Program Statistics
Visit PhD Program Statistics for statistics such as program admissions, enrollment, student demographics and more.
Political Science
Degree Types: PhD
The Political Science PhD Program is designed for students whose primary concern is a mastery of theories, methods of research, and substantive literature of the discipline of political science.
The program reflects an effort to address big questions in politics by combining multiple social science methodologies including quantitative, qualitative, experimental, interpretive methods. Committed to excellence in research and teaching, methodological diversity, and interdisciplinary collaborations, the department offers a stimulating intellectual community that is committed to diversity and equality of opportunity for students and faculty of all backgrounds.
We offer field training in American politics, comparative politics, political theory, international relations, and methods. Our graduate training strengths include:
- Race, Ethnicity and Politics
- Conflict Studies
- Law and Politics
- Public Opinion, Political Communication and Political Participation
- American Political Development
- International Theory
- Comparative Historical Analysis
- Feminist and Gender Studies
Students in this program are also encouraged to participate in TGS’s Interdisciplinary Initiative program. For more information on how you can have a second intellectual “home” outside of your department or program please visit the Interdisciplinary Clusters page.
Additional resources:
Program Contact
Contact Justine Zhao
Graduate Program Coordinator
Degree Requirements
The following requirements are in addition to, or further elaborate upon, those requirements outlined in The Graduate School Policy Guide.
PhD
Total Units Required: 18
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| Required courses | |
| POLI_SCI 403-0 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics 1 |
| POLI_SCI 405-0 | Linear Models 1 |
| Other courses approved by the Director of Graduate Studies: 16 units | |
- 1
Political Theory students are occasionally exempt from the requirement to take POLI_SCI 403-0 Introduction to Probability and Statistics and POLI_SCI 405-0 Linear Models.
Other PhD Degree Requirements
- Research Paper Requirement: Scholarly paper in first or second year
- Second Field Requirement: Five courses in a student's second field, or optional qualifying examination
- Examination: One written qualifying examination in student's first field; optional examination in student's second field
- Prospectus: Dissertation research design presented during the quarter after passing the qualifying examination
- Final Evaluations: Oral defense of dissertation
- Other: Teaching requirement begins in second year in an undergraduate course