phd in political science scope

Graduate Program

Pushing the Scholarly Frontier

PhD in Political Science

Our doctoral students are advancing political science as a discipline. They explore the empirical phenomena that produce new scholarly insights—insights that improve the way governments and societies function. As a result, MIT Political Science graduates are sought after for top teaching and research positions in the U.S. and abroad. Read where program alumni are working around the world.

How the PhD program works

The MIT PhD in Political Science requires preparation in two of these major fields:

• American Politics
• Comparative Politics
• International Relations
• Models and Methods
• Political Economy
• Security Studies

We recommend that you take a broad array of courses across your two major fields. In some cases, a single course may overlap across the subject matter of both fields. You may not use more than one such course to "double count" for the course distribution requirement. Keep in mind that specific fields may have additional requirements.

You are free to take subjects in other departments across the Institute. Cross-registration arrangements also permit enrollment in subjects taught in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University and in some of Harvard's other graduate schools.

Requirements

1. number of subjects.

You will need two full academic years of work to prepare for the general examinations and to meet other pre-dissertation requirements. Typically, a minimum of eight graduate subjects are required for a PhD.

2. Scope and Methods

This required one-semester seminar for first-year students introduces principles of empirical and theoretical analysis in political science.

3. Statistics

You must successfully complete at least one class in statistics.

You must successfully complete at least one class in empirical research methods.

5. Philosophy

You must successfully complete at least one class in political philosophy.

6. Foreign language or advanced statistics

You must demonstrate reading proficiency in one language other than English by successfully completing two semesters of intermediate-level coursework or an exam in that language, or you must demonstrate your knowledge of advanced statistics by successfully completing three semesters of coursework in advanced statistics. International students whose native language is not English are not subject to the language requirement.

7. Field research

We encourage you to conduct field research and to develop close working ties with faculty members engaged in major research activities.

8. Second Year Paper/workshop

You must complete an article-length research paper and related workshop in the spring semester of the second year. The second-year paper often develops into a dissertation project.

9. Two examinations

In each of your two elected fields, you must take a general written and oral examination. To prepare for these examinations, you should take at least three courses in each of the two fields, including the field seminar.

10. Doctoral thesis

As a rule, the doctoral thesis requires at least one year of original research and data collection. Writing the dissertation usually takes a substantially longer time. The thesis process includes a first and second colloquium and an oral defense. Be sure to consult the MIT Specifications for Thesis Preparation as well as the MIT Political Science Thesis Guidelines . Consult the MIT academic calendar to learn the due date for final submission of your defended, signed thesis.

Questions? Consult the MIT Political Science Departmental Handbook or a member of the staff in the MIT Political Science Graduate Office .

Ph.D. Admissions

Apply here . 

Preparing to Apply

Before starting the application process please read the information about the graduate program requirements  and read our  Frequently Asked Questions . You may also find the Guide to Getting Into Grad School helpful. 

The Political Science department recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision.

All questions regarding graduate admissions should be directed to politicalscience [at] stanford.edu (subject: Admissions%20Enquiry) ( politicalscience[at]stanford[dot]edu ) .

The principal goal of the Stanford Ph.D. program in political science is the training of scholars. Most students who receive doctorates in the program do research and teach at colleges or universities. We offer courses and research opportunities in a wide variety of fields in the discipline, including American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, and Political Methodology. The program is built around small seminars that analyze critically the literature of a field or focus on a research problem. These courses prepare students for the Ph.D. comprehensive exam requirement within a two-year period and for work on the doctoral dissertation.  

Admission to the graduate program in political science is highly selective. About twelve to fifteen students, chosen from a large pool of applicants, enter the program each year. The small size of our student body allows more individual work with members of the faculty than most graduate programs. It also makes possible financial assistance in one form or another to most students admitted to the Ph.D. program. 

Graduate Admissions FAQ

Please visit our list of  frequently asked questions.

You may also find the following links useful if you have general questions about student life and graduate study at Stanford University:  

Vice Provost of Graduate Education (VPGE)

• Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures Handbook (GAP)
• Graduate Life Office
• Stanford Bulletin
• Explore Courses

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Join dozens of Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences students who gain valuable leadership skills in a multidisciplinary, multicultural community as Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS). KHS admits up to 100 select applicants each year from across Stanford’s seven graduate schools, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders ready to address complex global challenges. As a scholar, you join a distinguished cohort, participate in up to three years of leadership programming, and receive full funding for up to three years of your PhD studies at Stanford. Candidates of any country may apply. KHS applicants must have earned their first undergraduate degree within the last seven years, and must apply to both a Stanford graduate program and to KHS. Stanford PhD students may also apply to KHS during their first year of PhD enrollment. If you aspire to be a leader in your field, we invite you to apply. The KHS application deadline is October 11, 2023. Learn more about KHS admission .

Ph.D. in Political Science

General info.

• Faculty working with students: 33
• Students: 62
• Students receiving Financial Aid: 100% of Ph.D. students
• Part time study available: No
• Application terms: Fall
• Application deadlines: December 20

Christopher Johnston Director of Graduate Studies Department of Political Science Duke University Box 90204 Durham, NC  27708-0719 Phone: (919) 660-4300

Email: [email protected]

Website:  http://polisci.duke.edu

Program Description

The graduate program in Political Science is designed primarily to prepare students for research and teaching. Major fields of specialization are:  Political Institutions; Political Economy; Security, Peace and Conflict; Political Behavior and Identities; Political Methodology; and Normative Political Theory and Political Philosophy.  Students can also integrate courses of study around a common theme, such as Race, Ethnicity and Politics; Religion and Politics; or Law and Politics. Students can supplement their training with coursework in other departments including Anthropology, Computer Science, Economics, History, Mathematics, Philosophy, Psychology, Public Policy, Sociology, and Statistics.

Our department goals are served by close and supportive relations with the faculty and with other students.  Typically, about 10-13 new graduate students enter each year.  The ratio of students in residence to faculty is approximately 2:1.

Resources for study include the Social Science Research Institute (SSRI); Duke Initiative on Survey Methodology; Political Institutions and Public Choice (PIPC); Program in Asia Security Studies; Social Science Workshop for Chinese Scholars; Triangle Institute for Security Studies (TISS); and Empirical Implications of Theoretical Models (EITM), among others.

• Political Science: PhD Admissions and Enrollment Statistics
• Political Science: PhD Completion Rate Statistics
• Political Science: PhD Time to Degree Statistics
• Political Science: PhD Career Outcomes Statistics

Application Information

Application Terms Available:  Fall

Application Deadlines:  December 20

Graduate School Application Requirements See the Application Instructions page for important details about each Graduate School requirement.

• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts required with application submission; official transcripts required upon admission
• Letters of Recommendation: 3 Required
• Statement of Purpose: Required (See department guidance below)
• Résumé: Required
• GRE Scores: GRE General Required
• English Language Exam: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test required* for applicants whose first language is not English *test waiver may apply for some applicants
• GPA: Undergraduate GPA calculated on 4.0 scale required
• Writing Sample (see departmental guidance below)

Writing Sample The submission of a writing sample (limited to fewer than 15 pages) is required. Writing samples should be uploaded to the Departmental Requirements section of the application.

Additional Component Applicants to the joint Ph.D. program in Public Policy and Allied Disciplines must submit an additional essay for admission to the program. Regardless of your selection of primary department, please respond to the following prompt:

In 500 words or less, please explain your interest in the joint Ph.D. program offered between Public Policy and an Allied Discipline. Highlight how your research interests and past experiences lie at the intersection between Public Policy and the Allied Discipline and how participation in the joint program will facilitate your professional goals after receiving your degree.

We strongly encourage you to review additional department-specific application guidance from the program to which you are applying:  Departmental Application Guidance

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Political Science, PhD

The Graduate Program in Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania reflects the methodological diversity of the discipline. The department has significant strengths in each of the four major subfields in the discipline: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory.

Courses in each of the four substantive fields clarify important intellectual and conceptual issues and help students learn how to formulate an original research project. Courses in both quantitative and qualitative research methods provide students with cutting-edge tools they can use to conduct their research.

The Ph.D. program includes course work, a teaching requirement, a second-year paper, a preliminary examination, and the preparation and defense of a dissertation. Candidates completing the Ph.D. degree typically pursue careers in academia, government service, and the private sector.

For more information: http://www.sas.upenn.edu/polisci/content/graduate-program

View the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs .

Required Courses

A total of 15 course units are required for graduation.

Research Skills Requirement

• PSCI 6800 Advanced Statistical Analysis  or a comparable course with the approval of the graduate group chairperson

Two Exam Fields

• Students must select 2 exam fields from among the 4 major subfields of the discipline (American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory). They must take at least 3 classes in each of those fields prior to their qualifying exam.

Students may select the remaining 8 courses in consultation with their advisor and/or the graduate group chairperson.

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

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Choosing a PhD Program in Political Science: What You Need to Know

Suppose you want to influence the way our society works. You’re certain that enrolling in a PhD program in political science is a good next step, but you’re looking for some guidance on which schools to apply to. In this podcast, IHS’s Jeanne Hoffman sits down with Dr. Nigel Ash ford to discuss how to choose a PhD program in political science.

The topics covered include:

• The five types of political science programs.
• The importance of a program’s rankings.
• What you should be looking for in a faculty advisor.
• Programs for people who believe in limited government or are libertarians.
• What you can do to increase your chances of getting into your top-choice program.

Transcription for “Choosing a PhD Program in Political Science”

Jeanne Hoffman: Welcome to this IHS online podcast. I’m Jeanne Hoffman. Today my guest is Nigel Ashford, and we’re talking about choosing a political science graduate program and using your degree. Dr. Ashford is the Senior Program Officer at the Institute for Humane Studies. Welcome Dr. Ashford, thanks for joining us once again.

Nigel Ashford: Thanks for the invitation.

Jeanne Hoffman: What should you think about when applying to political science programs?

Nigel Ashford: I’m going to start by the assumption that your goal is going into academia. If you’re not, there may be other considerations, but let me assume for the moment that it is. You need to think about who are the people who get academic jobs if that’s your goal. The evidence suggests that there are two main factors determining where you get an academic job. The first is the ranking of the department of your institution.

One thing we need to be clear about is that when you looked for undergraduate programs you looked at the ranking of the university.

One thing you need to be clear about is that’s not necessarily the same thing as the ranking of the department. Sometimes, you’ll have a good school, but the political science department isn’t great, or you’ll have a mid-ranking school but the political science department is really good.

You need to know about the ranking of the political science departments. You can look, for example, at US News and World Report have a website or APSA. If you go to APSA, American Political Science Association, they have a ranking of schools. So the ranking of the department is one thing.

The second thing that’s most important is your faculty advisor.

That’s going to make a big difference to whether you get an academic job or not. One of the things you need to know before you’re going there is. “What is the general area I’m going to work with? What are the field I want to work with?”

In political science, we usually identify five fields:

• American politics
• comparative politics
• international politics or international relations
• political methodology
• political theory

You need to know, “Which of those fields do I expect to work on?” That may change as you go through your graduate program, but you know in advance. Then you need to ask, “Well, who does American politics if that’s my field? Is anybody in American politics in that department doing stuff that relates to the things that I’m interested in?” You need to delve down quite deeply into looking at individual faculty members in making a decision.

The third thing, you also have to take into account your own quality of life.

Do you want to live on the West Coast, do you happy to live in a big city, etc.? These things may also affect your decisions, but the most important thing in terms of getting a job is the ranking of your department and who your faculty advisor is.

Jeanne Hoffman: Is there much difference between the programs themselves?

Nigel Ashford: Generally speaking, they’ll be the same. Some of them are stronger in others. Again, that’s something you might want to, when you look at the ranking of the sub-fields, you might want to look at. “Oh, that’s really good in political theory, but I don’t want to do political theory,” or, “I want to do American politics, and this school looks really good. It seems to have a lot of people working in American politics.” You may have a very specific interest. “I want to do research on India.” You need to do the research about in which departments that have faculty members that work on something like India.

I think once you’re there, you will be expected to do a variety of different coursework so you get some sense about all these different fields, and indeed you may then change your mind about where you’re going. Broadly speaking though, it’s fairly similar, and if you go to their websites they will often say, “We’re known for our strength in one of these sub fields.”

Jeanne Hoffman: What about specifically in the top programs?

Nigel Ashford: Again, the top programs, most of them are fairly large departments, so that means they should have good people in all the sub-fields that you’re looking at. Again, you may want to be careful that maybe the top person in your field that you’re interested in is retiring soon, so they’ll be gone. Is there somebody else there who’s also of good name in your field?

The thing I was thinking you should think about when you’re applying to graduate school: “What’s the question that interests me? What drives my interest, my intellectual interest? What are the things that I’ve read that have stimulated that interest? Where do the professors who I’ve read, what departments are they at?”

That may give you a clue, “Oh, that’s the sort of person I would like to work with, because they seem to be interested in the same things that I’m interested in.”

Jeanne Hoffman: Are there any programs that are overtly friendly to Classical Liberals?

Nigel Ashford: No. There may be specific individuals who are, but I can’t say, “Oh, you should go to this particular department because it particularly sympathetic to classical liberals.” What you may want to do is, where you see where is a good department that looks good in what you’re interested in, you might want to contact the IHS and say, “Is there anybody in that department who’s sympathetic to classical liberal ideas?”

There might be somebody in your field that you we can tell you, or they may not be in your field but they’re at least in your department. I come out of the question, the most important thing is a ranking and the faculty advisor. There’s no “The Classical Liberal School” that you should go to.

Jeanne Hoffman: Once I decide what programs I want to apply to, do you have any advice that’s specific to political science for the application process?

Nigel Ashford: I think you’ll find most of the departments have on their own websites, “This is the process. These are the things you’re going to apply for.” It tends to be the same sorts of things you’d expect elsewhere.

The GRE is very important. So is how well you did at school. Getting good recommendations from your professors matters. They tend not to vary that much in political science than from other disciplines.

It’s also very important to find a reason for why  you’re applying to that school. You’re giving a clear reason about why you’re interested in that particular school. I don’t think political science is that much different than other sorts of disciplines.

Jeanne Hoffman: How open should I be when applying to programs or discussing applying with faculty with my classical liberal views?

Nigel Ashford: You don’t want to label yourself as a classical liberal. You’re going to work with people who are not classical liberals. You shouldn’t be accepted onto a program because you’re a classical liberal. You shouldn’t be accepted onto a program because you’re a Marxist.

What you should be accepted for is you have interesting questions. Things that interest you.

Now, you presumably think that by pursuing this question it will lead you to classical liberal friendly results, but you should start from the question, because you want to find a faculty member to work with who’s interested in the same question. As long as you do good work, they won’t mind that it ends up with a classical liberal solution.

I think you should these sorts of situations with “What’s a question that interests me?” Not: “I’m a Classical Liberal; therefore, you should accept me at your school.”

Jeanne Hoffman: What kinds of coursework could I expect in my first year and is there anything I can read to prepare for that?

Nigel Ashford: One of the things you should look at are the courses. There may be some courses which are compulsory that you have to take. For example, you’ll probably have to take some courses in political methodology.

• Look at what the courses are that you’ll have to take, and often the syllabi are on the website.
• Familiarize yourself with the courses that are going to be your choices in your first year.
• Look at what those courses are that you’re going to take and what are the books that are recommended for that. The more work you can do before you arrive for the courses you’re going to take, the better.

Jeanne Hoffman: Aside from academic careers, what type of careers could I get after completing a PhD program in political science?

Nigel Ashford: The American Political Science Association has a section, indeed a whole booklet, on careers in political science. They list sixty different careers other than academia that are interested in people with a political science graduate program. Some obvious choices might include working in government in executive or the congressional branches.

Remember to not only think about the federal level, but to consider the state and local level as well.

There may be opportunities like working in journalism or working for a think-tank or a policy analyst. Working in government affairs for corporations and business, is also an option. (Sad to say, they’re strongly affected by what goes on in government and most business people have no idea how the political system works.)

You can bring your knowledge to table and explain how the political system affects their business and what they need to do to try and (as I would put it) limit the damages that government will do to them.

There are lots of opportunities other than academia. Just to mention, if you are interested in non-academic careers, that might actually affect where you go to do your PhD. Some places may not be so highly ranked for academic purposes, but might actually be more highly ranked for non-academic careers.

Jeanne Hoffman: Thank you very much for your insight into political science programs.

Nigel Ashford: Thank you.

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• Political Methodology

This field focuses on scholarship directed at providing appropriate methodologies for investigating theoretically motivated political questions. Departmental activities in methods are organized around deductive/analytical, empirical/inductive, and computational approaches to modeling political phenomena.

Students pursuing this field will demonstrate competency in:

• mathematics and statistics
• research design
• formal modeling
• hypothesis testing

Graduate training is designed so that students pursuing Political Methodology as a first field, by the completion of their Ph.D. programs, will have also earned the Program for Advanced Research in the Social Sciences (PARISS) Certificate . See the PARISS certificate website . Students do not need to apply to the certificate program; however, you are encouraged to submit a proposal to the PARISS faculty early on in order to get feedback on their proposed plan of study.

First Field

• POLSCI 630 Probability and Basic Regression
• POLSCI 631 Introduction to Deductive & Analytical Approaches to Political Phenomena
• 4 courses selected from the Program for Advanced Research in the Social Sciences (PARISS) Certificate. See PARISS website . 

The PARISS courses need to be selected and approved in conjunction with your advisor and documented in a written plan to be evaluated by the Political Methodology faculty. This will be coordinated by the Political Methodology Field Chair.

Preliminary examination

All students must complete a preliminary examination at the end of their second year which consists of a second year paper and an oral defense. The second year paper must be submitted to the student’s preliminary exam committee and the DGS by May 1 st and the oral examination must be completed by May 15 th . Students should speak with the field chair and their primary advisor(s) well in advance of these deadlines to ensure a shared understanding of what is expected.

Second Field

Students pursuing Political Methods as a second field must propose a course list that is approved by the student's advisor and the field leader in Political Methods. The goal is to provide a strong foundation for students to be able to execute rigorous research methods related to their research questions. 

In addition to POLSCI 731, 630, and 748, which all students complete with their cohort, students who elect to take methods as second field (at any point) are required to pass an exam demonstrating sufficient preparation for the field and successfully complete three advanced courses.

The plan for the advanced set of courses is created jointly by the advisor and the student in line with the planned dissertation and must be approved by the methods field chair. There are two possible tracks, with course requirements are as follows:

​ Track: Applied Statistics

• THREE ADVANCED METHODS COURSES, of which: (1) at least one taught in political science (e.g., Advanced Regression, Machine Learning, Applied Bayesian Modeling); and (2) at least two taught outside the department, chosen from suitable options in computer science, statistics, or econometrics

Track: Formal and Computational

• ​​ Analysis (Math 431 or 531) 
• a​nd D​ata Structures and Algorithms (CS 201)
• POLSCI 631L Introduction to Deductive & Analytical Approaches to Political Phenomena
• ​Two electives related to formal or computational methods (e.g., Game theory 2 PS 730; Advanced game theory PS 749; Social networks PS 634; Computational PE)
• ​Graduate microeconomics (Econ 601, or 701, or 705) or Graduate CS elective (e.g., AI CS 570; Machine learning CS 571; Reinforcement learning CS 590; or Computational micro CS 590)
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Political Science, PhD

The Department of Political Science offers graduate programs of study in political science with concentrations in five fields: American politics; comparative politics; international relations; political theory; and public administration and public policy.

The master’s program is designed to provide students with a basic grounding in the scope and methodology of the discipline, while at the same time allowing maximum flexibility in developing a program of study that will meet students’ career objectives. It is recommended that students preparing themselves for PhD work emphasize empirical theory, quantitative skills and strategies and techniques of conducting research. Students may select coursework to help them prepare for such career fields as governmental service, public and private education, community service, and private industry. In developing an appropriate and coherent program of study, each graduate student works closely with the major professor and committee of advisors.

The Department accommodates the master’s student who attends part time by scheduling sufficient graduate-level courses in the late afternoons and evenings to enable the student to earn a master’s degree through part-time attendance.

In the PhD program the departmental emphasis is on conceptual and quantitative work. The Department requires that the student be broadly trained and accordingly encourages each student to take advantage of offerings in related disciplines to strengthen expertise in political change. The graduate of the program is qualified for a career in university teaching, in government service or in the private sector where the analytical skills and knowledge of the social scientist are required. Graduate degrees are conferred on the basis of a level of achievement which is acquired by independent reading and research as well as by taking courses. They are never conferred solely on the basis of prescribed courses and residency requirements.

Admission Requirements 

Credits and courses, additional requirements, application deadlines.

Application deadlines vary by program, please review the application deadline chart for specific programs. Other important dates and deadlines can be found by using the One Stop calendars .

An applicant must meet  Graduate School requirements  plus these departmental requirements to be considered for admission to the program:

Evidence of a high standard of achievement in bachelors or previous graduate work.

Three letters of recommendation from people familiar with the applicant’s scholastic ability and achievements.

Personal statement of research interests and how UWM’s Political Science Department will help you meet your career and educational goals.

Writing sample.

Submission of GRE scores is encouraged (official or unofficial), but not required.

Minimum degree requirement is 54 graduate credits beyond the bachelor’s degree, 27 of which must be earned in residence at UWM at the doctoral level.

Distribution Requirement

To ensure broad exposure to the discipline, students must take a minimum of three courses outside of their prelim fields, at least two of which must be in a single field. Courses used to satisfy this requirement must be taken from the departmental offerings in the four substantive fields described below. Courses that bridge two or more fields of study cannot be used to satisfy this requirement if one of those fields falls within a student’s prelim areas.

All courses taken to satisfy the distribution requirement must be political science courses numbered 700 or above.

Core Research Requirements

Attainment of the PhD denotes a high level of competence in research skills relevant to the discipline of political science. Thus, all students must complete the core departmental research seminars. Since skills learned in these courses are important elements in dealing successfully with subject matter presented in other seminars, students should enroll in these seminars immediately upon entering the graduate program.

Students using a course from outside the Department of Political Science to satisfy this requirement may enroll on a “Credit/No Credit” basis, where the grade of “Credit” demonstrates satisfactory completion of the requirement. Upon successful petition to the departmental Graduate Committee, a student may gain exemption from this requirement, based on coursework completed in the five years prior to entering the graduate program. Students who receive this exemption must still complete at least 27 credits in residence. Credits earned to meet the research requirement may count toward the 54 credits of work required for the PhD if they carry graduate credit and are taken for a grade.

In some cases, competence in foreign language skills is necessary for significant disciplinary research. Students may fulfill the research requirements beyond the above seminars  through demonstration of a reading knowledge of one foreign language. Competence is established through examination, by an appropriate UWM language department. The student must perform at a level equivalent to six semesters of college-level work in the language.

Major Professor as Advisor

The student must have a major professor to advise and supervise the student’s studies as specified in Graduate School regulations. The incoming student is advised by the Director of Graduate Studies; as that student develops specialized interests within the discipline, the student selects a major professor from within that area of specialization.

Areas of Concentration

In consultation with the major professor students plan a program of studies through which a high level of competence is gained in two substantive fields (hereafter referred to as “major” or “prelim” fields). The department offers four fields of study:

• American Politics
• Comparative Politics
• International Relations
• Political Theory

Competence in these fields is demonstrated by a written and oral preliminary examination. In addition to the fields listed above, students may petition the graduate committee to be examined in an alternative field. This must be a coherent field that is not covered by one of the existing prelim areas.

Evaluation of Student Progress

The Department annually evaluates the progress of each student, in order to identify areas of strength and weakness as an aid to the student and the student’s major professor in planning the program of study. This evaluation is also used to determine whether or not the student should be encouraged to pursue further graduate work.

The student must meet minimum Graduate School residence requirements.

Doctoral Preliminary Examination

The student must pass a doctoral written and oral preliminary examination covering both of their fields of study. The preliminary exam is taken during the semester following the completion of coursework.

Dissertation

The candidate, working under the supervision of the major professor and the candidate’s dissertation committee, must write an acceptable dissertation. A dissertation prospectus must be written during the last semester of coursework and will be defended at the end of the following semester as part of the preliminary examination. Guidelines for preparation of the dissertation are available from the Graduate School.

Dissertation Defense

The candidate must, as a final step toward the degree, pass an oral examination in defense of the dissertation. The candidate who does not successfully defend a thesis within five years of admission to candidacy may be required to take another comprehensive preliminary examination and be readmitted to candidacy.

All degree requirements must be completed within ten years from the date of initial enrollment in the doctoral program.

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Ph.D. in Political Science and International Affairs

The Department of Political Science and the School of Global Policy and Strategy  (GPS) jointly offer a Ph.D. program in Political Science and International Affairs . The program builds on the considerable strengths that each unit currently possesses and offers a distinct focus from the Ph.D. degree granted by the Department of Political Science.

Students wishing to apply should contact GPS and submit their applications there. Applications will be approved by a  cross-department Admissions Committee and Graduate Division Admissions. It is anticipated that one or two students per year will enter the program in its initial years, perhaps rising to three or more in future years, contingent upon availability of funding.

The PhD Curriculum

Effective Fall 2015. General Examination Rules. (Approved by Graduate Council Nov. 11, 2014). 

Program of Study

The PhD in political science and international affairs prepares students for research careers in political science, with an emphasis in international policy and comparative policy analysis. The program combines the analytical skills of political science with political economy, institutional analysis, policy analysis (especially economic policy) and regional training, with special attention to East Asia and/or Latin America.

Course Requirements

The PhD curriculum in political science and international affairs is designed to provide students with basic training in the disciplinary skills of political science, as well as applications to specific policy areas and countries or regions.

Eighteen courses are required prior to advancement to candidacy at the end of the second year. There is a common core sequence made up of four courses in the Department of Political Science: Political Science 203A-B and 204A-B. No other courses may be used to substitute for these courses. The remaining course work in research skills, language, regional expertise and/or a field of specialization may be taken at GPS or in Political Science with the approval of the faculty adviser. Two of the elective courses must be in international relations and/or comparative politics/policy of an Asia-Pacific country or region.

Requirements:

• 203A. Analytic Theory I
• 204A. Research Design 
• Field requirement or skills course
• Integrated Workshop

Winter   

• 204B. Quantitative Methods I 

Spring 

• 203B. Analytic Theory II

Second Year

• Field requirement 
• Skills course
• Substantive course

Winter 

• Skills course 
• Substantive course/directed reading

Optional Specialization: Program in Interdisciplinary Environmental Research (PIER). 

For more information please visit:  SIO’s Website .

General Examination

In May 2022, the Graduate Council approved a reform to the comprehensive exam for the political science Ph.D. program. The   exam format and rules are explained below .  The expectation is that you have already been thinking about your topics and discussing them with your advisor.

Students must stand for the Qualifying Examination by the end of their second year. The department offers exams in five fields – American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Methodology, and Political Theory. Students pick two exam fields and are expected to have completed their field requirements before taking the Qualifier.

The exam is written and has two components:

• The research paper is on a topic of the student’s choosing.
• The paper must be solo-authored.
• The length cannot exceed 10,000 words, including abstract and references, but excluding appendices.
• The research may draw upon work originally submitted for courses.
• The scope, ambition, and format of the paper must conform to the norms of the discipline, as exemplified by articles in its leading journals.
• The research paper should conform to current academic standards with respect to transparency, replicability, and ethics.
• Students must select at least three debates in Political Science, critically assess the state of current knowledge about them, and bring them together to address an enduring major topic in the field.
• The integration of the two chosen subfields can occur within these debates or across them.
• The length cannot exceed 8,000 words, including abstract and references, but excluding appendices.
• While students are encouraged to engage in debates that are relevant to their research agenda, the content of the Review Paper must not overlap with the literature review section included in the Research Paper.

Student’s First Year:

• It is recommended the students meet with their faculty mentor to discuss expectations for the review paper.
• Friday of the 9th week of Spring Quarter: Students choose one faculty advisor (Second-Year Advisor) to supervise their Review Paper and Research Paper. The Second-Year Advisor signs a form in which they agree to supervise the two papers for the Qualifier, which is submitted to the Graduate Coordinator. This advisor may be the same as the First-Year Advisor initially assigned to the student, and this advisor may go on to supervise the student’s dissertation.

Student’s Second Year:

• Friday of the 2nd week of the Fall Quarter: The Second-Year Advisor must approve, in writing, a rough outline of topics to be covered in the Review Paper (including an initial reading list), which the student submits to the Graduate Coordinator. Students should discuss an appropriate timeline for sending their work to their advisor, but must plan on submitting the materials to them at least two weeks in advance of this deadline. When preparing their initial reading list, students should anticipate that the Review Paper will be assessed by faculty from their first and second subfield. Accordingly, they should seek guidance from faculty in both subfields when crafting the reading list. The reading list is just a starting point; students are expected to revise and expand their list as they develop their Review Paper.
• Winter Quarter: The student presents a draft of the Research Paper in the Integrated Workshop. Students are encouraged to contact faculty whose attendance they wish to ensure at least two weeks in advance of their scheduled presentation.
• Friday of the first full week of Spring Quarter: The student submits, in electronic form, rough drafts of both Qualifier papers to the Graduate Coordinator with the Second-Year Advisor CC-ed. Failure to submit rough drafts of the papers by this deadline will automatically disqualify the student from taking the Qualifying Examination, which implies leaving the program.
• Friday of the 5th week of Spring Quarter: The student submits in electronic form penultimate drafts of the papers to the Second-Year Advisor.
• Friday of the 6th week of Spring Quarter: The student submits the final drafts of the papers via Turnitin (on Canvas course site) to the designated assignments labeled review paper and research paper. The Second-Year Advisor signs a form, submitted to the Graduate Coordinator, certifying that they have read the papers and that the papers represent substantially the work of the student. Failure to submit the final drafts of the papers by this deadline will automatically disqualify the student from taking the Qualifying Examination, which implies leaving the program.
• Each of the fields, in which Qualifying Examinations are administered, must have a designated Field Coordinator (FC), who is appointed by the Department Chair in consultation with the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS). The FC nominates examiners, who are then appointed by the Department Chair.
• Exam Committees have three Readers – two in the first field, and one in the second. Whenever possible, the Research Paper and Review Paper should be graded by a different committee. Students are informed about the composition of Exam Committees during the 4th week of Spring Quarter.
• Grading is single-blind (student’s name is redacted) and can result in either Pass or Fail. It is based on the common published Assessment Criteria developed by the Department. Committees are strongly encouraged to provide comments in writing.
• Members of the Exam Committees meet with each other if, and only if, at least one Reader has rated the paper as Fail. If this meeting results in a collective rating of Fail, the student can revise and resubmit the paper before September 1 of the same year. The student may request a meeting with the Committee to receive guidance for revisions. The revised version is graded by the same Committee using the same procedure as in the initial assessment.
• Each paper is graded separately. The student must Pass both papers to continue in the program.
• Students who have not attempted all parts of the Qualifying Examination by the end of their second year may not continue in the program unless they have an advance exception under Department Rules.

Seminar Papers

A student must complete one seminar paper in one of his or her examination fields. This paper may be written as part of the requirements for a regularly scheduled seminar course or in an independent research course.

Guidelines for the Seminar Paper

• Acceptable article length for most journals is eight thousand to ten thousand words and seminar papers should be a similar length.
• An introduction framing the significance of the question, sketching the answer, and (where subfield appropriate) delineating the research design and empirical findings
• A comprehensive yet succinct literature review placing the research in the context of prior work on the subject
• A discussion of research design (where subfield appropriate)
• Appropriate empirical analysis (where subfield appropriate)
• A conclusion highlighting the contributions of the research and returning to general questions
• Papers must be solo authored.

Examples of recent published articles written by UC San Diego graduate students will be available to students upon request.

Papers may draw from papers originally written for courses. However, it is generally the case that course papers will need substantial revision before becoming suitable seminar papers. Students may write papers in fields other than their first or second exam fields.  

Students must identify an adviser for the seminar paper. Seminar paper advisers may be the first-year adviser but are not required to be. Seminar paper advisers may go on to supervise dissertations but are not required to do so. Advisers must agree (certified in writing, to the graduate program coordinator) to serve this purpose by 4:00 p.m. on Friday of the eighth week of fall quarter. Penalties for failing to identify an adviser by this due date are at the discretion of the director of Graduate Studies. Students are advised to contact the director of Graduate Studies or their field chair if they are having difficulty identifying an adviser.  

Students must submit a rough draft of the seminar paper (in hard copy and electronic form) to the graduate program coordinator by 4:00 p.m. on Friday of the first full week of spring quarter. The graduate program coordinator is responsible for ensuring that a copy of the paper is provided to the seminar paper adviser. Students failing to submit a draft of the paper by this deadline will not be permitted to take the comprehensive exam in the spring quarter. Please note that this implies leaving the program.

Students should submit a penultimate draft of the paper to the seminar paper adviser one week prior to the final draft due date. Students must submit a final draft of the seminar paper (in hard copy and electronic form) to the graduate program coordinator by 4:00 p.m. on Monday of the week prior to the written exams. Students failing to submit a final draft of the paper by this deadline will not be permitted to take the comprehensive exam in the spring quarter. Please note that this implies leaving the program.   

Departmental Workshops

• All registered students-in-residence must be enrolled in their field workshop of choice (POLI 280-289) and attend both integrated and field workshops regularly. This includes first-year through Nth-year students. Students who do not attend the workshops regularly will receive a grade of U for that quarter. The Integrated Workshop is an effort to build an integrated scholarly community across all substantive subfields in our Ph.D. program. The integrated workshop and subfield workshops are designed to promote intellectual engagement and conversations across fields, so as to better prepare our students to conduct research that scholars across fields will care about. Workshops typically meet on a weekly basis, and include discussion of common readings, public talks, professional development seminars, and student presentations.
• All third-year students are required to present a draft dissertation prospectus or an original piece of research to a workshop at least once, either in the Fall or the Winter quarter. Second-year students who have far-advanced seminar papers are encouraged to present their work, schedule permitting. A form indicating that the third-year student has completed this requirement must be submitted to the Graduate Coordinator by the end of the third year. A third-year student who has not completed the above requirement by the end of the third year may receive no more than a 33%. teaching or research assistantship from the Department until the quarter after the workshop requirement is fulfilled. Students on a UCSD fellowship may receive no more than two-thirds of their stipend until this requirement is fulfilled.
• For all registered students-in-residence, good progress toward the PhD requires that a student enroll in a departmental workshop in every quarter for which they are in residence. Students who do not attend regularly will receive a grade of U for the workshop. Students who do not participate regularly may be failed by the course instructor.

Dissertation

• By the end of the sixth year, good progress requires completion of the dissertation and defense (please refer to Forming Committees)
• A student who fails to complete the dissertation by the end of the sixth year may be denied all departmental financial assistance.

Language Requirement

Students intending a field specialization in comparative politics and/or policy should assume that fluency in a relevant regional language, sufficient for the conduct of research, will be expected. Language training will be credited toward the degree.

Advising and Evaluation

Each incoming student to the PhD program in political science and international affairs will be assigned a faculty adviser in GPS. By the beginning of the third year, each student must select a faculty member from the department to serve as prospectus adviser. The prospectus adviser will help guide the student in writing the prospectus and selecting a dissertation committee. The prospectus adviser will not necessarily become the chair or a member of the dissertation committee.

During the spring quarter, each student is evaluated by his or her adviser in consultation with the departmental faculty. The student will receive a written evaluation from the adviser each year. The student must sign this evaluation for it to become an official part of the student’s departmental file. As part of the first-year review, each student must complete a plan of study that identifies a faculty seminar paper supervisor, two examination fields, a focus area, and intended preparation in each. This plan must be signed by the student’s faculty adviser and submitted to the graduate coordinator by the end of spring quarter of the first year.

Doctoral Committee and Advancing to Candidacy

Before the student's prospectus defense and advancing to candidacy, the student must form a doctoral committee.  The doctoral committee or dissertation committee must have at least four members, made up of both GPS and Department of Political Science faculty and one tenured professor from outside those programs. For students whose research is intended to establish a regional or country specialization, it is expected that at least one member of the committee will have such an expertise. At least two members of the committee shall represent academic specialties that differ from the student’s chosen specialty.

The dissertation committee members should be submitted to the Political Science Graduate Program Coordinator no later than two weeks before a prospectus defense or dissertation defense for approval. 

Below are the steps for preparing to advance to candidacy:

• In order to advance to candidacy, a student must prepare a dissertation prospectus and pass an oral examination with a committee (please see above). Rules governing this examination have been established by the Graduate Division and are printed in the University catalog. 
• By the end of spring quarter of the second year each student must submit a form to the Graduate Coordinator identifying a faculty member as Third-Year Prospectus Advisor. (The role of the Third-Year Advisor is described below under 'Advising and Evaluation'). By October 15 of the third year, each student must submit to the Graduate Coordinator a form identifying a tentative topic of the prospectus.
• Once the committee has been submitted and approved and the defense has taken place, the student or a committee member must communicate the results of the defense to the Graduate Coordinator. The Graduate Coordinator will then initiate a DocuSign form that will be routed to all committee members, the student, and the department chair before being routed to the Graduate Division. Once complete, the student must pay a $50 candidacy fee either online on their student account or at the UCSD Cashier's Office.
• A $500 stipend will be awarded to any student in the Political Science PhD program that defends by the end of the Spring quarter of their 3rd year; this is the last day of Spring quarter as defined by the University. 
• Good progress toward the Ph.D. requires that students advance to candidacy by end of the fall quarter of the fourth year. A student who fails to advance to candidacy by the end of the fall quarter of the fourth year may receive no more than a 33% teaching or research assistantship from the Department for the following quarters until advancing to candidacy. Students who have received guaranteed funding may receive no more than two-thirds of their stipend for the subsequent quarters until advancing to candidacy. 
• If you are an international student, the non-residential supplemental tuition (NRST) remission is guaranteed for the first three academic years. You will be eligible to be exempt from non-resident tuition for 9 consecutive quarters   IF  you have advanced to candidacy by the end of your third year in the program. International students who fail to advance to candidacy by the end of their third year in the program will be responsible for paying their own NRST until they advance to candidacy. 
• A student who fails to advance to candidacy by the end of the summer of their fourth year will not be permitted to continue in the graduate program in political science.

Student Petitions

To contest an evaluation or any departmental action a student must do so in writing. A petition should be submitted to the director of graduate studies no later than the end of the quarter following the evaluation (or other action) contested by the student.

One fellowship per year will be available to a newly admitted student from the current in-house funding at GPS. Additional fellowship support will be sought by GPS faculty.

• Our History and Philosophy
• Admissions FAQs
• Admitted Students FAQs
• Admissions Statistics

Our Ph.D. program in Political Science is designed to break down barriers and build bridges across the subfields and give all of our students a broad command of the discipline as a whole, regardless of their area of specialization.

Director of Graduate Studies Claire Adida [email protected] SSB 389

Student Affairs Manager Ethel Lu [email protected] SSB 305

Graduate Coordinator Joanna Peralta Arenas [email protected] (858) 534-2705 SSB 306

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• Political Science /

PhD in Political Science

• Updated on  
• Apr 28, 2023

Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science, or Ph.D. in Political Science, is a doctoral-level course. This program lasts between one and three years, although, for part-time Political Science students, it can last up to five years. A wide range of topics, including human rights, international politics, political theory, political economics, and more, are covered in the Ph.D. program in political science.

This Blog Includes:

What is ph.d. in political science, ph.d. political science syllabus, 4 parts of a ph.d. program (political science), degree options in political science, ph.d. in political science: eligibility, ph.d. in political science: universities, top universities in india, application & admission, careers and jobs after ph.d. in political science, popular job profiles and salary.

The vast field and subfields of political science offer students the opportunity to delve deeper into myriad issues related to international politics, governance, public administration , international relations , history, and much more. In particular, the Ph.D. in Political Science program caters to the interests of those individuals who wish to venture into advanced fields such as Area Studies, Public Policy, Law, Human Rights, political psychology, violence and war studies, and even topics related to Business, Globalisation, Financial Economics, etc. It provides individuals with the necessary flexibility and background to develop and express ideas, conduct research through quantitative and qualitative method, and analyzes cross-effects among socio-economic-cultural factors. In this blog, we will share some important details pertaining to this doctorate program.  

Owing to the diverse range, subdivisions, and specializations, there are different types of degree options for a Ph.D. in Political Science [3-8 years] one can pursue. This includes the traditional PhD program which includes a comprehensive coursework curriculum, research projects, electives, practical training, fieldwork, and teaching practicum along with a host of other elements. In addition to that, one can also go for an integrated PhD , an MPhil/PhD as well as dual PhD degrees amalgamating two different disciplines such as communication and political science, international relations and journalism, diplomacy and communication, etc. All of the above courses gear up an individual for a career in research in the capacities of research assistant , teaching assistant, and researcher in academic institutions, international research organizations, political consultancies, and governments, amongst others.

Also Read: International Relations Courses

While the Ph.D. in Political Science program is largely subjective and the department/university may implement varied eligibility conditions, in general, to enter such Ph.D. courses , one is required to possess a high-standing MA in Political Science or master’s degree in a related discipline, for instance, MA History, etc along with prior research, paper publication, assistantships under a professor or even professional experience. Relevant teaching exposure is also encouraged. In a fair amount of universities worldwide, one can also enroll directly after completing a BA in Political Science with strong credentials.

Related Article: Political Science Syllabus

As you may already be aware, institutions in the Ivy League(USA), London School of Economics & Political Science (UK), University of Toronto (Canada), etc have cemented themselves as household names when it comes to pursuing a PhD in Political Science as well as other Political Science Courses . However, there are many emerging study-abroad destinations and options which have steadily gained rankings, have internationally recognized faculty, and offer vibrant avenues for building a strong career in political science , amongst others. Here we mention a few of them.

Read more about pursuing doctorate programs at different destinations: Ph.D. in Europe , Ph.D. in France , Ph.D. in Canada  

• Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi
• University of Hyderabad [UOH], Hyderabad
• Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), New Delhi
• IIT, Gandhinagar
• Banasthali Vidyapith University, Jaipur
• University of Delhi
• Amity University

As for application procedure, universities offering a PhD in Political Science conduct admissions through two routes namely, the general online application as well as through approaching professors directly. To gain admission through the latter route, your research interests must align with that of your potential professor. Application materials may also include GRE and IELTS / TOEFL scores, Research Proposals, statements of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LOR), official transcripts, and CVs, amongst others.

Here is a list of popular careers in political science :

• Advocate/Organizer
• Budget Examiner or Analyst
• Banking Analyst or Executive
• Career Counselor
• Congressional Officer/Committee Staffer
• Civil Services (Indian Administrative Services, Indian Foreign Services)
• Political Scientist
• Legislative Assistant
• Secretary to government departments 
• Human Rights Activists
• Legal Adviser to Political Parties
• Election and Campaign Manager
• Teacher/ Professor 
• Politician 
• Policy Analyst
• Public Relations Specialist
• Public Affairs Research Analyst
• Foreign Service Officer
• Corporate Manager
• Immigration Officer

Must Read Political Science Books!

Ans: Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science, or Ph.D. Political Science, is a degree that falls within the umbrella of the arts.

Ans: CRET, RET, and PET are some of the common entrance exams for Ph.D. Political Science admission.

Ans: Students can get placements globally and also appear for Indian Civil Services, Market Trend Analyst, or Professor in educational institutions.

A Ph.D. in Political Science, being a heavily research-inclined program requires consistent efforts toward one’s R&D goals and interests. If you wish to pursue it or any other Ph.D. programs, consult the experts and mentors at Leverage Edu who will in order to fulfill your study abroad dream  

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Course Catalog

Political science, phd.

for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science

The course of study leading to a Ph.D. in Political Science requires a minimum of three years of full-time study, culminating in the successful defense of a doctoral dissertation. A minimum of 96 graduate hours of academic credit is required, 32 of which may be graduate hours of dissertation research. At least 64 of the 96 graduate hours must be taken in residence. A grade of B or better is required in all courses.

In addition to meeting Graduate College requirements, the Department of Political Science requires that students complete a "scope and methods" sequence, acquire proficiency in analytic skills, and demonstrate expertise in several subfields within the discipline. The progress of doctoral candidates is monitored at various points in the program. In addition to an interim evaluation, students must pass a set of qualifying examinations and present a dissertation proposal. Once the doctoral dissertation is completed, the candidate must successfully complete an oral final defense.

Admission to the Ph.D. Program

The Graduate College admission requirements apply. The student should have a minimum of 20 hours of undergraduate work in political science and cognate disciplines such as economics, psychology, finance, sociology, or history. All applicants are required to submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, a personal statement, and an example of written work. Applicants whose native language is not English must submit the TOEFL iBT or IELTS score. The Ph.D. program typically admits students for the fall semester.  Application deadline is December 1st.

Admission to the Master of Arts with Concentration in Civic Leadership Admission is restricted to students who were accepted to the Civic Leadership Program as undergraduates at the University of Illinois. Application deadline is December 1st.  Applicants who wish to obtain a joint MA-JD degree program must apply separately for admission to the Law School.

Graduate Teaching Experience Although teaching is not a general Graduate College requirement, experience in teaching is considered an important part of the graduate experience in this program and is essential for students whose career goals include college teaching.

Financial Aid Students accepted into the department's Ph.D. program are eligible to apply for financial aid. Most incoming students with good credentials and continuing students demonstrating satisfactory progress will receive some type of financial aid, but the type and amount will vary. The Department of Political Science provides, on a competitive basis, aid packages up to $22,000, plus waivers of tuition and some fees. Financial aid is usually a combination of fellowship money and assistantships. Limited amounts of aid are also available for dissertation field research, internships, and the presentation of papers at professional meetings.

For additional details and requirements refer to the department's  graduate handbook  and the  Graduate College Handbook . 

Entering with approved M.S./M.A. degree

Other requirements, entering with approved b.s./b.a. degree.

The Political Science doctoral program is designed to produce broadly educated and well-trained scholars and teachers. Our aim is to produce Ph.D.s who have the breadth and vision to grapple with large questions, the training to make original contributions to research that addresses those questions, and the ability to communicate research results to students, their peers, and society at large. We thus strive to strike an appropriate balance between:

• Exposure to theoretical models in political and social research,
• Sophisticated training in the methods and techniques of social science,
• The development of expertise within a student's primary area of interest,
• Exposure to classroom teaching, and
• Exposure to the discipline’s professional norms and practices.

More specifically, every Illinois Ph.D. should:

• Be well-grounded in the social sciences. This includes familiarity with the philosophy of science issues that underlie social scientific inquiry. It also includes exposure to or an acquaintance with the literature and approaches of at least one other discipline as they pertain to inquiries in political science and specifically to students' particular areas of interest.
• Be familiar with the breadth and diversity of models, approaches, and intellectual traditions within a student's major subfield of expertise (major fields in the department are American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory).
• Be competent in at least a second substantive area of political science(minor fields in the department are the same as the four major fields, with the addition of political methodology).
• Be highly competent in research skills appropriate to his or her research endeavors. An Illinois Ph.D. should be exposed to a broad range of methodologies (including both quantitative and qualitative approaches) and have some deeper familiarity with particular sets of research skills (e.g. statistical analysis, formal modeling, game theory, the comparative case study method).
• Fully understand the research enterprise. This includes an ability to critique others' work and an ability to be a contributing scholar by producing original research.
• Be prepared to teach graduate courses in his or her primary subfield and undergraduate courses in at least two subfields of the discipline, and understand best practices for student engagement.
• Be familiar with disciplinary norms and standards, including understanding issues related to ethical practices in research, professional and public engagement, and instruction.

Graduate Degree Programs in Political Science

• Civic Leadership
• African American Studies
• Political Science, PhD & Law, JD
• Political Science: Civic Leadership, MA & Law, JD

The Department of Political Science offers graduate programs leading to the degrees of Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy. Students are not admitted to the master's degree program in Political Science, except for the Civic Leadership concentration. The department is not accepting applications to the Public Administration program.

Department of Political Science Head of Department: Thomas Rudolph Director of Graduate Studies: Aleksander Ksiazkiewicz Department of Political Science website 420 David Kinley Hall, 1407 W. Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL 61801 (217) 333-3881; fax: (217) 244-5712 Political Science email

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences College of Liberal Arts & Sciences website

Admissions Graduate College Admissions & Requirements

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PhD Political Science Jobs, Scope, Salary in India

PhD Political Science jobs are in both the public and commercial sectors. The PhD Political Science salary in India is also rewarding owing to the diversity of the degree. After completing a PhD Political Science, research researchers are primarily employed in industries that require knowledge of the Indian economy, politics, and developments.

Career Prospects and Job Scope for PhD Political Science

The income for a PhD in Political Science is quite good and stable. PhD Political Science scope is broad and includes a variety of fields. Many institutes and colleges offer PhD Political Science courses , giving aspirants the option to dwell in a variety of locations. The following are the most common PhD Political Science job openings:

• Researcher 
• Project Manager
• Education Developer 
• Political Scientist
• Research Analysts

Areas of Recruitment for PhD Political Science

Career after PhD in Political Science accessible in a variety of roles. Students pursuing a PhD in Political Science will have numerous options to pursue a satisfying career in a variety of fields related to recruitment. The following are some of the areas where graduates can find work.

• Coaching Centres
• Education Consultancies
• Education Department
• Private Tuitions
• Publishing House
• Research and Development Agencies

Salary Packages for PhD Political Science Graduates

There are various industries that hire PhD Political Science graduates in India. PhD Political Science salary in India is rewarding and comes with ample opportunities. The average salary of a graduate according to Glassdoor is INR 9 LPA. The PhD Political Science graduate salary in India is

Source: Glassdoor

PhD Political Science Salary in India

The average PhD Political Science salary in India for graduates is around INR 2-6 LPA [Source: PayScale]. The table below shows the salary breakdown of Certificate in Accounting graduates in India:

Source: Payscale

Government Jobs for PhD Political Science Graduates

Career options after PhD in Political Science Government jobs also have scope for the graduates.After pursuing this course salary ranges from INR 6 LPA [Source: Glassdoor]. Government jobs after PhD Political Science designations with earnings are listed below:

Private Jobs for PhD Political Science Graduates

After a PhD in Political Science, private sector career opportunities are just as good as government jobs. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a PhD Political Science private graduate is INR 10 LPA. In India, income for fresh graduates with a PhD in Political Science are as follows:

Source: Naukri 

Job Opportunities Abroad for PhD Political Science Graduates

Jobs after a PhD in Political Science are available not only in India but also internationally. In some manner, every country seeks to better its economy. As a result, there is a global need for PhD Political Science holders. PhDs in Political Science gain knowledge in the majority of the world's leading economies as a result of their research experience, and it is common for them to be hired by market trend research businesses.

Top Companies

Here is the list below of the top recruiters that hire graduates:

• Times of India
• India Today

Best Countries for PhD Political Science Graduates

Below is the list of top countries offering job opportunities to graduates:

• New Zealand
• The Caribbean

Various Career Designations Abroad for Graduates

Job profiles that attract graduates to work abroad:

• Project Manager 

Famous PhD Political Science Graduates

PhD Political Science programs are designed for students who are passionate about the subject and desire to pursue it professionally. The program provides a degree-based education that will assist them in establishing a profession in numerous fields of education. Around the world, famous people in these fields include:

• Monica Adibe
• Dick Cheney
• Hillary Clinton
• Nancy Pelosi

Get Free Scholarship worth 25000 INR

Career Options in Political Science: Top 12 Career Opportunities in India [2024]

Political Science helps students drive their career with a multitude of exciting opportunities. The study of political science is an ideal choice for students keen on understanding and evaluating the functions of politics, the government, and society. Political Science is a perfect subject for anyone interested in learning how political systems function, as well as those who aspire to develop essential critical thinking and analytical skills. Check out our  free courses  to get an edge over the competition.

These reasons make political science among the most sought – after majors among humanities students today. Listed below are some great career options for a career in Political Science that students can explore . Let’s discuss some political science courses after 12th.

Career Options in Political Science

1. civil services.

Civil servants are the steel frame of India. They are behind the successful implementation of policies and administration. They work from the ground level to develop the country and take it forward through their efforts and vision. Becoming an IAS (Indian Administrative Service), IPS (Indian Police Service), or IFS (Indian Foreign Services) officer is considered one of the most respectable professions in India. 

A career in civil services also offers a chance to bring about radical and positive changes in India’s fabric, since officers play an important role in the execution of law and order in the country. You can also consider doing our Management Essentials Bootcamp if you are interested.

Interestingly, Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) is one of the optional subjects for the  UPSC exam, the aspiring bureaucrats who already have an education background in political science grab the PSIR concepts quicker than the rest. For anyone considering appearing for the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam, a thorough knowledge of Political Science is a must, and studying the subject at the undergraduate level can immensely help aspirants.

Skills required 

• Responsible
• Accountable
• Transparent
• Integrity 

It is one of the sought-after political science career options ; the basic salary for an IAS officer is INR 56,000 per month.

Must Read: What to do after 12th  

2. Policy Analyst

Political Science majors develop strong critical thinking, writing, and research skills, along with an in-depth knowledge of public policy, all of which are essential requirements for applying for the role of a policy analyst. The job of policy analysts is to evaluate the impacts of adopting a policy and use the analysis to devise arguments that either support or discredit the implementation.  They do extensive research on the existing situation, identify the problems, and come up with solutions. They should be having strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

This is a great career option for Political Science graduates, as students possess the necessary proficiency in the political and legislative processes of the country and are an excellent fit for the job.

The political science scope in India is good. The role of the Policy Analyst is an example. 

Skills required

• Communication 
• Political aptitude
• Data management 
• Critical thinking 
• Reports generation

It is one of those government jobs after ba political science, where one can get an opportunity to work with the government as well. The average salary of a Policy Analyst is 7.0 lakhs per annum .

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The laws of the Indian state, as well as the Indian Constitution, form a significant component of the syllabus of Political Science. This makes the students of the subject ideal for pursuing law following the completion of their studies, given how they already have an in-depth knowledge regarding the fundamentals of the discipline.

Although both of them are two different fields of study but having studied political science is an added advantage to law students. A fair understanding of political science gives a good perspective of political behavior, political activities, and theories. 

It is one of those reputable political science honours career options one can pursue. 

• Law aptitude
• People handling
• Communication
• Documentation 
• Research 
• Time Management

The scope of political science is high, and law professionals do get a good salary. The average salary for a law professional is 6.0 lakhs per annum.

4. Legislative Assistant

Most people are unaware of the fact that Members of Parliament and other elected representatives and officials often hire assistants who can help them with their legislative duties.

These hires are professionally known as legislative assistants, who work in close collaboration with our MPs to research on policy issues, pending legislation, inquire into the problems of citizens within the jurisdiction of their employers, and coordinate and communicate with other officials of the jurisdiction.

The legislative assistants also prepare reports and maintain data on the undergoing issues, development, and implementation of the policies for the MPs. This data is not generic but rather related to the constituency of these ministers. This gives a rational perspective to the ministers so they could do the work effectively. It is one of those sought-after BA political science jobs . 

• Law Clerk 
• Legal Secretary 
• Legal Assistant

The average salary for a legislative assistant is 32,689 per month. 

Just completed your 12th in science and curious about your future? Navigate through the career options after 12th science to find a path that aligns with your interests and aspirations.

5. Social Media Manager

From political candidates, officials, and parties to interest groups, every individual or organisation in the public eye needs a strong social media presence. Their presence further needs to be managed by social media experts who understand politics and current issues well.

This is where political science graduates can leverage their knowledge of what constitutes a positive public image and opinion, and formulate and implement plans to shape and enhance their clients’ social media campaigns.

With the advent of social media, having a positive social media presence and image is pertinent. Social media is working as a tool to bridge the gap between legislators and citizens. It is a good career scope in political science because the manager can do a need analysis basis their educational background and strategise relevant content on the page. Relevancy of the content enhances the connection and thus creates popularity among the people.

It is one of the in-demand career in political science . 

• Social Media
• Creativity 
• Efficiency 
• Customer Care

The average salary for a social media manager is 4.5 lakhs per annum.

Read: Top Career Options after BA 

6. Journalism

A good political journalist is someone who has profound expertise in politics and aspires to use it to increase public awareness about the same across different media. Political Science graduates make excellent political journalists, reporters, and correspondents, given their competence in politics and their understanding of the political environment.

Whether students choose to supplement their undergraduate degree with a degree or diploma in journalism or mass communication or start working directly after graduation, journalism is a fantastic career option for Political Science graduates. Political science students can choose to upskill themselves by doing a degree or diploma in either journalism or mass communication. They could choose to work in the industry right after they complete graduation.  journalism is a fantastic career option for political science graduates.

There are various political science job opportunities in the field of journalism, one can go ahead and pursue any field of their interest. 

• Attention to detail 
• Research skills
• Problem-solving 
• Digital Literacy 

7. Marketing Research Analyst

Therefore, they develop a knack for marketing jobs, which provides another career option in Political Science, since they can quickly and effortlessly analyse how consumers of a specific demographic will respond to the product through their knowledge of research methodologies. Students can pursue an MBA or enter into the marketing industry right after their graduation. Marketing has a process of STP (Segmentation, Targeting, Positioning), it plays a very big role in making a product successful. In order to market a product correctly in the right demography, with right pricing makes or breaks the demand for a product.

It is one of the in-demand jobs after BA political science where individuals can go ahead and kick-start their careers.

• Market research
• Data Interpretation

8. Teaching

Students who enjoy gaining more knowledge about the subject can consider teaching at the school or college level as a career option in Political Science. At the school level, teachers are required to hold a B.Ed. degree, along with an MA in political science, while at the college level, teachers need to qualify examinations such as UGC NET/ SET and/or hold a Ph.D.

For graduates who are inclined towards academia, teaching is a suitable career in political science . Based on their preference they could either choose to teach in the school or for higher education. 

It is one of those jobs for political science students where they can get recruited by eminent institutions and fulfil their minds with extensive knowledge.

Also Read: Career Options for Commerce Students

9. Intelligence Analyst

Intelligence analysts work for government agencies like the CBI. They utilise their knowledge of political science to analyse all levels and parameters of development in the country’s volatile regions, which requires their specific knowledge and skill set.

Their work also includes making reports on groups that may pose a threat to national security, study patterns of leadership and public response, and present their findings in a conclusive manner.  This opens a good career scope in political science .

10. Political Campaign Staff

A political campaign staff’s job profile is the same as that of a social media manager, except that this work is done mostly offline. Political campaign staff members prepare press releases and draft speeches for their clients, design and execute campaign strategies, analyse current political issues, study public reactions to cultivate their client’s image, and organise fundraisers for the campaign.

11. Public Relations Representative/ Specialist

Public relations representatives or specialists are people who act as mediators between their clients and the public through various platforms of the media. From organising press releases and conferences to managing campaigns, events, and public appearances, the profession requires astute critical skills of researching, writing, and analysing to promote their client’s image, something that political science majors possess in abundance.

Also visit upGrad’s Degree Counselling page for all undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

12. Political Scientist

Lastly, for students who are deeply passionate about the study of political science, academia is an industry that is always open. Students can pursue their MA and PhD in Political Science following the completion of their graduation, to become thinkers and subject matter experts.

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All of these disciplines can be of service in various industries and fields. The choice of opting for the subject will undoubtedly be easier if you know of the brilliant career options in Political Science that lie ahead after studying the same.

The above-mentioned political science job opportunities are an example of various interesting paths one can choose for themselves. Depending upon where the interest lie, one can choose a path for themselves. As we saw that application of political science education is not restricted to a few opportunities rather it has wider relevancy.

Nitin Gurmukhani

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Political science is a field that offers a great deal of job security. Unlike many other fields, graduates of a political science program will likely be able to find a job right away. This is because political science is a field that focuses on the workings of government and politics. While there are many career paths in political science, the field offers some of the best job security in civil services and law. Most jobs in the field are permanent and not temporary, which means that once you are hired, you have a guaranteed position and job security. The Job security also helps to reduce the amount of job hopping in the field.

The civil service domain in India is not easy to enter into. India’s Civil Services exam is one of the toughest exams in the world. The recruitment process for the exam is difficult. The different examinations test the candidate’s basic intelligence, ability to think logically, communicate effectively, and work well in a team. The civil services in India offer a variety of benefits, such as a government salary, pension, and insurance. The civil services also offer many opportunities for advancement, such as promotions, career advancement, and transfers between jobs. This means that the civil services provide a stable income for the majority of candidates, regardless of background or education.

There is growing scope for political science graduates. The discipline of political science is large and diverse, with many sub-disciplines and specialised areas of study. Over the years, political science has evolved and expanded to encompass new areas of research such as international relations and comparative politics. It is a multidisciplinary field that draws on many fields of knowledge and expertise including theory, methodology, and measurement. The field of political science is expected to continue to expand in the future, as scholars continue to find new ways to analyse and understand the social, political, and economic behaviors of people around the world.

The choice of the subject would be guided by what is the aspiration. As discussed above, there are many political science jobs available, basis that their studies can be strategised For example, if someone is interested to pursue a career as a social media manager, they should upskill themselves by doing a degree/ diploma in digital marketing. Similarly, if the interests lie in law, then one should get a degree in law.

The level of difficulty depends upon how one approaches the subject. It is not hard but is different from the other subjects. The skill of analytical skills, critical thinking, and the ability to research is given importance. If all of these interest you then you will not find this subject hard.

It is a degree that has applicability in almost every domain. If one strategises well and focuses on constantly upskilling themselves they will never find themselves questioning the redundancy of the degree. The political science career options have demand from civil services, legal, marketing, journalism, academia, strategy, analysis, etc.

Political scientist devotes their time to doing research, interpreting, and creating theories on relevant topics. Their scope of studies is from the village bodies to national and international. They not only focus on politics but how policies can solve existing pertinent problems.

Political science is a field that offers a great deal of job security. Unlike many other fields, graduates of a political science program will likely be able to find a job right away. This is because political science is a field that focuses on the workings of government and politics. While there are many career paths in political science, the field offers some of the best job security in civil services and law. Most jobs in the field are permanent and not temporary, which means that once you are hired, you have a guaranteed position and job security. The job security also helps to reduce the amount of job hopping in the field.

The civil service domain in India is not easy to enter into. India’s Civil Services exam is one of the toughest exams in the world. The recruitment process for the exam is difficult. The different examinations test the candidate’s basic intelligence, ability to think logically, communicate effectively, and work well in a team. The civil services in India offer a variety of benefits, such as a government salary, pension, and insurance. The civil services also offer many opportunities for advancement, such as promotions, career advancement, and transfer between jobs. This means that the civil services provide a stable income for the majority of candidates, regardless of background or education.

There is a growing scope for political science graduates. The discipline of political science is large and diverse, with many sub disciplines and specialised areas of study. Over the years, political science has evolved and expanded to encompass new areas of research such as international relations and comparative politics. It is a multidisciplinary field that draws on many fields of knowledge and expertise including theory, methodology, and measurement. The field of political science is expected to continue to expand in the future, as scholars continue to find new ways to analyze and understand the social, political, and economic behaviors of people around the world.

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D'Orazio's research reveals patterns behind armed conflicts, bolstering national security

Staff Writer | Friday, June 07, 2024

While the histories of wars are well documented, data on militarized disputes that did not rise to the level of acts of war are often much scarcer. WVU political scienctist Vito D'Orazio (left) and doctoral student Jarret Deaton are part of an international effort to record those disputes and publicize them as they occur. (WVU Photo/Brian Persinger)

West Virginia University  research is strengthening national security by ensuring policymakers, military institutions, think tanks, academics and journalists have access to substantial, up-to-date information on international conflicts when they need it.

A $555,647 grant from the National Science Foundation supports the three-year expansion of the Correlates of War Project’s Militarized Interstate Dispute Data, led by  Vito D’Orazio , associate professor of  political science  and  data sciences  at the  WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences .

In a militarized interstate dispute, or MID, one country or nation-state directs the threat, display or use of armed force toward another state. These international interactions invoke the military but fall short of war. For example, in December 1994, an American helicopter was shot down by North Korea. This incident was part of a larger dispute involving North Korea, South Korea and the United States in the 1990s. Despite this and many incidents involving the military, the dispute did not escalate to war.

“Insight into militarized disputes between states is critical, given the reemergence of long-term strategic competition between the U.S. and other global powers, along with the rapid dispersion of new technologies into domains of confrontation,” D’Orazio said.

“Data on these events allow interested parties to analyze when low-hostility incidents, such as border fortifications or troop mobilizations, are likely to escalate to higher levels of hostility or to be managed short of that point. Understanding patterns of conflict escalation and de-escalation is critical for informed decision-making.”

The Correlates of War Project began compiling data on these disputes in the 1980s, and the dataset’s fifth edition was released in 2020. D’Orazio called the scope of the data “massive,” explaining that it currently incorporates all MIDs worldwide from 1816 to 2014.

The sixth update will add data spanning 2014-2024 and will launch a new component called MID Live, an early detection mechanism for interstate hostilities. MID Live uses near real-time incident detection to identify militarized interstate disputes as they happen and publicize them via the X account @mids_proj.

Our work reveals evolving patterns of conflict and competition between states as well as opportunities for cooperation. Vito D'Orazio

According to D’Orazio, the early release of information about potential militarized disputes can improve conflict forecasting models and monitoring systems even when the information is not perfect or fully vetted.

“Our work reveals evolving patterns of conflict and competition between states as well as opportunities for cooperation,” he said. “It helps to lay the basis for effective and informed security policies and strategies.”

Before the first collection of MID data in the 1980s, researchers had very little data to study the militarized disputes that didn’t escalate to war. Since then, MID data have been used to answer questions and guide policies relevant to natural resource competition, territorial disputes, arms races, crisis escalation, conflict contagion, nuclear weapons, domestic protest, regime transitions, peacebuilding and climate change, among other issues.

“One way MID data have been used is to study a theory called ‘the democratic peace,’ which proposes that democratic countries do not go to war against each other,” D’Orazio said. “U.S. presidents commonly support the democratic peace, with Bill Clinton stating, ‘Democracies don’t attack each other,’ and George W. Bush saying, ‘Democracies don't go to war with each other.’ MID data have provided academics with much of the quantitative evidence for evaluating those statements.”

The data categorizes disputes with information about participants, dates, fatalities and military action. The dataset also indicates information such as the dispute’s outcome — a win or yield by either side, a stalemate or compromise, the release of people or objects, or an unclear resolution — and whether any settlement was negotiated or imposed.

The researchers will work with students in England, Arizona and West Virginia, as well as U.S. Air Force cadets in Colorado. They will identify militarized disputes from a wide range of international news sources, classify the incidents, and document them according to the dates, fatalities, types of action and motivations involved.

At WVU, PhD students are already participating in the project, which offers research opportunities to WVU undergraduates as well. 

“Because of the students’ and cadets’ participation in this project, members of the next generation of scholars and Air Force leaders will become deeply familiar with the intricacies of interstate hostilities,” D’Orazio said.

“Currently, we’re seeing a resurgence of major power competitions and interstate hostilities across the globe. With our new militarized interstate dispute data, researchers and leaders will have a nuanced look at the elements that contribute to decision-making and the design of national security policy and strategy.”

See this article in WVUToday .

MEDIA CONTACT: Micaela Morrissette Research Writer WVU Research Communications 304-709-6667;  [email protected]

Call 1-855-WVU-NEWS for the latest West Virginia University news and information from  WVUToday .

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A scientist, a leftist and a former Mexico City mayor. Who is Claudia Sheinbaum?

Who is Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s future first female president?

Ruling party presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum greets supporters after the National Electoral Institute announced she held an irreversible lead in the election in Mexico City, early Monday, June 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)

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Presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum arrives at her closing campaign rally at the Zocalo in Mexico City, Wednesday, May 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)

A supporter of presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum takes a selfie with a campaign poster during Sheinbaum’s closing campaign rally at the Zocalo in Mexico City, Wednesday, May 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

Ruling party presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum leaves the polling station where she voted during general elections in Mexico City, Sunday, June 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)

Ruling party presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum shows her ID as she leaves a polling station where she voted during general elections in Mexico City, Sunday, June 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Claudia Sheinbaum, who will be Mexico’s first woman leader in the nation’s more than 200 years of independence, captured the presidency by promising continuity.

The 61-year-old former Mexico City mayor and lifelong leftist ran a disciplined campaign capitalizing on her predecessor’s popularity before emerging victorious in Sunday’s vote, according to an official quick count. But with her victory now in hand, Mexicans will look to see how Sheinbaum, a very different personality from mentor and current President Andrés Manuel López Obrador , will assert herself.

While she hewed close to López Obrador politically and shares many of his ideas about the government’s role in addressing inequality, she is viewed as less combative and more data driven.

Sheinbaum’s background is in science. She has a Ph.D. in energy engineering. Her brother is a physicist. In a 2023 interview with The Associated Press, Sheinbaum said, “I believe in science.”

Observers say that grounding showed itself in Sheinbaum’s actions as mayor during the COVID-19 pandemic, when her city of some 9 million people took a different approach from what López Obrador espoused at the national level.

While the federal government was downplaying the importance of coronavirus testing, Mexico City expanded its testing regimen. Sheinbaum set limits on businesses’ hours and capacity when the virus was rapidly spreading, even though López Obrador wanted to avoid any measures that would hurt the economy. And she publicly wore protective masks and urged social distancing while the president was still lunging into crowds.

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Mexico’s persistently high levels of violence will be one of her most immediate challenges after she takes office Oct. 1. On the campaign trail she said little more than that she would expand the quasi-military National Guard created by López Obrador and continue his strategy of targeting social ills that make so many young Mexicans easy targets for cartel recruitment.

“Let it be clear, it doesn’t mean an iron fist, wars or authoritarianism,” Sheinbaum said of her approach to tackling criminal gangs, during her final campaign event. “We will promote a strategy of addressing the causes and continue moving toward zero impunity.”

Sheinbaum has praised López Obrador profusely and said little that the president hasn’t said himself. She blamed neoliberal economic policies for condemning millions to poverty, promised a strong welfare state and praised Mexico’s large state-owned oil company, Pemex, while also promising to emphasize clean energy.

“For me, being from the left has to do with that, with guaranteeing the minimum rights to all residents,” Sheinbaum told the AP last year.

In contrast to López Obrador, who seemed to relish his highly public battles with other branches of the government and also the news media, Sheinbaum is expected by many observers to be less combative or at least more selective in picking her fights.

“It appears she’s going to go in a different direction,” said Ivonne Acuña Murillo, a political scientist at Iberoamerican University. “I don’t know how much.”

Sheinbaum will also be the first person from a Jewish background to lead the overwhelmingly Catholic country.

Follow the AP’s coverage of global elections at: https://apnews.com/hub/global-elections/