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.
Doctorate Degree
This program is designed to allow the well-prepared student to complete course requirements for the PhD in the first two years of the program. Students complete a research paper in their second year and take comprehensive examinations during their third year, followed by preparation of a dissertation. Our students commonly participate in joint faculty-student research and interdepartmental research projects on a wide range of topics.
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.
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.
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.
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