College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Political Science
www.kent.edu/polisci

About This Program

The Political Science doctoral program provides in-depth knowledge and advanced research skills, preparing you for leadership positions in academia, research institutions and public service. With a dedicated faculty and a supportive community of scholars, you'll have access to opportunities for cutting-edge research and professional development. More info...

Contact Information

• Program Coordinator: Ryan Claassen | rclaasse@kent.edu | 330-672-2060
• Connect with an Admissions Counselor: U.S. Student | International Student

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 3.000 GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• GRE scores (no longer required starting with the fall 2024 admission term)
• Résumé or curriculum vitae with cover letter is required starting with the fall 2024 admission term
• Goal statement
• Writing sample
• Three letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
  • Minimum 550 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
  • Minimum 77 MELAB score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 Duolingo English test score

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Priority deadline: February 15
    Applications submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

Dissertation is required. Doctoral students must complete additional approved electives, including research, to reach a minimum of 30 credit hours post-master's (or equivalent advanced degree) or a minimum of 60 credit hours post-bachelor's prior to enrolling in POL 81199. Upon completion of course requirements and candidacy exams, doctoral students must register for POL 81199 for two semesters for a total of 30 credit hours, and thereafter POL 81299, until all requirements for the degree have been met.

²

Students select two concentrations. For the first concentration, students complete one Proseminar or Status of the Field course and three elective courses (12 credit hours). For the second concentration, students complete one Proseminar or Status of the Field course and two elective courses (9 credit hours).

American Politics and Policy Concentration Requirements

Conflict Analysis and Management Concentration Requirements

Transnational and Comparative Politics Concentration Requirements

Graduation Requirements

• Passage of one field paper in the first area of concentration
• Written and oral defense of both a dissertation prospectus and dissertation

Residency Requirement

• Students must spend two consecutive semesters pursuing doctoral studies.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Understand the theoretical underpinnings of political science and be able to address real world issues and problems.
2. Attain research and methodological skills that will further their research and make them attractive to future employers.
3. Effectively communicate research findings and implications to a range of audiences including scholars, practitioners and citizens.

Full Description

The Ph.D. degree in Political Science prepares students for research and teaching careers in higher education and for research-based careers in fields that are focused on political, economic and social issues. The degree program is broadly focused on the dynamics surrounding representation, equity, conflict, human rights, development and conflict resolution. Students develop their own research questions in an interdisciplinary and theoretically sophisticated way. Students work with faculty mentors throughout their degree program and often develop and present their own research at regional or national conferences.

The Political Science major comprises the following concentrations, from which students select two:

• American Politics and Policy
• Conflict Analysis and Management
• Transnational and Comparative Politics