The Ph.D. Program in Political Science
The Ph.D. program provides advanced scholarly understanding of
political science and international relations. Students are
expected to develop the substantive knowledge, theoretical
perspectives, and foreign language and methodological skills necessary
for conducting research and teaching in these fields. Most
students pursuing a Ph.D. anticipate employment at a university or
research institute.
Students in the Ph.D. program in Political Science will choose a first
field from American Politics; Comparative Politics; International
Relations; Political Theory; or Public Administration and Public
Policy. Students will also choose a second field from those
listed above with the addition of Research Methodology.
Please see the Poli Grad Handbook for additional information.
Examinations
Qualifying: A qualifying examination must be taken for formal admission to candidacy in the Ph.D. program in political science.
Comprehensive: Students are required to take written examinations in both their first and second fields of study. Following completion of the written examinations, students must complete an oral examination also.
Dissertation Defense
The final phase of the doctoral program is the development, writing, and public defense of a dissertation, which is expected to represent a substantial, original contribution to the study of political science.
Interested in seeing what courses are offered? A complete listing of courses offered in the department of political science can be found here.