The Department of Political Science admits five to ten PhD students each year, with approximately 40 students in the program at any one time.
How to Apply
Admissions for Fall 2024 is now closed. The application for Fall 2025 will open on September 16 and be due on January 10, 2025.
Required Application Materials
- UO online Graduate Application. The application fee is $70 ($90 international) and is payable by credit card or check. In some circumstances the fee can be waived.
- Unofficial transcripts (all applicants). Upload unofficial transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended as part of the online application. Unofficial transcripts should show all coursework taken to date and, if applicable, the title of the degree earned and the date the degree was conferred.
- Official transcripts (admitted applicants who accept offer). If you accept an admissions offer and matriculate, you must submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities where you received a bachelor’s degree or higher. Detailed information about submitting official transcripts is available here.
- Statement of purpose. In 2-3 pages, outline your interest in political science and your career plans, and the academic or non-academic experiences that most significantly contribute to the development of these interests and plans.
- Writing sample. A short writing sample (a thesis chapter, a published article, a course research paper, or some other academic writing, etc.) that shows your research ability and writing skills.
- At least three letters of recommendation from former professors who are in a position to evaluate your potential for successful completion of the degree. It is preferable if recommenders are instructors from whom courses have been taken, however, non-instructor recommendations will be considered.
- English language proficiency. All applicants for whom English is not a native/primary language must satisfy one of the following English Language Proficiency criteria in order to be eligible for admission.
Optional Application Material for Fall 2025 Admission
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test scores sent from the testing center. The UO’s institution code is 4846; Political Science Department code is 1902.
- CV, resume, or other supporting materials
For questions about the graduate admissions process, contact the graduate coordinator.
Doctoral Program Frequently Asked Questions
Can I earn a Master's in Political Science at the University of Oregon?
The program does not offer a terminal master's degree, but PhD students typically earn the master's in political Science at the end of their second year of the doctoral program.
Do I need a master's degree to apply for the PhD program?
Applicants are not required to hold a master's degree in order to apply to the doctoral program.
Am I eligible to apply if I did not complete an undergraduate degree in political science?
The committee takes into consideration previous academic work in political science, but an undergraduate major in political science is not a prerequisite for admission.
What does the admissions committee look for in a successful application?
The department is committed to a holistic review of applicants’ readiness for graduate study. We examine a number of measures, including past academic performance, writing skills, relevant experience, understanding of social scientific methodologies, and capacity to conceptualize research questions.
When does the application open? When is the application deadline?
We accept applications from September 16 to January 10. Admission is for fall term start only.
What is the GPA of successful applicants?
Successful applicants usually have a GPA of 3.0 or higher for all undergraduate and graduate academic work.
Is the GRE required?
No, GRE scores are optional for Fall 2025 admission.
What are the typical GRE scores of successful applicants?
Successful applicants usually have a combined verbal and quantitative score of 300 or above.
Are there additional admissions requirements for nonnative English speakers?
Nonnative English speakers must satisfy the English language proficiency requirement requirement. For the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS), use UO code 4846 when routing your test score.
Are there additional requirements for international applicants?
International applicants must provide their source(s) of funding and financial documentation to verify they have the capability to pay for the first year of study at the UO by completing the Financial Certification & Immigration Information Form. Find financial information, required documentation, and submission instructions on the Office of International Student and Scholar Services website.
Apply to our Graduate Program
Ready to apply? Start your application on Slate, the centralized application portal for graduate admissions at the University of Oregon.