Graduate Programs

Explore our Graduate Programs

Within the field of political science, theory and practice are closely interlinked. Our graduate program is designed to ensure students not only master the necessary theoretical and methodological approaches but deepen their understanding of the practice of policy design, implementation, and assessment. We prepare students for teaching, research, and government or other public service jobs while empowering them to understand and participate in public affairs.

PhD candidate presentation

Doctorate Degree

The political science doctoral program typically requires two years of full-time study. Our students commonly participate in joint faculty-student research and interdepartmental research projects on a wide range of topics.


Two students talking in the EMU

Politics, Culture, and Identity Specialization

Explore the crossroads of politics, culture and identity through an interdisciplinary study of politics using the methods of cultural studies. Offered in collaboration with the Department of English, the Politics, Culture and Identity specialization is ideal for students who are interested in work that locates cultural production within its political contexts.

Specializations


student in classroom smiling

Graduate Courses

PhD students within the Department of Political Science pursue their studies through advanced courses and seminars across the major fields of focus of political science, including comparative politics, formal theory and methodology, international relations, public policy, political theory, and US politics. Many faculty and graduate students work at the intersections of these fields, as well as other disciplines like anthropology, economics, ethnic studies, history, law, philosophy, or sociology.

Courses


male and female student talking with laptops in lounge area

Funding your Graduate Studies

The Department of Political Science offers multiple forms of funding for PhD students, including several scholarships as well as graduate employee appointments.

Funding and Research Support


two women talking at the career center

Prepare for the Professional World

Our doctoral program serves as a springboard for a successful career in research or leadership within a wide variety of industries. Recent PhD graduates have taken tenure-track positions at major universities such as Northern Arizona University, the University of Alaska, and Whittier College.

Career and Professional Development


Our Graduate Students

In the Department of Political Science, you’ll work within a highly collaborative community of passionate and intellectually curious students while engaging in rigorous discourse and research.

Resources for the Graduate Community


Events

CLLAS/Latinx Studies Undergraduate Awards Ceremony & Mixer
May30
CLLAS/Latinx Studies Undergraduate Awards Ceremony & Mixer May 30 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Cinema Studies and University Film Organization Present: UO Film Festival
May30
Cinema Studies and University Film Organization Present: UO Film Festival May 30 Lawrence Hall
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
May30
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE May 30 Miller Theatre Complex
gradCONNECT: Trip to the Coast
May31
gradCONNECT: Trip to the Coast May 31 Oregon Coast
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
May31
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE May 31 Miller Theatre Complex
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
Jun1
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Jun 1 Miller Theatre Complex
Intermediate French classes e-Portfolios showcase
Jun2
Intermediate French classes e-Portfolios showcase Jun 2 Dream Lab
Physical Chemistry Seminar – Following and controlling nanoscale formation and function of bottom-up assembled materials
Jun2
Physical Chemistry Seminar – Following and controlling nanoscale formation and function of bottom-up assembled materials Jun 2 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Department of History Coffee Hour
Jun3
Department of History Coffee Hour Jun 3 McKenzie Hall
Dept. of History Seminar Series: “Public Housing in Postwar Japan, 1945-1960"
Jun3
Dept. of History Seminar Series: “Public Housing in Postwar Japan, 1945-1960" Jun 3 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)