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

Language Learning and Journalism with Frauke Böger and Camila Mortensen
Apr14
Language Learning and Journalism with Frauke Böger and Camila Mortensen Apr 14
Physical Chemistry Seminar - From Stability to Dissociation: Elucidating Dissociation Kinetics of Protein-Protein Complexes via Atomistic Simulations
Apr14
Physical Chemistry Seminar - From Stability to Dissociation: Elucidating Dissociation Kinetics of Protein-Protein Complexes via Atomistic Simulations Apr 14 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Collaborative Communities: Northwest Indigenous Language Preservation and Revitalization
Apr14
Collaborative Communities: Northwest Indigenous Language Preservation and Revitalization Apr 14 Many Nations Longhouse
History Pub Lecture Series: ‘Back to Your Roots’: Nutritional Advice to the Cook Islands, 1850-1975
Apr14
History Pub Lecture Series: ‘Back to Your Roots’: Nutritional Advice to the Cook Islands, 1850-1975 Apr 14 Whirled Pies Downtown
Department of History Coffee Hour
Apr15
Department of History Coffee Hour Apr 15 McKenzie Hall
gradCONNECT: Disabled and Neurodiverse Graduate Student Time Together
Apr15
gradCONNECT: Disabled and Neurodiverse Graduate Student Time Together Apr 15 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
New Faculty Roundtable - Latinx Studies
Apr15
New Faculty Roundtable - Latinx Studies Apr 15 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Curious about Resumes? (Workshop)
Apr15
Curious about Resumes? (Workshop) Apr 15 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Your Future in Tech + Connect (Industry Panel + Networking Night)
Apr15
Your Future in Tech + Connect (Industry Panel + Networking Night) Apr 15 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Introduction to Zotero (Workshop)
Apr16
Introduction to Zotero (Workshop) Apr 16 Allan Price Science Commons & Research Library