About This Program
The Ph.D. Political Science 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 Delivery
Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*
Political science teachers, postsecondary
- 4.9% about as fast as the average
- 19,800 number of jobs
- $85,760 potential earnings
Political scientists
- 6.1% faster than the average
- 7,000 number of jobs
- $125,350 potential earnings
Social science research assistants
- 5.8% faster than the average
- 40,100 number of jobs
- $49,210 potential earnings
Social and community service managers
- 17.0% much faster than the average
- 175,500 number of jobs
- $69,600 potential earnings
Social scientists and related workers, all other
- 0.8% little or no change
- 38,800 number of jobs
- $87,260 potential earnings
Legislators
- 6.2% faster than the average
- 53,700 number of jobs
- $33,200 potential earnings
* 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 Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Understand the theoretical underpinnings of political science and be able to address real world issues and problems.
- Attain research and methodological skills that will further their research and make them attractive to future employers.
- 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
