Schools for Doctorate Students to Study Political Science & Government in the United States

Explore the top ranked colleges and universities for political science & government students seeking a a doctor's degree. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

15 Top Schools for a Doctorate in Political Science

Yale University is a great choice for individuals interested in a doctor's degree in political science & government. Yale is a large private not-for-profit university located in the city of New Haven. More information about a doctorate in political science & government from Yale University

Harvard University is one of the finest schools in the United States for getting a doctor's degree in political science & government. Located in the medium-sized city of Cambridge, Harvard is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. More information about a doctorate in political science & government from Harvard University

University of Chicago is a good option for individuals pursuing a doctor's degree in political science & government. UChicago is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Chicago. More information about a doctorate in political science & government from University of Chicago

Columbia University in the City of New York is a great option for individuals interested in a doctor's degree in political science & government. Columbia is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of New York. More information about a doctorate in political science & government from Columbia University in the City of New York

Located in the large suburb of Stanford, Stanford is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. More information about a doctorate in political science & government from Stanford University

Located in the large city of Houston, Rice is a private not-for-profit university with a medium-sized student population. More information about a doctorate in political science & government from Rice University

UPenn is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Philadelphia. More information about a doctorate in political science & government from University of Pennsylvania

Located in the city of Evanston, Northwestern is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. More information about a doctorate in political science & government from Northwestern University

Located in the small city of Princeton, Princeton is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. More information about a doctorate in political science & government from Princeton University

Duke is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Durham. More information about a doctorate in political science & government from Duke University

Brown is a large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Providence. More information about a doctorate in political science & government from Brown University

Georgetown is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Washington. More information about a doctorate in political science & government from Georgetown University

Located in the small city of Ithaca, Cornell is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. More information about a doctorate in political science & government from Cornell University

Located in the city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. More information about a doctorate in political science & government from Johns Hopkins University

WUSTL is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Saint Louis. More information about a doctorate in political science & government from Washington University in St Louis

Honorable Mentions

Here are some additional great schools for Political Science & Government students that almost earned our Best Political Science & Government Doctor's Degree Schools award.

Political Science & Government by Region

View the Best Political Science & Government Doctor's Degree Schools for a specific region near you.

Other Rankings

Best associate degrees in political science & government, best master's degrees in political science & government, best value in political science & government, best for non-traditional students in political science & government, best online in political science & government, most popular online in political science & government, best bachelor's degrees in political science & government, best overall in political science & government, highest paid grads in political science & government, best for veterans in political science & government, most popular in political science & government, most focused in political science & government.

View All Rankings >

Rankings in Majors Related to Political Science

One of 13 majors within the Social Sciences area of study, Political Science & Government has other similar majors worth exploring.

Political Science Concentrations

Most popular related majors, notes and references.

• The bars on the spread charts above show the distribution of the schools on this list +/- one standard deviation from the mean.
• The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ( IPEDS ) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
• Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s ( College Scorecard ).
• Credit for the banner image above goes to UKWiki at English Wikipedia . More about our data sources and methodologies .

Popular Reports

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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 .

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:  

Vice Provost of Graduate Education (VPGE)

• Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures Handbook (GAP)
• Graduate Life Office
• Stanford Bulletin
• Explore Courses

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 11, 2023. Learn more about KHS admission .

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

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.

• [email protected]
• 480/965-8563

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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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A Commitment to Excellence

The Ph.D. program in Politics seeks to train students to assume faculty positions at a range of institutions of higher education and supports students pursuing a range of substantive research in the discipline. If you ask graduate students to identify the program’s strengths, they will mention:

• An across-the-board commitment to excellence in research and teaching.
• Respect for a variety of methods and approaches to political research.
• A strong sense of community among both faculty and graduate students.
• Unparalleled institutional support for research, ranging from one of the finest university libraries in the world to abundant resources for data collection, field work and conference travel.

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Political Science, PhD

The Graduate Program in Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania reflects the methodological diversity of the discipline. The department has significant strengths in each of the four major subfields in the discipline: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory.

Courses in each of the four substantive fields clarify important intellectual and conceptual issues and help students learn how to formulate an original research project. Courses in both quantitative and qualitative research methods provide students with cutting-edge tools they can use to conduct their research.

The Ph.D. program includes course work, a teaching requirement, a second-year paper, a preliminary examination, and the preparation and defense of a dissertation. Candidates completing the Ph.D. degree typically pursue careers in academia, government service, and the private sector.

For more information: http://www.sas.upenn.edu/polisci/content/graduate-program

View the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs .

Required Courses

A total of 15 course units are required for graduation.

Research Skills Requirement

• PSCI 6800 Advanced Statistical Analysis  or a comparable course with the approval of the graduate group chairperson

Two Exam Fields

• Students must select 2 exam fields from among the 4 major subfields of the discipline (American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory). They must take at least 3 classes in each of those fields prior to their qualifying exam.

Students may select the remaining 8 courses in consultation with their advisor and/or the graduate group chairperson.

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2023 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

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Our PhD in Political Science covers four fields: American government, comparative politics, international relations, and public policy. The curriculum introduces students to all four fields, though each student will concentrate on a primary and secondary field.

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The curriculum introduces students to all four fields: American government, comparative politics, international relations, and public policy and additionally, develops their research skills through a series of interdisciplinary methodology courses.

Our students learn how to develop and conduct ground-breaking research in their own chosen areas of specialty. They master the relevant literature and engage with a range of theories central to political processes, institutions, actors, and ideas in the core scholarly areas of political science. They also have the opportunity to develop expertise in a range of methods from archival research and interviews to statistical analysis and machine learning.

Learn more about the PhD program in Political Science from the College of Social Sciences and Humanities.

• All doctoral students receive a five-year stipend graduate assistantship
• “PoliTea” – doctoral student-led professional development sessions, often in collaboration with departmental faculty, to enhance student publishing, research and teaching
• Departmental and University funding is available for doctoral students’ participation in professional conferences and other skills training programs in the U.S. and abroad
• Opportunities for students to participate in internships, field research, and other experiential learning activities

Our graduates pursue careers within academia and beyond.

Tenure Track: • Bentley University • Beloit College • Simmons University

Non-Tenure Track: • Emmanuel College • Merrimack College • Northeastern University

Postdocs and Research: • Center for Policy Research • The Fletcher School at Tufts University • Wesleyan University

Other Opportunities: • Journal Editor of International Journal of Urban and Regional Research • US Congress

Application Materials

Application.

• Application fee – US $100
• Personal statement
• Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended
• English proficiency for international applicants
• Three letters of recommendation
• Scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) – Optional
• Writing sample

Admission deadline for Fall term: December 1

• Program Website

Request Information for PhD in Political Science

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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.

• Undergraduate
• Graduate/ Professional
• Adult Education

Graduate Program

Phd requirements.

The Political Science department at UC Berkeley admits students only for the Ph.D. degree. The Ph.D. program has two major phases: coursework and examinations, and dissertation research and writing. The two phases typically take approximately five or six years (three years to candidacy and two or three for dissertation research and writing).

The coursework and examination phase requires 40 units (typically 10 classes) of graduate-level coursework and competence in three of nine  Subfields . Subfield competence is demonstrated through written exams offered each semester. The Field Exams are typically taken in the student's second and third years of the program. All students must pass one exam in a major subfield (Comparative, American, International Relations, or History of Political Theory). Competency in a second and third subfield may be demonstrated by taking a prescribed series of courses in that field with a combined GPA of 3.5.

The particular sequence of courses that a student takes in preparation for the comprehensive exams is not prescribed. Rather, the faculty assist students with selection of courses that best meet their intellectual and academic interests. There are no formal foreign language or statistics requirements although many students will find that their program of study and dissertation research will require the engagement of particular foreign language or methodology coursework.

When the coursework and examination requirements have been met, the student prepares a prospectus for dissertation research. The student convenes a committee known as the Qualifying Exam (QE) committee. The Qualifying Exam committee advises on the prospectus and examines the student on specific research plans. Berkeley is highly committed to interdisciplinary scholarly engagement and this is codified in the requirement that both the Qualifying Exam committee and the dissertation committee include a faculty member from another department at Berkeley. Engagement with members of the faculty from other departments should commence during the coursework stage so that the advisement and input of the "outside member" is represented in the prospectus.

When sufficient preparation for the proposed research has been demonstrated to the Qualifying Exam committee, the student is advanced to doctoral candidacy. It is expected (and for most funding packages, required) that students advance to doctoral candidacy by the end of their third year.

Doctoral candidacy initiates the second phase of the program during which the student normally devotes full attention to the research and writing of the dissertation. The student's dissertation committee is typically comprised of the members of the Qualifying Exam committee although there are sometimes changes in committee membership as the research evolves. The doctorate is awarded when the student submits a satisfactory dissertation to the dissertation committee. A reasonable estimate of the research and writing phase of the program is approximately two to three years although students whose dissertations require more extensive research may take longer to earn their degree.

• Second year
• Sixth year and beyond

The second year is used to further narrow down one's interests and to continue exploring ideas and potential advisors for a dissertation topic. Coursework continues as students prepare for the M.A./Second Year Paper and Field Exam.

Students who plan to continue in the Ph.D. program are expected to engage in advanced topical research leading to a research paper to be completed by the end of the second year, together with any additional coursework appropriate to their topical focus. Three faculty members (one of whom is selected by the student and serves as principal advisor for the paper) will review this paper. This paper, which continuing students will submit at the end of their second year, also serves as the M.A. project.

Completion of a yearlong graduate seminar (Research & Writing 290A and 290B) during the second year is strongly recommended.  Each student taking this course is advised by a faculty advisor external to the course (who will also serve as one reviewer of the second-year paper) as well as the two co-instructors of the seminar. The goal of the seminar is to assist students in preparing a high-quality research paper, which will serve as the M.A./Second-year paper as mentioned above.

All students are reviewed at the end of the second year of study on their continued overall academic performance. This overall evaluation will include GPA, successful completion of all required units, and successful completion of the M.A./Second-year paper. The Graduate Studies Committee will take these factors as well as the rigor of the academic program and the number of incompletes into consideration when determining whether to invite the student to continue in the PhD program.

Students in their second year also usually serve as a Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs), which are 20-hour per week positions

During the third year, most students continue to teach as GSIs and complete their coursework in addition to taking their Field Exam. Political Science graduate students must show competency in three Subfield specialties to be eligible to sit for the oral prospectus defense (known formally as the Qualifying Exam). Instead of sitting for three Field Exams, students have the option to "course out" of two field specialties by taking a prescribed set of three-four courses in the Subfield.

Students may sit for the Field Exam as early as the beginning of the second year, but if desired, students may sit for an exam in their second year or in the third year. Field Exams are offered at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters. All students are expected to have completed their Field Exam, to have “coursed out” of a two fields, and to have written and defended their dissertation prospectus (passed their Qualifying Exam) by the end of the third year. It is highly recommended (and essential to most funding packages) that students advance to Doctoral Candidacy by the end of the third year. The third year is also when students should begin to apply for extramural fellowships to support their dissertation research.

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The Political Science and International Relations (POIR) Ph.D. program began in 2003 and is part of the POIR Department. POIR is a medium-size Ph.D. program with approximately 60 students currently enrolled across all years. The POIR faculty have expertise in the fields of American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and research methods. Ph.D. students train in three of these areas, with most students emphasizing American politics, comparative politics, or international relations as their first field. Each incoming POIR cohort is approximately 8-12 students in size. Students take courses their first two-three years; take their qualifying exams in their third year; and write and complete their dissertations in years three, four, and five.

Learning Objectives

The Political Science and International Relations Ph.D. program provides a well-structured and suitable education and training that reflects the current state of the disciplines and offers a breadth and flexibility rarely found in separate political science and international relations programs. Through effective and student-centered mentoring, research and teaching assistantships, professionalization workshops, and collaborative support for conference participation and publishing, POIR students train to be leading scholars who are competitive in both the academic and non-academic job markets.

Students will demonstrate mastery in critically applying knowledge and methodologies to address fundamental questions in the fields of American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and/or methods, as evidenced by their academic performance in the programs curricular requirements and the qualifying examinations.   Students will gain, practice and evaluate their skills in various quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis to conduct scholarly research consistent with the highest standards of the discipline as evidenced by their academic performance in the core and advanced methodology courses, the acceptance of their dissertation proposal, participation in the POIR Math Bootcamp, and/or completion of the POIR Methods field.

Qualifying Exams

Students will be able to demonstrate mastery in recognizing, assessing and synthesizing the existing literature and research in the fields of political science and international relations as evidenced by students’ academic performance in the program’s core courses and the comprehensive examinations.

Research & Dissertation

Students will gain the intellectual independence and skills to conduct research that results in an original contribution to knowledge as evidenced by the extent of students participating at major conferences, the degree of students with peer-reviewed publications and grant applications, and the completion of their dissertations.

Students will demonstrate a mastery of pedagogical skills and knowledge at a level required for college and university undergraduate teaching in their discipline as evidenced by their academic performance in the teaching practicum seminar, the quality of students’ teaching evaluations, and student participation in POIR and campus wide teaching workshops and trainings.

Professionalization

Students will gain and demonstrate scholarly communication skills adequate to publish, prepare grant proposals and present work not only in the fields of political science and/or international relations, but also across disciplines and diverse audiences as evidenced by the quality of their course papers and presentations, their participation at professional conferences and other research colloquia in various disciplines.   Students will develop the professional skills needed in their intended career placement as evidenced by their level of professionalism in the program, their participation in professionalization activities and training, the quality of their faculty mentorships, and the completion of the placement support group requirements.

Program Concentrations

Pursue your specialized area of study and research within Political Science and International Relations

American Politics

Comparative politics, international relations, methods and research tools, director of graduate studies.

David Kang [email protected]

Graduate Program Administrator and Advisor

Danielle De Rosa Ballard [email protected] DMC 214A

Graduate Program Assistant

Karin Amundsen [email protected] DMC 214B

Graduate Student Association

Miguel Hijar Chiapa, Co-President Melissa Watanabe, Co-President José Alcocer, Treasurer José Múzquiz, Senator Stephen Schick, Communications Director

Doctor of Political Science and Government Programs in America

1-25 of 126 results

MIT School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Cambridge, MA •

Massachusetts Institute of Technology •

Graduate School

Massachusetts Institute of Technology ,

Graduate School ,

CAMBRIDGE, MA ,

Stanford University Department of Humanities and Sciences

Stanford, CA •

Stanford University •

Stanford University ,

STANFORD, CA ,

Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

New Haven, CT •

Yale University •

• • Rating 4.5 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: The resources at Yale are outstanding. While some of the required courses are slow-moving and less informative, I do have more academic freedom in my second year to the program to take classes that I enjoy across all departments (including data science, statistics, computer science, and law). ... Read 2 reviews

Yale University ,

NEW HAVEN, CT ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The resources at Yale are outstanding. While some of the required courses are slow-moving and less informative, I do have more academic freedom in my second year to the program to take classes that I... .

Read 2 reviews.

The New School for Social Research

The New School •

Graduate School •

NEW YORK, NY

• • Rating 2.5 out of 5   2

University of North Texas

• • Rating 4.61 out of 5   129

Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences

University of Pittsburgh •

PITTSBURGH, PA

Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Harvard University •

• • Rating 4.56 out of 5   9 reviews

Other: I am Harvard Extension School student pursuing a master degree, ALM, in sustainability. I have achieved a 3.89 in this program so far and have qualified, applied, and accepted as a 'Special Student' in the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Through this School, I will be focusing my time at the John A. Paulson school of Engineering & Applied Sciences. Looking forward to wrapping up my final year on campus! ... Read 9 reviews

Harvard University ,

9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Other says I am Harvard Extension School student pursuing a master degree, ALM, in sustainability. I have achieved a 3.89 in this program so far and have qualified, applied, and accepted as a 'Special Student'... .

Read 9 reviews.

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ •

• • Rating 4.33 out of 5   3 reviews

Master's Student: The best part of the Princeton University mechanical engineering graduate degree is the excellent faculty that teach the courses. They are incredibly knowledgeable and also very willing to help students in office hours or in sponsorship of projects. The worst part of the Princeton University mechanical engineering graduate degree is the lack of structure for the graduate research program which can leave you feeling unsure on the direction of your research. ... Read 3 reviews

PRINCETON, NJ ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The best part of the Princeton University mechanical engineering graduate degree is the excellent faculty that teach the courses. They are incredibly knowledgeable and also very willing to help... .

Read 3 reviews.

Sanford School of Public Policy

Durham, NC •

Duke University •

• • Rating 4.75 out of 5   4 reviews

Current Master's student: My academic experience at Duke has been the most rewarding in my life. What makes Duke so great is the opportunity through the Sanford Policy School to exchange and engage ideas with professors and peers connected to my area of policy analysis. I have gotten the chance through summer internships to have real-world policy experience in analysis and implementation. Because my policy analysis is explicitly based on healthcare, I have focused on black maternal outcomes as my point of reference. I have had the opportunity to work with Professor Carolyn Barnes and collaborate since she is an expert in social and economic welfare and its effects on low-income families. The introductory and intermediate microeconomics, macroeconomics, and statistics classes give students a solid technical base when drafting briefs. One thing I would change is to provide more accessibility of recorded lectures when sick after the coronavirus. ... Read 4 reviews

Duke University ,

DURHAM, NC ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Current Master's student says My academic experience at Duke has been the most rewarding in my life. What makes Duke so great is the opportunity through the Sanford Policy School to exchange and engage ideas with professors and... .

Read 4 reviews.

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Brown University Graduate School

Providence, RI •

Brown University •

Brown University ,

PROVIDENCE, RI ,

School of Arts & Sciences - University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA •

University of Pennsylvania •

University of Pennsylvania ,

PHILADELPHIA, PA ,

Rice University School of Humanities

Houston, TX •

Rice University •

Blue checkmark.

Rice University ,

HOUSTON, TX ,

Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences

Evanston, IL •

Northwestern University •

Northwestern University ,

EVANSTON, IL ,

College of Arts and Science

Nashville, TN •

Vanderbilt University •

Vanderbilt University ,

NASHVILLE, TN ,

Washington University in St. Louis - Arts & Sciences

St. Louis, MO •

Washington University in St. Louis •

Washington University in St. Louis ,

ST. LOUIS, MO ,

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College of Arts and Letters - University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN •

University of Notre Dame •

Doctoral Student: The faculty at Notre Dame is excellent. The student to professor ratio makes for a wonderful one to one interaction between students and teachers. At Notre Dame, my interests, dreams, goals, research and career path matter. I loved this most. I feel taken seriously and supported with every possible resources for my mental, academic and career success. One gets many opportunities to grow talents through research, and presentations with helpful and supportive feedback from students and professors. For these reasons, I find it a place to be! On the down side, the weather is at first always a challenge for one who is not used to the harsh and gloomy midwestern winter. ... Read 2 reviews

University of Notre Dame ,

NOTRE DAME, IN ,

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says The faculty at Notre Dame is excellent. The student to professor ratio makes for a wonderful one to one interaction between students and teachers. At Notre Dame, my interests, dreams, goals, research... On the down side, the weather is at first always a challenge for one who is not used to the harsh and gloomy midwestern winter. .

Social Sciences Division - University of Chicago

Chicago, IL •

University of Chicago •

• • Rating 3.75 out of 5   4 reviews

Master's Student: The University of Chicago offers many clubs you can attend. Do to COIVD most of the clubs meet online and some in person one day out of the week. There's boxing, archery, fencing, and one of my personal favorites ju-jutsu, just to name a few. These sports are completive but they also have clubs that are just for fun and any body of any skill level can join. There is also this amazing climbing wall in the recreation center but we are not allowed to climb it at the moment because of COVID restrictions. It's also convent to be surrounded by hospitals (Rush and UIC). I got hurt while I was at school, I broke my arm, and I did not have to call on anyone to take me to the hospital, I could just walk. The food is okay and you get to chose from a good selection of things. The rooms where a nice size and most of the students were so friendly it was easy to make friends. ... Read 4 reviews

University of Chicago ,

CHICAGO, IL ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The University of Chicago offers many clubs you can attend. Do to COIVD most of the clubs meet online and some in person one day out of the week. There's boxing, archery, fencing, and one of my... .

Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Los Angeles, CA •

University of Southern California •

University of Southern California ,

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

Cornell University College of Arts & Sciences

Ithaca, NY •

Cornell University •

Cornell University ,

ITHACA, NY ,

Rackham School of Graduate Studies

Ann Arbor, MI •

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor •

• • Rating 4.8 out of 5   5 reviews

Master's Student: The Landscape Architecture program at UMich School for Environment and Sustainability is rooted in advancing sustainable design and ecological function, rather than pure aesthetics. We have some amazing faculty very dedicated to this mission, some of whom are legends within the field. This program attracts and retains students who are diverse, passionate, friendly and helpful, and the experience at this school has been very rewarding. The curriculum is challenging but thought provoking, and everyone in the studios is happy and willing to help, fostering a warm sense of comradery and support. ... Read 5 reviews

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor ,

ANN ARBOR, MI ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The Landscape Architecture program at UMich School for Environment and Sustainability is rooted in advancing sustainable design and ecological function, rather than pure aesthetics. We have some... .

Read 5 reviews.

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences - Georgetown University

Nw Washington, DC •

Georgetown University •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: The program is highly practical. The professors explain concepts in class and give us home works to submit on each topic discussed on a weekly basis. This enables us to grasp the concepts more. We are informed of the professors office time and so we can email them to make inquiries and get assistance when needed. We make presentations during class which train us to become more bold and be able to communicate the concepts easily. We are able to discuss and critic writings independently. We work on projects in groups of about 3-4 and discuss findings to the entire class and professor. We review research papers and make meta-analyses inform of class projects. The program is well structured and i am gaining skills. My worst experience is having to worry about Tuition and other related school bills. ... Read 2 reviews

Georgetown University ,

NW WASHINGTON, DC ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The program is highly practical. The professors explain concepts in class and give us home works to submit on each topic discussed on a weekly basis. This enables us to grasp the concepts more. We... .

UCLA College of Letters and Science

University of California - Los Angeles •

• • Rating 3 out of 5   1 review

University of California - Los Angeles ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 3 stars.

Read 1 reviews.

Krieger School of Arts & Sciences

Baltimore, MD •

Johns Hopkins University •

• • Rating 4.53 out of 5   19 reviews

Master's Student: I have yet to enroll for Fall 2023 after receiving my acceptance letter due to a delay in my need-based financial aid from JHU. However the Homewood Campus in Baltimore is beautiful and my Student Advisor, Alexis has been extremely helpful in initiating my enrollment process and answering all of my questions in a timely matter. My intended Advanced Academic Program is the accelerated (2 semester), dual-modality, 40-credit M.S. in Biotechnology, Biodefense concentration. All of the anticipated course subjects are diverse and there's even a customizable core lab course on campus (at least until Summer 2024). I can't wait and I wish you all the best in your search for academic programs or professional certifications. ... Read 19 reviews

Johns Hopkins University ,

BALTIMORE, MD ,

19 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I have yet to enroll for Fall 2023 after receiving my acceptance letter due to a delay in my need-based financial aid from JHU. However the Homewood Campus in Baltimore is beautiful and my Student... .

Read 19 reviews.

The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences - University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA •

University of Virginia •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   1 review

Alum: Very good in some areas, excellent in other areas, many academic choices available in all areas of study ... Read 1 review

University of Virginia ,

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Very good in some areas, excellent in other areas, many academic choices available in all areas of study .

Laney Graduate School

Atlanta, GA •

Emory University •

Master's Student: I chose the graduate programs at Emory because they are ranked among the best in the country. The school of nursing also provides the clinical experiences, something many of the online only nurse practitioner programs do not do. ... Read 2 reviews

Emory University ,

ATLANTA, GA ,

Featured Review: Master's Student says I chose the graduate programs at Emory because they are ranked among the best in the country. The school of nursing also provides the clinical experiences, something many of the online only nurse... .

UC Berkeley College of Letters & Science

Berkeley, CA •

University of California - Berkeley •

University of California - Berkeley ,

BERKELEY, CA ,

College of Arts & Sciences - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC •

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill •

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ,

CHAPEL HILL, NC ,

College of Social Sciences & Humanities - Northeastern University

Boston, MA •

Northeastern University •

• • Rating 1 out of 5   2 reviews

Northeastern University ,

BOSTON, MA ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 1 stars.

The New School

• • Rating 4.46 out of 5   37

University of Pittsburgh

• • Rating 4.43 out of 5   74

Mississippi State University

MISSISSIPPI STATE, MS

• • Rating 4.52 out of 5   50

Showing results 1 through 25 of 126

Best American Politics Programs

Ranked in 2021, part of Best Social Sciences and Humanities Schools

A graduate degree in American

A graduate degree in American politics will give students an advanced understanding of the three branches of government, federalism, political behavior and more. These are the top political science programs for American politics. Read the methodology »

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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

[email protected]

Kerwin Hall, Room 306 on a map

202-885-6203

Fax: 202-885-2967

[email protected]

Kerwin Hall, Room 230 on a map

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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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Political Science

Program Overview

Political Science seeks to explain the world of politics and government. As the world becomes more complex, the importance of the discipline of political science grows. Politics is at the heart of social decision making; and the need for thoughtful, human interactions in the modern era is clear. Solutions to today’s problems revolve around individuals, institutions, and their respective activities. Political science is the discipline that brings together traditional and modern inquiries concerning the place of humans and their decisions in the world.

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Options include: employment in a diverse array of administrative agencies at the federal, state and local levels of government; completion of law school followed by admission to the bar and law practice; teaching at both the college and high school level; research in the public sector, for private firms and not-for-profit organizations; employment in governmental liaison work for private sector firms and organizations (This type of opportunity continues to grow as more private organizations have more frequent, even regular contacts with the government.); employment as journalists doing political reporting in the mass media where knowledge and understanding of the political process have become at least as important as the technical skills of modern communications. Among the positions held by graduates of King’s College political science program are: foreign service officer in the State Department, intelligence officer in the Department of Defense, the CIA and the NSA; budget analyst in OMB; judge, magistrate, mayor, city councilperson, city manager, city planner, election campaign manager, administrative assistant to the governor, legislative assistant, lobbyist, state party chairperson, congressional aide, assistant township manager, policy analyst in the Department of Public Welfare; and campaign consultant. Employment outlook for the political science field is excellent as government expands into new areas and private sector organizations seek employees with knowledge of public affairs.

• Law School (J.D.)
• M.P.A., with various specializations
• M.A. and Ph.D. in political science
• American University
• George Washington University School of Political Management
• Maxwell School-Syracuse University
• Pennsylvania State University
• State University of New York
• Lehigh University

Program Details

Each semester many political science majors pursue internships with one of the numerous municipal, county, state, and federal offices located in the area; additionally, some elect to pursue one of the state or national intern programs that take them for a semester to government offices in Washington, DC. or Harrisburg, PA. These programs have proven to be among the most popular and rewarding of all the opportunities the College offers. The young men and women who have participated in these internship programs return enriched in knowledge and with valuable job experience.

The Department of Political Science offers a pre-law program, with an enviable record of placing its students in top law schools. For students preparing for legal careers, the Department offers a multi-course sequence in Law and the Courts, and a senior year legal internship. Every fall the Department holds a Legal Career Day, bringing successful alumni and friends in the field of law to the college to talk to students about their experiences. Our students have been accepted to some of the finest law schools in the country, including Villanova, Boston University, Dickinson, Catholic, Case Western, and Syracuse. In addition to the legal profession, there are other career opportunities being pursued by recent King’s political science graduates. In the public sector our graduates have been successful in obtaining employment at the local, state, and federal levels in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. A number of our graduates have also been successful in gaining elected positions. Other recent graduates have entered careers in the private sector in education and business. The major in political science provides a student with a foundation in the American political system and along with an introduction to traditional and contemporary methods of social research. An integrated survey of various fields within the discipline is included in the major. Students are also required to take at least three elective courses (9 credits) within the major. The Department of Political Science has created four tracks of required and elective courses along with certain non-department courses. These tracks are intended to assist the student in planning his or her course of study and to give the student an opportunity to undertake a more intensive study of certain areas within political science. The tracks also provide the student an opportunity to develop a more individualized course of study that best fits his or her specific interests.

Additional Info

Compatible minors.

• Business Administration
• Communications
• Computers and Information Systems
• Criminal Justice
• Foreign Languages
• Human Resources Management
• International Business
• Environmental and Sustainability Studies

Special Features

• Internships in municipal, county, state, and federal government offices and in law offices in the local area.
• Full semester and summer-long internships outside the local area (e.g., Harrisburg, Washington, D.C., and home district offices of members of Congress).
• A pre-legal program with a strong record of placing its students in some of the finest law schools in the country, including Columbia, Penn, Dickinson, Temple, Georgetown, Villanova, Fordham, and Notre Dame. King’s pre-law advisor counsels prelaw students about entrance requirements for law school and the law school admissions process in general. The program also offers a comprehensive preparation for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT).
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RIT graduate pursues Ph.D. across time zones

Nastaran Nagshineh, center, defended her Ph.D. thesis at RIT in April. Faculty from RIT’s Rochester and Dubai campuses served on her thesis committee and include, from left to right, Kathleen Lamkin-Kennard, Steven Weinstein, Nathaniel Barlow, and David Kofke (a professor at the University at Buffalo). Mohamed Samaha participated remotely and appears on the video screen behind the group and alongside Nagshineh’s picture.

Nastaran Nagshineh is one of the first Ph.D. candidates to bridge RIT’s Rochester and Dubai campuses. Her accomplishment creates a path for future students at the university’s international campuses.

Nagshineh completed her Ph.D. in mathematical modeling while working full time as a mathematics lecturer at RIT Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, teaching as many as five classes a semester. She described her Ph.D. journey as “an exercise in perseverance” due to competing demands and long days. Rochester is eight hours behind Dubai, and the time difference meant many late-night classes and meetings.

“I saw this collaboration as an opportunity, rather than as a challenge, because my primary adviser, Dr. Steven Weinstein (RIT professor of chemical engineering), and my co-adviser, Dr. Mohamed Samaha (RIT Dubai associate professor of mechanical engineering), both have the same area of research interest,” she said. “They both worked toward my success.”

Nagshineh is one of 67 RIT Ph.D. students who defended their thesis this academic year and who will earn their doctorate. RIT awarded 63 Ph.D. degrees in 2023.

In 2020-2021, RIT’s Graduate School met and surpassed the university’s goal of conferring 50 Ph.D. degrees during an academic year. That number will continue to grow as students cycle through the seven new Ph.D. programs that RIT has added since 2017, said Diane Slusarski , dean of RIT’s Graduate School.

Meeting these goals puts RIT on a path toward achieving an “R1,” or research-intensive designation, from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning. RIT is currently ranked as an R2 institution . Many factors go into changing a university’s status, including research investment and maintaining a three-year average of 70 Ph.D. degrees awarded per year, according to Slusarski.

“We have met the goals of the strategic plan, and now we look forward to contributing to the research innovation in the future,” Slusarski said. “We want to help the new programs thrive and win national research awards.”

RIT’s emphasis on high-level research is seen in Nagshineh’s Ph.D. work. She applies mathematical modeling to the field of fluid dynamics. Her research has been published in top-tier journals and has gained notice, said Weinstein, her thesis adviser.

Weinstein describes Nagshineh’s accomplishments as “a testament to a fantastic work ethic and commitment” and is inspirational to younger students at Rochester and Dubai.

“The collaboration between RIT Dubai/Rochester has continued,” he said. “Another paper was submitted a few weeks ago with Mohamed Samaha and Nate Barlow (RIT associate professor in the School of Mathematics and Statistics) as co-authors, as well as Cade Reinberger, a younger Ph.D. student in my research group.”

Mathematical modeling is one of RIT’s newer Ph.D. degree programs, and Nagshineh is among its earliest graduates. The program has doubled in size since it began accepting students in 2017, Slusarski said. This past fall, the mathematical modeling program had 35 students, with two graduating this year.

Altogether, RIT has 13 Ph.D. degree programs currently enrolling 438 students, with computing and information sciences accounting for the largest with 117 students. RIT’s other Ph.D. programs include astrophysical sciences and technology , biomedical and chemical engineering , business administration , color science , electrical and computer engineering, imaging science , mechanical and industrial engineering , microsystems engineering , and sustainability .

New programs in cognitive science and physics will launch in the fall.

The growth in RIT graduate education—with more than 3,000 master’s and doctoral students—reflects a demographic change in the student population, Slusarski said. “We have a higher percentage of women in the graduate programs than we have for RIT undergraduate programs.”

RIT’s graduate programs enroll 42 percent women, according to Christie Leone , assistant dean for the Graduate School.

Nagshineh, who also holds an MS in electrical engineering from RIT Dubai, welcomes her role as a mentor to other women students on both campuses.

“As a young woman in an Arabic country, the power of women is often underestimated and undervalued, and I hope to serve as a role model to female students, especially those that question their path,” Nagshineh said.

She plans to continue in her career as a professor and a researcher. “I would like to pursue a research program where I can advise my own students and teach them more deeply.”

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Pharmaceutical Sciences

Why study pharmaceutical sciences.

Unleash your potential in the dynamic field of pharmaceutical sciences through our PhD program. Designed to inspire and challenge, our comprehensive curriculum combines cutting-edge coursework with advanced research, allowing you to delve into captivating areas such as pioneering drug development, unraveling the intricate impact of medications on the body, exploring breakthrough drug delivery techniques, and maximizing the therapeutic potential of medications for optimal patient outcomes. With flexible scheduling options available, including online and in-person formats, you can tailor your learning experience to fit your needs and preferences. 

Become part of our program and unleash your potential to make groundbreaking contributions that will shape the future of pharmaceutical sciences.

Choose Your Specialization

Because the scope of pharmaceutical sciences is so broad, our graduate program has a number of specialty disciplines:

Biomembrane Sciences Track

In the Biomembrane Sciences track, students delve into captivating research projects encompassing drug delivery strategies, cosmetic product safety assessment, mathematical modeling of membrane transport, innovative drug formulations, nanocarrier design, and advancements in skin and hair development.

Experimental Therapeutics Track

Discover a world of possibilities in our Experimental Therapeutics track, where we bridge the gap between innovative therapeutic entities and real-world applications. Explore captivating research opportunities in areas ranging from cancer biomarkers to neuropharmacology, stroke, epilepsy, and more.

Health Outcomes Track

The Health Outcomes track aims to train interdisciplinary scholars in pharmaceutical sciences, economics, business, and quantitative analysis. By conducting research in this emerging field, students develop expertise that can improve patient health. This track offers exciting opportunities to contribute to the pharmaceutical industry's growing demand for scientists skilled in social and administrative aspects of pharmaceutical sciences. Students in the Health Outcomes track explore diverse research projects, ranging from drug safety and pharmacovigilance to pharmacy facility design, operation, and pharmacoeconomics.

Admission Requirements

Applicants with an undergraduate degree in chemistry, biology, engineering, or related fields from an accredited institution are eligible to apply for our full-time, research-intensive MS program in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Similarly, those with a completed professional degree like PharmD, MD, or DVM also meet eligibility requirements. Interested applicants can directly apply without prior completion of an MS degree. Admission to our competitive program, which offers supervised, full-time research training, is based on a selection process. 

Programmatic minimum admission criteria include:

• A U.S. bachelors degree from a regionally accredited college or university or an equivalent degree from outside of the U.S.
• A grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.00 or non-U.S. equivalent
• A Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score of at least 290/3.0 obtained within the past 5 years
• International Applicants: qualifying English language profiency score

Supplemental Application Documents

To be considered for admission, please complete the University of Cincinnati Graduate Application and submit the following documents electronically within the application: 

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Statement of Purpose: Explain your motivation for pursuing a research-intensive Ph.D. degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Cincinnati. Include your desired research focus area within the broad field of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Submit all college transcripts, including evidence of high academic achievement (unofficial transcripts are sufficient for initial review).

• Three letters of recommendation are required for applications, and we strongly recommend that applicants seek letters from individuals who can provide insights into their research experience. Please note that letters of recommendation from family members, friends, current students, politicians, or clergy will not be accepted. 

Non-Matriculated Students

If you are interested in exploring Pharmaceutical Sciences graduate-level courses without formal enrollment in a degree-seeking program, please complete the  basic data form .

Our program opens doors to a wide range of exciting career opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry, clinical research organizations, academia, and government sectors. Upon graduation, you may find yourself in roles such as a scientist, clinical pharmacologist, clinical trial manager, post-doctoral fellow, or regulatory affairs manager.

Furthermore, there are additional career paths available, including positions as a medical science liaison, pharmaceutical consultant, medical writer, or chemist, providing you with diverse avenues to pursue your passions and contribute to the advancement of the field.

Scholarship Opportunities

To explore available scholarship opportunities, please visit our Financial Aid & Scholarships page .

The graduation requirements for this program include: 

Completion of Plan of Study

Successful passing of the PhD qualifier and research proposal

Verification of at least one (1) first-author manuscript related to PhD dissertation research that is accepted for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal

Compliance with degree-required seminar and journal club credit hours per semester

Cumulative grade point average of all didactic courses ≥3.0

Min of 90 credit hrs from track-based curriculum outline

No failing “F” grade in any of the degree-associated graduate courses

Successful upload of a chair-signed dissertation through the Graduate College ETD portal by the specified deadline

• Guide: Pharmaceutical Sciences- Biomembrane Sciences Track
• Guide: Pharmaceutical Sciences- Health Outcomes Track
• Guide: Pharmaceutical Sciences- Experimental Therapeutics Track

Application Deadlines

Early Admission

General Admission

All application documents must be electronically submitted through the online application. When completing the online application, please select the desired degree path carefully, as document switches between different tracks are not permitted. Applications are reviewed with the following timeline:

Fall semester applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committee in May, with submissions accepted until August 1st. 

Spring semester applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committee in October, with submissions accepted until December 1st. 

Typically, the Fall semester provides more opportunities for incoming applicants.

For further inquiries, contact [email protected] .

Contact Information

Find related programs in the following interest areas:.

• Medicine & Health
• Natural Science & Math

Program Code: 25DOC-PCEU-PHD