Doctoral
Admission Requirements
For information about application and general admission requirements, see applications and admissions. In addition to the general requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Political Science has the following requirements:
For students interested in pursuing a PhD in Political Science, the department offers two options:
The PhD program requires:
- 54 hours of coursework, plus a minimum of 20 hours of dissertation research.
- Students earn an "MA in passing" by completing an approved MA thesis paper. This requirement must be met by the time the student completes the maximum of 36 hours of coursework.
- All PhD students must meet the language/ research skills requirement.
- PhD students who are studying full time receive priority in the provision of graduate assistantships.
For students who have already earned an MA in Political Science or a related field: Students with an MA in hand at the time of the application to the PhD program are required to take 36 hours of coursework and a minimum of 20 hours of dissertation research. They are not required to write the MA thesis paper. These applicants must present evidence of an MA degree in political science or a related field.
All applicants for doctoral study must submit:
- Acceptable scores on the verbal, quantitative and analytical sections of the Graduate Record Examination.
- A strong cumulative grade-point average in the Master's degree, or at the undergraduate level for fast-track applicants.
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can evaluate the applicant's potential to do graduate work in Political Science.
- Applicants to doctoral program must also submit a writing sample that provides a good indication of the candidate’s analytical and writing skills.
Applicants for doctoral study who wish to apply for financial assistance must complete an application form. To receive full consideration, applications for financial assistance should be received, together with the admission application, by Feb. 15.
