phd public policy vs political science

Public Policy Vs. Political Science: Understanding The Key Differences

Public policy and political science are two fields that are often conflated, but there are distinct differences between them. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the nuances and help you understand what each field entails.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: While public policy and political science intersect, public policy focuses on the analysis and implementation of government policies, whereas political science studies political systems, behavior, and theory .

We’ll start by providing an overview of public policy and the typical responsibilities of policy analysts. Next, we’ll examine the field of political science and the various concentrations within it. We’ll compare and contrast the two disciplines in areas like education requirements, career paths, and day-to-day work.

We’ll also provide examples of jobs in both fields. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how public policy and political science differ.

Defining Public Policy

Public policy refers to the decisions, actions, and measures taken by governments, organizations, and institutions to address societal issues and achieve specific goals. It involves the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of policies that impact the lives of individuals and communities.

Public policy is a multidisciplinary field that draws on various disciplines such as political science, economics, sociology, and law to analyze and address complex social problems. By understanding public policy, we can gain insights into how governments and organizations make decisions that shape our society.

Role of the Policy Analyst

Policy analysts play a key role in the public policy process. They are responsible for conducting research, analyzing data, and providing recommendations to policymakers. These professionals gather information from various sources, including government reports, academic studies, and public opinion surveys, to assess the effectiveness of existing policies and propose new ones.

Policy analysts also collaborate with stakeholders, such as government officials, advocacy groups, and community organizations, to ensure that policies are well-informed and address the needs of the population.

Core Responsibilities

The core responsibilities of policy analysts include:

• Conducting research and data analysis to identify policy issues and trends
• Evaluating the impact of existing policies and programs
• Developing policy proposals and recommendations
• Assessing the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of policy options
• Collaborating with stakeholders to gather input and build consensus
• Presenting findings and recommendations to policymakers
• Monitoring and evaluating the implementation of policies

Required Knowledge and Skills

Policy analysts need a strong foundation in research methods, data analysis, and critical thinking. They should have a deep understanding of political, economic, and social systems to navigate complex policy landscapes.

In addition, policy analysts should possess excellent communication and presentation skills to effectively convey their findings and recommendations to policymakers and other stakeholders. Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methods, as well as expertise in relevant policy areas, is also crucial for policy analysts to succeed in their roles.

While there is no specific educational pathway to become a policy analyst, most professionals in this field hold advanced degrees in public policy, political science, economics, or related disciplines.

Many universities offer graduate programs in public policy or public administration that provide the necessary knowledge and skills to work in this field. Additionally, gaining practical experience through internships or research assistantships can be beneficial for aspiring policy analysts.

For more information on public policy and the role of policy analysts, you can visit www.brookings.edu or www.policylink.org , where you can find research publications and resources on a wide range of policy issues.

Overview of Political Science

Political science is a discipline that focuses on the study of politics, government systems, and the behavior of individuals and groups within political contexts. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including political theory, international relations, comparative politics, public administration, and public policy.

Subfields and Concentrations

Political science is divided into various subfields and concentrations, allowing scholars to specialize in specific areas of interest. Some common subfields include political theory, which examines the philosophical foundations of politics and the nature of government; comparative politics, which compares different political systems and institutions; and international relations, which focuses on the interactions between nations and global issues.

Research and Analysis

Political scientists conduct research and analysis to better understand political phenomena. They often use both qualitative and quantitative methods to gather data and analyze political trends and behaviors.

Qualitative methods include interviews, case studies, and textual analysis, while quantitative methods involve statistical analysis and modeling.

Political Theory Foundation

Political science is grounded in political theory, which provides the intellectual framework for understanding the nature of politics and government. Political theorists explore questions related to power, justice, equality, and rights, and their work informs the study of politics and policy-making.

Quantitative Methods

Quantitative methods play a crucial role in political science research. Political scientists use statistical analysis to examine patterns and relationships within political data. They may analyze survey data to understand public opinion, election results to study voting behavior, or economic indicators to assess the impact of policies.

Careers in Political Science

A degree in political science can lead to a variety of career paths. Many political science graduates pursue careers in public service, working for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or international institutions. Others enter fields such as law, journalism, consulting, or academia.

The analytical and critical thinking skills developed in political science programs are highly valued in a wide range of professions.

For more information on political science and its subfields, you can visit the American Political Science Association’s website at https://www.apsanet.org/ .

Comparing the Two Fields

Public policy focuses on analysis and solutions.

Public policy is a field that focuses on analyzing and finding solutions to societal issues. It involves studying the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of policies that affect the public. Public policy professionals use research and data analysis to understand problems and develop effective solutions.

They work closely with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other stakeholders to address issues such as healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability. Public policy is rooted in evidence-based decision-making and aims to improve the well-being of society as a whole.

Political Science Studies Political Behavior and Systems

On the other hand, political science is the study of political behavior, systems, and ideologies. It delves into the theories and concepts behind political processes, institutions, and power dynamics. Political scientists analyze how political decisions are made, how governments function, and how individuals and groups participate in the political system.

They study topics such as electoral systems, political parties, and international relations. Political science provides a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that shape political processes and informs policymakers and citizens about the complexities of governance.

Public Policy Requires a More Narrow Skillset

Public policy professionals typically need a more specific skillset compared to those in political science. They focus on skills such as policy analysis, program evaluation, and implementation. Public policy experts need to be adept at conducting research, using data analysis tools, and communicating their findings effectively.

They also need to have a strong understanding of the legal and ethical implications of policy decisions. Public policy professionals often work within government agencies or non-profit organizations where they can directly influence policy outcomes.

Political Science is Multidisciplinary

Political science, on the other hand, is a multidisciplinary field that draws from various social sciences such as sociology, economics, and psychology. Political scientists employ a wide range of research methods, including quantitative analysis, qualitative research, and case studies.

They study political behavior from different angles, considering factors such as cultural norms, economic conditions, and historical contexts. Political science provides a comprehensive understanding of the political landscape and helps us make sense of complex political phenomena.

Public Policy Leads to Government and Nonprofit Careers

Individuals with a background in public policy often pursue careers in government agencies and non-profit organizations. They may work as policy analysts, program managers, or advocates for specific social issues.

Public policy professionals play a crucial role in shaping public programs, designing policies, and advocating for social justice. Their work directly impacts the lives of individuals and communities, making a positive difference in society.

Political Science Careers are More Varied

Career paths for political science graduates are diverse and extend beyond government and non-profit sectors. Political science provides a strong foundation for careers in law, journalism, international relations, and public administration.

Political scientists can become lawyers, diplomats, political journalists, or work in think tanks and research institutions. The analytical and critical thinking skills gained in political science are highly transferable and valuable in a wide range of professions.

While public policy and political science degrees provide foundational knowledge that can inform careers in law, government, and public service, there are clear distinctions between the two disciplines.

Public policy focuses on harnessing political science research to analyze and solve real-world problems through policy implementation. Political science takes a broader academic approach to studying political theories, systems, and behaviors.

Understanding these key differences allows students to choose the degree path best suited to their interests and career aspirations.

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What Is the Difference Between a Ph.D. in Public Policy and One in Political Science?

ThD Vs. PhD

The study of public policy and political science overlap considerably, though their differences are equally significant. While a Ph.D. in public policy is an applied interdisciplinary science that utilizes tools from political science, economics and sociology, a Ph.D. in political science is much more theoretical. While this is the primary difference, programs vary by school, and in many cases the two Ph.D.s look quite similar.

Differences in Admissions

While the differences in admissions between a Ph.D. in public policy and one in political science are not absolute, differences do occur. Most frequently, public policy programs will expect some sort of work experience, either in the public sector or in research. Duke's Sanford School, for example, says this experience is strongly encouraged. The Ph.D. program in political science at Duke, however, makes no mention of work experience, and this difference in admissions policy appears at similar universities. Additionally, unlike political science programs, Ph.D.s in public policy typically prefer students who already hold a master's degree while political science programs will take bachelor's-only students.

Course Work Differences

The curricula of political science and public policy Ph.D. programs is where the two fields differ most. While both degrees likely require some quantitative preparation, the math requirements for a public policy degree will be much more rigorous. In the case of Harvard University, for example, the political science degree merely requires one course in quantitative methods, while the public policy Ph.D. requires nothing less than multivariate calculus. This is because a degree in public policy focuses on the analysis of specific policies, while political science is more theoretical and thus does not necessarily require as much math.

Differences in Thesis or Dissertation Topics

Like the required courses for each program, the type of research conducted within each also varies. For policy Ph.D. candidates, research likely involves an applied, specific topic. At Harvard University, recent dissertation titles include "Essays on Child Mortality and Growth Faltering in Bangladesh and Kenya" and "Responding to Risk: Information and Decision Making in the Floodplains of St. Louis County, Missouri." At Duke University's political science program, however, titles are much less specific, and include topics like "International Crises, Armed Non-State Actors and Crisis Violence," and "Toward a Theory of Civil-Military Punishment." For political science programs, research is much broader and global in scope than a public policy Ph.D.

Post-Ph.D. Employment Placements

The final major difference between the political science Ph.D. and the public policy Ph.D. involves career paths after graduation. For political science students, post-graduation jobs are almost always in academia. In the case of Duke University, 90 percent of graduates work as professors at colleges and universities. Public policy Ph.D.s, on the other hand, do not necessarily work in academia. Many work in government, non-profits or private industry, conducting research on policy.

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• Duke University Sanford School: Ph.D. Admissions
• University of Washington Evan's School: Ph.D. in Public Policy
• Harvard University Kennedy School of Government: Public Policy PhD Requirements

Kevin Wandrei has written extensively on higher education. His work has been published with Kaplan, Textbooks.com, and Shmoop, Inc., among others. He is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration at Cornell University.

What is Public Policy at Stanford?

The Public Policy program is an interdisciplinary major, minor or graduate program of study. The degree programs share common educational goals: rigorous training in public policy research and policy analysis.

All Public Policy degree programs culminate with a capstone project: either a practicum, in which students conduct policy research for an outside client under faculty supervision or a thesis. Through our program, students will:

• Develop analytic skills
• Advance appreciation for the complexity of organizations as it relates to the implementation of public programs
• Understand and work within the sharp conflicts in ethical and value commitments pervading many public policy issues

More information can be found on our website regarding requirements for the  undergraduate ,  coterminal , and  graduate  programs in Public Policy.

Educational Objectives

• Understand the advantages of and barriers to effective human social and political cooperation
• Acquire a framework for formulating and evaluating appropriate normative objectives, defined in terms of human well-being, including justice or fairness
• Master analytical tools useful for evaluating public policies and programs in terms of their absolute and comparative efficacy in achieving given social objectives
• Bring these principles and tools into practical application for decision making in the real world, from the perspectives of political leaders as well as citizens

Public Policy vs. Related Fields

Students often ask about the differences between Public Policy as a major and related subjects, such as political science, economics, or certain fields of philosophy. Public policy analysis requires students to understand tools and principles taught in political science as well as economics and to integrate that learning in order to pursue goals whose values are based in moral and political philosophy. In contrast, political science deals chiefly with the processes of political decision making, while economics focuses principally on efficient resource allocation. Philosophy seeks to provide a rational relationship between fundamental values and actions.

Of course, public policy analysis requires an even broader understanding than that provided by the disciplines of economics, philosophy, and political science. For example, effective analysis depends heavily on the ability to identify, collect and test appropriate data in order to understand the effects of policies and programs. That ability is derived from the study of mathematics, statistics, and econometrics. Similarly, while policy analysis itself must always aspire to rationality, the ultimate subject of analysis is individual and collective human behavior, much of which is founded on emotion and instinct. Therefore the study of policy analysis must also include psychology and related neurosciences. Finally, effective policy analysis is very difficult indeed if the analyst is ignorant of the humanities, of the experiences and perspectives of cultures distant in space or time, or of the scientific method. And policy analysis is fruitless if the analyst is unable to communicate the results clearly and effectively to decision makers and lay audiences. Communication skills are an essential element of effective policy analysis. 

Public Policy and Political Science

Degree requirements for the public policy & political science phd program.

** Note that some requirements may change after the time of publication. Similarly, it is likely that not all courses described below are offered each semester. It is the responsibility of the student to verify information about degree requirements with the directors of graduate studies in public policy and political science.

Political Science Department Course Requirements

Major & Minor Fields

In the political science doctoral program, a student’s coursework is geared toward the completion of a preliminary examination in one major field of political science and one minor field.  For joint students in the joint program, public policy coursework substitutes for the minor field. Joint students are required to complete coursework and pass an exam in their major field. Preliminary exams are oralor written examinations (depending on field) conducted by faculty and are normally given only during September, January, and April/May. A student must be enrolled the semester during which the preliminary examination is taken. Failing a preliminary examfor a second time is grounds for dismissal from the program.

More information about the Political Science requirements can be found in their Graduate Program Guide.

Public Policy Specific Course Requirements

Rackham requires all doctoral students to maintain a 3.0 GPA overall to be in good standing. In addition to this, joint doctoral students must obtain a B- or better in each required public policy course. Students should consult their disciplinary department for any similar requirements in the department required courses.

• 1 course in program evaluation (3 credits) – typically Joint Political Science & Public Policy students take PUBPOL 639, ECON 675 or PUBPOL 821. Students may petition the PhD Program Director to allow another course to count toward this requirement.
• 1 course in microeconomics (3 credits) – Students typically take PUBPOL 555: Microeconomics A or PUBPOL 559: Accelerated Microeconomics. Students may petition the PhD Program Director to allow another course to count toward this requirement.
• 1 course in methods (3 credits) – students often take SURVMETH 600 or POLSCI 680 for this requirement. Students may petition the PhD Program Director to allow another course to count toward this requirement.
• 2 courses in a substantive policy area (6 credits total) – at least one of these courses must be taken outside the student’s home social science department, and both courses must be approved by the PhD program director.
• Policy seminar (4 semesters, 1 credit per semester) – PUBPOL 810 – This seminar meets bi-weekly and students are required to enroll in this course during their first two years in the PhD program.

Public Policy Third-Year Paper Requirement

Students must complete an original research paper. The third year paper provides students a chance to begin their careers as independent researchers. It should be an original research paper on a policy-related topic. This paper may be related to papers written for doctoral courses and may (but does not need to) lead into the dissertation proposal. The goal is a paper that would eventually be suitable for publication.

Annual Student Evaluation

Reviews for students in the joint Public Policy and Political Science program will follow the general timeline and structure of reviews for doctoral students in Political Science, with an important difference being that reviews for joint students will incorporate feedback from advisors in both the Ford School and the Political Science department, and the feedback will be provided jointly by the director of the graduate studies in Political Science and the director of doctoral programs at the Ford School. 

First-Year Evaluation

The first-year evaluation for Political Science takes place toward the end of the first year in residence. For students in the joint Public Policy and Political Science program, the First Year Evaluation Committee should consist of the student's current advisors in the Ford School as well as the Political Science Department and, if the student chooses, one other faculty member chosen by the student. In making its evaluation, the First Year Evaluation Committee will take the following information into account:

• The student's grade record and a list of winter term and proposed courses for the fall term of his or her second year.
• A seminar paper or other piece of work selected by the student as his or her best work so far. This paper may have been prepared prior to admission to the graduate program.

After reviewing these materials, the committee will meet with the student and discuss his or her progress. Following the meeting, the committee will make a formal report, which should identify the degree to which the student has mastered scholarly tools, accumulated substantive knowledge, and become acquainted with the relevant literature.

The DGS in the Ford School and the DGS in the Department of Political Science will meet to discuss the report and then prepare a joint letter providing the student with a more general assessment of his or her progress.

Second-Year Evaluation

Like the first-year evaluation, the second-year evaluation is typically conducted during the winter semester and involves a committee of faculty familiar with the student’s work. For students in the joint program, the committee should consist of the student's current advisors in the Ford School as well as the Political Science Department, and at least one additional faculty member from the student’s major field who can be selected by the student. The committee reviews the student’s course work, a recent piece of his or her written work, and the student’s plans for achieving candidac y.

In making its evaluation, the committee will examine the same material as for the first-year evaluation, including a more recent piece of written work done by the student while in the department’s graduate program. In addition, the student is required to submit a written plan of course work for achieving candidacy. The committee will also inquire into the satisfactory elimination of any deficiencies noted during the first-year evaluation.

At the conclusion of this evaluation, the student will be given one of the following evaluations: encouraged to proceed towards the Ph.D., eligible to proceed, or not allowed to continue in the program.  The committee will submit its evaluation to the DGS in Political Science, and it will be maintained in the student’s academic folder.

Students who are not allowed to continue in the program may appeal this decision to the Director of Graduate Studies, in writing, within one week of the evaluation. Students who appeal will be reevaluated within two weeks of the date of their appeal by a new committee consisting of the Director of Graduate Studies as Chairperson, the coordinator of the student’s major subfield or his/her designate, and a third member from the department selected by the student. The decision of this second evaluation committee will be final.

Students in Year 3 and Beyond:

Doctoral students in Political Science in year 3 and beyond are evaluated once per year, typically near the end of the winter term.

Students in the joint program in Public Policy and Political Science will be required to complete a self-assessment form in which they will not only describe their progress to date, but also identify their primary advisor in the Ford School and the Political Science department. 

The student’s advisors will be asked to complete a brief evaluation of the student.

The DGS in the Ford School and the DGS in the Department of Political Science will review and discuss the student’s self-assessment, the advisor evaluations and other relevant material. They will then prepare a joint letter providing the student with a more general assessment of his or her progress.

These assessments will focus on different milestones depending on the student’s year in the program. For example, when evaluating a third-year student, the directors will focus on whether the student has or will soon advance to candidacy. For students in years 4 or 5, the directors will focus on whether the student has formed a dissertation committee and defended his or her prospectus.

Prospectus Defense

A student’s prospectus defense typically occurs in the 4th or 5th year, although the timing of prospectus varies somewhat with the student’s discipline; joint students should follow the norms of their disciplinary department. During this time, a doctoral candidate lays out his/her intended dissertation research to their committee members. The prospectus defense is done in person with as many members present as possible. If necessary, some members are able to call-in. All committee members must approve the prospectus defense and sign the Ford School proposal defense form.

Prospectus committee members are assumed to be the same as a student’s final dissertation committee (please refer to Rackham’s guidelines for the composition rules). We request prospectus committees to consist of at least four faculty members, three of whom are members of the Graduate Faculty, and two of whom are from the doctoral candidate’s home program. Furthermore, each joint doctoral program committee must have one committee member from each department (Ford School and Political Science).

Typical Plan for Public Policy & Political Science Students

* Specific courses depend on choice of field and may vary by year. See Political Science Department advisor.

Have any questions?

Kathryn Cardenas

Phd and fellowship coordinator, student & academic services, student & academic services.

Ph.D. in Public Policy

General info.

• Faculty working with students: 42 primary appointments, 19 secondary appointments, adjunct and visiting
• Students: 30
• Students receiving Financial Aid: 100%
• Part time study available: No
• Application terms: Fall
• Application deadline: November 30

Anna Gassman-Pines Director of Graduate Studies Attn: Ph.D. Program Sanford School of Public Policy Duke University, Box 90243 Durham, NC 27708-0243

Phone: (919) 613-9214

Email: [email protected]

Website:  https://sanford.duke.edu/academics/doctoral-program/

Program Description

The Ph.D. in Public Policy is an interdisciplinary social science degree. Graduates of the program are prepared for academic positions in public policy, public administration, policy-oriented schools, social science departments, and for professional positions in domestic and international public agencies and research organizations. The program aims to matriculate 6-8 students per year, enabling each student to receive individual faculty attention in courses and in research.

The core of the program is research mentoring with one or more faculty members, as the student becomes expert in an area of inquiry.  Initially, the student's research is closely tied to that of faculty members but, by the dissertation, the student becomes an independent scholar.  The program requires a two-course sequence in theories of public policy, and coursework in three other social science disciplines. Students designate both a disciplinary concentration such as political science, sociology, or psychology in which they take a minimum of five courses, and a policy focus, such as social policy, globalization and development, health policy, or other policy area. Students interested in environmental policy should apply directly to the University Program in Environmental Policy, but may enroll in Public Policy Ph.D. courses.

• Public Policy Studies: PhD Admissions and Enrollment Statistics
• Public Policy Studies: PhD Completion Rate Statistics
• Public Policy Studies: PhD Time to Degree Statistics
• Public Policy Studies: PhD Career Outcomes Statistics

Application Information

Application Terms Available:  Fall

Application Deadline: November 30

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 departmental guidance below)
• Résumé: Required
• GRE Scores: GRE General Required (GMAT not accepted)
• 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

Department-Specific Application Requirements (submitted through online application)

Joint Degree Students will also have the option to apply to the joint degree program in each of our allied disciplines: political science, psychology and sociology. There are a limited number of spots for the joint degree program. You can find more information for this program here: Joint Degree .

Statement of Purpose Guidelines We carefully review each applicant’s essay. Please utilize this essay to discuss your goals in pursuing the PhD in Public Policy at Duke University. We are interested in your academic and professional experience, your intended course of study (including a disciplinary concentration and policy area focus) and your longer-term career objectives.

Writing Sample A writing sample is not required.

Allied Disciplines 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

List of Graduate School Programs and Degrees

The Ph.D. program at Harris Public Policy prepares students for careers in academia, industry, and government. It emphasizes a rigorous foundation in microeconomics, econometrics, and political economy, along with in-depth study of particular substantive areas associated with policy and policy-making. The program allows students to develop individualized and innovative courses of study in which they work closely with faculty members of the School and the University.

Consistent with the highly quantitative and analytic nature of the Harris School's Ph.D. degree, Harris has categorized the degree under a code which is currently on the DHS STEM list . Students on F-1 visas who have earned a degree that has been designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a STEM degree may be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT) so long as they meet all eligibility criteria at the time of application.

Ph.D. Program Requirements

Get information about the curriculum and academic requirements for the Ph.D. in Public Policy Program.

If you have questions about the Harris degree requirements, email the Harris Dean of Students Office at  [email protected] . Policies on the results of not meeting these requirements can be found on the Harris policies page .

Ph.D. Candidates on the Job Market

Meet the Ph.D. program’s current job market candidates.

Ph.D. Placements

See where our graduates go on to make an impact.

Ph.D. Workshop

Engage with our students' research.

Program Details

Director of graduate studies.

Steven Durlauf , Professor ([email protected])

Durlauf's research spans many topics in microeconomics and macroeconomics. His most important substantive contributions involve the areas of poverty, inequality and economic growth. Much of his research has attempted to integrate sociological ideas into economic analysis.

Associate Directors

Yana Gallen , Assistant Professor ([email protected])

Eyal Frank , Assistant Professor  ([email protected] )

Dean of Students

Kate Shannon Biddle ([email protected])

Program Director

Barbara Williams ([email protected])

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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 .

Our PhD in Political Science covers four fields: American government, comparative politics, international relations, and public policy. The curriculum introduces students to all four fields, though each student will concentrate on a primary and secondary field.

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The curriculum introduces students to all four fields: American government, comparative politics, international relations, and public policy and additionally, develops their research skills through a series of interdisciplinary methodology courses.

Our students learn how to develop and conduct ground-breaking research in their own chosen areas of specialty. They master the relevant literature and engage with a range of theories central to political processes, institutions, actors, and ideas in the core scholarly areas of political science. They also have the opportunity to develop expertise in a range of methods from archival research and interviews to statistical analysis and machine learning.

Learn more about the PhD program in Political Science from the College of Social Sciences and Humanities.

• All doctoral students receive a five-year stipend graduate assistantship
• “PoliTea” – doctoral student-led professional development sessions, often in collaboration with departmental faculty, to enhance student publishing, research and teaching
• Departmental and University funding is available for doctoral students’ participation in professional conferences and other skills training programs in the U.S. and abroad
• Opportunities for students to participate in internships, field research, and other experiential learning activities

Our graduates pursue careers within academia and beyond.

Tenure Track: • Bentley University • Beloit College • Simmons University

Non-Tenure Track: • Emmanuel College • Merrimack College • Northeastern University

Postdocs and Research: • Center for Policy Research • The Fletcher School at Tufts University • Wesleyan University

Other Opportunities: • Journal Editor of International Journal of Urban and Regional Research • US Congress

Application Materials

Application.

• Application fee – US $100
• Personal statement
• Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended
• English proficiency for international applicants
• Three letters of recommendation
• Scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) – Optional
• Writing sample

Admission deadline for Fall term: December 1

• Program Website

Request Information for PhD in Political Science

Ph.D. in Public Affairs

PhD Political Science

Program overview.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Political Science program serves students interested in academic positions as well as research and policy careers. The department and its  faculty  are committed to providing doctoral students with an excellent educational experience through coursework, comprehensive examinations, and the dissertation. 

The curriculum introduces students to all four fields and also develops their research skills through a series of methodology courses. Students may develop a traditional, academic focus in one of the fields, or they may combine it with public policy to highlight a policy orientation.

The PhD in Political Science covers four major fields in the discipline:

• American Government and Politics
• Comparative Politics
• International Relations
• Public Policy

All PhD students are fully funded for 5 years via a Tuition Assistantship which includes stipend, full tuition, and student health insurance. Answers to frequently asked questions can be found here from the department and here from the College of Social Sciences and Humanities.

For more information on curricular requirements for the PhD program see the  Course Catalog .

Type of Program

• PhD Program

Get more information about this graduate program.

More programs, bachelor of arts, political science, bachelor of science, political science, certificate in security and resilience studies, master of arts in political science, master of science in resilience studies.

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College of Arts and Science

Truman School of Government and Public Affairs

Phd in political science, program overview .

Our program is organized into the traditional major subfields of political science (including American politics, public policy/administration, international relations and comparative politics).  Beyond that, we focus on a number of research cores on the cutting edge of political science research including race and ethnic politics, voting behavior, political movements, civil wars, American political institutions, and conflict management.  We offer comprehensive methodological training in quantitative techniques, formal modeling and game theory, and qualitative techniques (such as interviews and archival research).  Students are trained in state-of-the-art methodologies such as experiments, spatial econometrics, and techniques to collect and analyze big data (including automated data collection and text analysis).   We are looking for promising students to help us answer important research questions with the most advanced techniques.  

At Mizzou, we provide opportunities for collaborative research projects with faculty members who are experts in their area.  Our vibrant program  features professors who publish their research in top academic journals and university presses, edit leading journals in the discipline, and teach classes on advanced techniques at international methods institutes.  The result is that our PhD students consistently publish in top academic journals while in graduate school.  Nationally, it is somewhat rare to see students graduate with multiple publications, both solo and co-authored with faculty members; at Mizzou, it is the norm.   

Coursework in our program consists of small seminars, allowing for intensive study of political science concepts and research, close interaction with faculty, and individual attention to student progress. Advised by graduate faculty, students at MU are encouraged to become active scholars capable of conducting independent analysis and research of political and social phenomena. 

Mizzou Political Science maintains a low graduate student to faculty ratio, a commitment to student success, and a high rate of retention and graduation. 

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The COVID pandemic has been extremely hard on students, especially for students from the developing world, rural backgrounds, or from groups that are underrepresented in academia.  The significant disruptions caused by lockdowns, health issues, and local ordinances mean that it may be difficult to prepare for the GRE exam, or even travel to the testing facility.  In the interests of fairness, we have removed this requirement for applicants for the Fall 2024 admissions cycle.  We hope that this small step makes it easier for a diverse group of students to reach their goals at Mizzou.  

We don’t have minimum scores for the GRE.  As for the GRE averages, the above figure shows admitted students from a previous application cycle (circled) across quantitative and verbal percentiles (50th, 75th and 95th percentiles).  As you can see, higher GRE scores improve your chances of being admitted.  At the same time, it is not a perfect relationship.  Unlike other top schools, we prefer to take a comprehensive or holistic approach to evaluating applicants.  

Keep in mind that we have waived the GRE requirement for applicants for Fall 2023, so it your choice as to whether to provide GRE scores or not. 

The Truman School strives to be a diverse and inclusive environment where students are encouraged to pursue their research interests in vibrant intellectual community.  As such, we take a holistic approach to  admissions .  This means that we look for students with unique backgrounds, exceptional academic performance, research interests that overlap those of our faculty, strong letters of recommendation, and experience conducting political science research.  Exceptional performance in one area could certainly compensate for less experience in another. 

More specifically, the best personal statements are those that a) describe your post-PhD employment goals, b) lay out your skills and tools—such as experience with data analysis, statistical software, language skills, and conducting independent research—that will help you succeed in graduate school, and c) show why Mizzou’s graduate program appeals to you—this includes noting how your research interests overlap with those of our faculty. 

No, there is no need to secure a professor’s approval before noting in the personal statement that you would like to work with them.  If you would like to chat with a particular professor, contact the Director of Graduate Studies, Laron Williams, and he would be happy to establish the connection and get the conversation going. 

While having an MA helps demonstrate that you are familiar with the intellectual demands of graduate school, it is not a requirement for admission.  In fact, the majority of our PhD students choose to begin the program immediately after graduating from their undergraduate institution.  In short, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds: applying straight from undergrad, after pursuing an MA, and mid-career applicants. 

All Ph.D. students have graduate assistantships and receive a tuition waiver and a health insurance subsidy.  Remaining expenses include course fees which—depending on the number of credit hours—typically do not exceed $1,000 a semester.  

Our graduate student stipends are highly competitive (over $18,000) and quite generous when one factors in the low cost-of-living of Columbia ( example ).  Historically, our students have won multiple university fellowships that provide additional funding (often $11,000-16,000). 

The Truman School is also unique in guaranteeing funding for the five years it takes students to complete their PhD requirements, rather than make acquiring funding a competition between students.  We have found that our approach reduces student anxiety about their economic situation.  When students don’t compete with each other for their funding, they are free to build lasting friendships and connections.      

Graduate assistants typically work 20 hours a week as either a teaching assistant or a research assistant.  Graduate students in RA positions are paired with faculty members with similar research interests, so promising research assistantships often evolve into full-fledged co-authored projects.  Teaching assistant duties vary according to the class, sometimes involving mostly grading while other times involving leading discussion sections. We also have opportunities for students interested in applied policy research to work as an RA with the  Institute of Public Policy .   

Students are allocated to either TA or RA positions based on a mixture of departmental need and the strengths and preferences of students.  

Most of our PhD alumni work in academia as professors, so a critical part of the graduate training at Mizzou revolves around teaching.  The ideal sequence is for students to serve as teaching assistants in substantive courses for a few semesters and then become lab instructors.  As a lab instructor, TAs build teaching experience by providing one-on-one and small group instruction to a lab.  We also encourage students to pursue guest lecturing opportunities so that they can strengthen their teaching skills.  Moreover, our students have taken advantage of the additional training offered by the  Teaching for Learning Center  and the  Minor in College Teaching . 

Advanced graduate students are allowed to take the reins and teach their own independent courses.  The goal is for our graduates to have a diverse teaching portfolio of classes so that they can hit the ground running in their first post-graduation academic job.    

Yes!  The professors in the Truman School believe that a critical part of training graduate students is collaborating with them on  research projects .  So much of the research process can only be learned by getting your hands dirty, brainstorming with coauthors, and writing on interests that you share with faculty.  Graduate education is certainly less rewarding if you don’t have these experiences.  

These collaborative opportunities arise organically, and often come out of a research assistantship position or as the result of a research paper for a graduate course.  The result is that the vast majority of students go on the academic job market with multiple publications—often with faculty and other graduate students as coauthors—which places them in a stronger competitive position than their peers.  Nationally, it is somewhat rare for graduate students to have multiple publications; at Mizzou, it’s the norm. 

We expect our students to produce high-quality, innovative political science research, so we provide the funds that help them along the way.  We group these funds into three categories: 

• All students receive  funding  to attend and present at academic conferences.  Academic conferences are a great way to network with others who share your passions, stay current on cutting-edge research, and receive feedback on your own research projects.  We encourage students to begin attending smaller or regional conferences early on so that they are comfortable with presenting research at national conferences later on in the program.  
• For some students, their research and teaching interests require additional training.  This could include immersive language training in other countries or classes on advanced methodological topics.  For example, in the past few years, we have funded students to receive additional training on Political Psychology, qualitative methods, and a variety of quantitative methods at American and international summer schools.  
• During the research process, students often discover that their project requires data that has never been collected before.  Whether the data comes from fieldwork in other countries, through experiments, or surveys, we are happy to provide small grants to get the ball rolling. 

Students choose to spend their summers in a variety of ways, whether it is taking a course or two, doing fieldwork or original data collection, gaining language training in an immersive environment, or attending summer schools in methodologies.  These decisions are made by the student in consultation with their advisor and committee. 

Departmental assistantships are based on 10-month appointments (you can spread payments over 12 months), but there are limited opportunities for 1- to 2-month summer research assistantships.  Any student with a departmental assistantship receives a tuition waiver for summer classes. 

Full-time PhD students take three classes a week and each class meets for 2.5 hours once a week.  We make sure that these graduate courses don’t conflict with the undergraduate courses related to your teaching assistantship.  

Students select a primary and a secondary field out of American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations and Public Policy/Public Administration.  Students must take four classes from their primary field, three from their secondary field, and four methods classes.  Besides that, we encourage students to take classes outside of their two fields and outside of the Truman School.  For more information on these courses—as well as available syllabi— click here . 

Here is a rough outline of the 2.5 years of coursework. 

Fall  Methods Core I, Primary Core, Secondary Core 

Spring  Methods Core II, Substantive (Primary), Substantive (Secondary) 

Fall  Methods, Substantive (Primary), Elective from outside TSGPA 

Spring  Methods, Substantive (Primary), Substantive (Secondary) 

Fall  Methods, Core, Substantive (Primary) 

Spring  Comprehensive Examinations and Dissertation Proposal Defense 

Fall  Dissertation Research 

Spring  Dissertation Research 

Fall   Dissertation Research and Job Market 

Core Courses:  each field has a broad seminar that introduces the fundamental topics and big questions in that field: Public Policy, Introduction to International Relations, and Introduction to Comparative Politics.  American Politics offers two core courses: American Political Behavior and American Political Institutions. 

Methods Courses:  each PhD student must take at least 13 hours of advanced methods courses.  The two core courses include Introductory Statistics for Political Science (and its 1-hour lab) in the Fall of Year 1, and Linear Models in Politics in the Spring of Year 2.  After that, students can take two other 3-hour courses on topics including Maximum Likelihood Estimation, Time Series Analysis, Formal Models, and Qualitative Research Methods.  Students are also encouraged to pursue methods training from other departments at Mizzou and at summer methods schools. 

Substantive Courses:  each field offers at least one substantive course per semester on an important topic in that field.  Click on this  link  to see the substantive courses we’ve offered in the last few years.   

Elective:  students are free to take classes outside of the Truman School at Mizzou.  Oftentimes students will want to gain expertise or learn some methodological skill that is found outside of political science.  In the past, students have taken courses in Black Studies, Statistics, Economics, Philosophy, Communications, and Sociology, to name a few. 

Comprehensive Examinations:  in the Spring of Year 3, students take comprehensive examinations in both their primary and secondary fields.  The examinations take place over two days (one for each field) and assess whether students understand the foundational research on big questions in their field.  After passing comprehensive examinations, students start writing their dissertation proposal. 

The Graduate Association of Political Scientists ( GAPS ) is the student organization for graduate students involved in political science degree programs.  It hosts monthly meetings with informational sessions, seminars on health and wellness, professional development activities, and social activities. 

GAPS also runs the Truman School’s mentoring program, which connects all first-year students with an advanced student in the program with similar research interests.  The mentors provide advice and guidance about how to navigate the PhD program.  We have found that this eases the transition to full-time graduate student and improves student retention. 

Since we recruit students from diverse backgrounds, there is considerable variance in students’ previous academic experiences.  To help the transition from undergraduate education (or full-time employment) to a PhD program, we provide a comprehensive professional development program.  The goal is to train students on all the tools and skills they’ll need to make the most out of the PhD program.  The professional development program is made up of three main components: 

• Boot camp :  This 3-hour graduate class (POLS 9010: Research Design and Analysis) is offered immediately prior to the start of the fall semester and is required for all first-year PhD students.  The primary objective of the course is to make sure that all students have the necessary skills to succeed in the first year of the program, regardless of their prior training or academic experiences.  The class provides a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics and probability theory so that students have the knowledge required for the methods sequence.  Other topics covered include professionalization, writing for a political science audience, the typesetting program LaTeX, and an introduction to Stata.  
• Methods workshops : 3-4 times a semester the Truman School offers a 2- or 3-hour methods workshop for graduate students.  The workshops focus on a topic that is not covered in our graduate methods sequence, but is useful for students wanting to produce high-quality research.  While these classes are typically taught by Mizzou faculty, we are happy to give advanced graduate students the opportunity to teach their peers in their area of expertise.  Over the last four years there have been almost 30 different workshops, ranging from Race and Ethnicity to Python, to Text Analysis and Network Analysis. 
• Mini-conferences : Presenting at academic conferences is a critical part of success in graduate school.  Of course, some people might be stressed at the thought of finishing their paper, producing their presentation, and presenting it in front of strangers.  We get it, as we were students at one point too.  To help our students become more comfortable with academic conferences, we host a number of mini-conferences through the year.  These mini-conferences typically take place about a month before a major political science conference and they give students the opportunity to practice presenting and receive feedback before they attend the conference.  We have found that presenting the project in a low-stress environment not only improves the overall research quality, but also puts students in the best chance to succeed. 

Degree Options 

Doctoral students identify a primary and a secondary field among four areas of study offered in the Political Science: 

• American Politics 
• Comparative Politics 
• International Relations 
• Public Policy and Administration 

The PhD program of study consists of 45 hours of graduate course work, including: 

• 12 hours in a primary field of study 
• 9 hours in a secondary field of study 
• 13 hours in methodology 

Up to 24 hours of courses from a student's master's program may be counted toward the doctoral degree, at the discretion of the student's doctoral committee. The doctoral degree requires a minimum of 72 hours of course credit including reading and research hours. 

Students typically take comprehensive exams in the spring of the third year. After passing the comprehensive examination, students work on independent research and a dissertation under the advisement of a doctoral committee.   

PhD Placement 

Our assistance to students doesn’t end when the student gets their PhD.  Each student pursuing a job on the academic job market goes through the placement program, where we review job market materials, discuss strategy, and offer interview prep.  We also offer seminars on how to succeed in non-academic careers, and have placed recent graduates in all levels of government, think tanks, and the private sector. 

The Truman School is extremely proud of its recent placement efforts (see below). In addition to placing students in tenure-track professor positions in research-dominated universities, we have an excellent track record in students gaining employment at small state universities and liberal arts colleges.  Professors in the latter type of universities can engage in their teaching passions while still having the opportunity to conduct research. 

Tenure-track Assistant Professor Placement Institutions: 

• Knox College
• Anderson University
• University of Louisiana-Lafayette
• Luther College
• Mount St. Mary's University
• Texas Tech University
• University of Macau
• University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley
• Lincoln University
• Baylor University
• State University of New York—Geneseo 
• University of South Carolina 
• Arkansas State University 
• University of Stavanger (Norway) 
• Georgia Southern University 
• University of Reading (UK) 
• University of South Carolina—Aiken 
• University of York (UK) 

Post-Doctoral Fellowships Placement Institutions: 

• Stanford University
• University of Kentucky
• Dartmouth College
• Korea University
• University of Georgia
• Ohio State University
• University of Gothenburg 
• Arizona State University 
• University of Copenhagen 
• Columbia University
• Vanderbilt University

Science, Technology and Policy Studies Track

In this section.

• Degree Requirements
• What We Look For

The Science, Technology and Policy Studies track provides rigorous interdisciplinary training, drawing on methodological tools from science and technology policy, science and technology studies, policy analysis, political theory, law, and economics.

At HKS, students have access to leading scholars from across Harvard in the social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering, with specialties in areas such as security studies, energy policy, innovation and development, environment and climate, biotechnology, data science, and information. The HKS faculty includes practitioners with wide experience at the highest levels of government and industry in science and technology policy.

Graduates are qualified for academic teaching and research in public policy schools, interdisciplinary programs, and traditional social science departments, as well as for leadership positions in national and international science and technology policy in both the public and private sectors.

Ph.D. Government & Public Policy

Ph.D. Program

Government and Public Policy

Work with renowned faculty in our high-ranking graduate program with opportunities for research in political science, public administration, and public policy.

Faculty Expertise

The School of Government and Public Policy at the University of Arizona promotes high-caliber research, teaching, and community outreach. Our world-class faculty have expertise in public administration, public policy, and political science.

These highly productive and widely recognized scholars publish regularly in top-ranked professional journals and prestigious university presses. They are actively engaged in a range of externally funded research projects and hold prominent leadership positions in major professional organizations.

Graduate Training & Mentorship

We welcome talented candidates from a variety of academic backgrounds. While a prior degree in political science or public administration is not necessary, it is strongly recommended that you have completed at least some course work in related fields and subjects.

Graduate training and mentorship is one of our primary objectives. The Ph.D. program is designed to give you the skills and knowledge needed to teach and conduct research at academic institutions. You can concentrate your studies in five major subfields: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, public administration and policy, and research methodology.

Benefits for Our Students

We offer our Ph.D. students:

• Renowned faculty with a broad array of research interests and specialties.
• An array of methodological specialists across the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, with expertise in quantitative, qualitative, network, and GIS methods.
• An interdisciplinary focus, with encouragement to interact with, and take a minor subfield in, other departments.
• A competitive stipend and benefits package through assistantships, fellowships, and teaching opportunities.
• Access to SGPP  research centers  and initiatives.
• Travel and research funding opportunities .

If you have any questions, please contact the director of the Ph.D. Program:

Dr. Jessica Braithwaite [email protected] SGPP Main Office: 520-621-7600

The Department of Political Science

• PhD Requirements

• Graduate Courses
• PhDs on the Job Market
• Alumni Job Placement
• Honors & Fellowships

The requirements for the Ph.D. in political science are divided between those that must be satisfied by all candidates for that degree and those particular to the student’s major and minor fields.

Department-Wide Requirements

All candidates for the Ph.D. must satisfy the following requirements:

Course Requirements

• To fulfill the requirements for the Ph.D. in Political Science students must complete 12 courses at the 600-level with a grade of B or better.
• Of these 12 courses, eight must be graduate-level (600-level) courses taken in the Political Science department.
• No more than two of these eight courses (600-level) may be Independent Studies.
• If a graduate student is interested in taking an undergraduate-level course, the student must make arrangements to take a graduate-level Independent Study with the professor teaching that course. (NB: As noted above, a student may take no more than two Independent Studies for credit toward fulfilling the requirements of the PhD.)
• A graduate student may take no more than one graduate-level course at another division of Johns Hopkins University (i.e. SAIS, Public Health, etc.) for credit toward fulfilling the requirements of the PhD in Political Science.
• Students may make a formal request to the DGS to have up to two graduate-level courses taken at another institution count for credit toward fulfilling the requirements of the Ph.D. in Political Science at JHU.

Foreign Language Requirement

All students must demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language. This requirement can be fulfilled as follows:

• Demonstrate fluency in a foreign language (granted automatically for students whose first language is not English).
• Complete four semesters of college-level foreign language instruction.
• Pass a translation exam.
• Earn a degree from a University where instruction is not in English.
• With a degree from an institution in which the language of instruction is a language other than English.
• Place into a third-year foreign language course through online placement tests (see MLL website).

Comprehensive Examination Requirement

Students are required, at a minimum, to take comprehensive exams in one major field and one minor field. Students may also elect to take two major exams or a major exam and two minor exams (one of which may be outside the Department of Political Science).

Faculty members in the field write and evaluate the exams and determine the format. Major field comprehensive exams take place over two days (8 hours per day); minor field exams take place over one day. The fields within the department are American politics, law and politics, political theory, comparative politics, and international relations.

Students choosing a second minor outside the department must devise a coherent program of study in that discipline, in consultation with their political science faculty adviser and with faculty from the other department. Students choosing an external minor must complete a minimum of three courses at the 600 level in the external minor’s discipline, earning a grade of B or better. They must also pass a comprehensive examination prepared and evaluated by faculty from that department in consultation with faculty of the Department of Political Science.

Dissertation

The dissertation is the capstone of doctoral education, and it must be a substantial work of independent scholarship that contributes to knowledge in the student’s field of study. Students must identify a tenure-track or tenured member of the Political Science faculty who is willing to supervise the preparation of their dissertation. A dissertation prospectus must be submitted to two professors (one of whom must be the dissertation advisor) and that prospectus must be accepted by them both.

Students must pass a final examination that takes the form of a defense of the doctoral dissertation that is conducted under the rules of the Graduate Board of Johns Hopkins University.

Note: Exceptions may be made to some of these requirements but only with the approval of the graduate student’s adviser and the Political Science department’s Director of Graduate Studies.

Field-Specific Requirements

Field-specific basic expectations, procedures, and requirements are stated below. These are implemented, interpreted, and adjusted in the light of the intellectual orientations and objectives of individual students. It is important that students work closely with their advisers and with the faculty in their major and minor fields in constructing and pursuing their programs of study.

American Politics

Students majoring and minoring in American Politics will work with at least two faculty members to develop a plan of study that includes recommended course work and other preparation needed to pass a comprehensive exam. Students completing a major are expected to demonstrate a breadth of knowledge sufficient for framing a dissertation in the relevant disciplinary literature and teaching undergraduate courses in the field; students who pursue a minor may focus more narrowly on an area of study in which they demonstrate fluency. These may include, but are not limited to, the following areas of faculty interest:

• American Political Institutions (Congress, Courts, and the Executive)
• Urban Politics
• American Political Development
• Race and Politics
• Political Behavior and Public Opinion
• Public Policy
• American Political Thought
• Political Parties and Elections

In addition, students majoring in the field are strongly encouraged to take AS.190.602 Introduction to Quantitative Political Science as part of their course of study.

Comparative Politics

All students majoring and minoring in comparative politics will become conversant with major substantive and methodological debates in the field, and be able to comment on the key theoretical literature in several of those debates. They will typically also develop knowledge of at least one world region. Students majoring or minoring in comparative politics are required to take AS.190.625 Theories of Comparative Politics and at least one seminar in quantitative or qualitative methods. Students are expected to master the material covered in these courses, as well as others with more specialized topics.

Students will take a comprehensive exam that will test their ability to engage with several areas of theoretical debate in comparative politics, and their ability to use comparative examples to support their arguments. Students may focus on (but are not limited to):

• Civil Society
• Institutional Theories
• Transnational Relations, Social Movements, and Contentious Politics
• Political Parties, Interest Groups, Representation, and Political Behavior
• Comparative Political Economy
• Comparative Racial Politics, Nationalism, and Migration and Citizenship
• The Political Economy of Development
• Economic and Political Transitions
• Ideas and Politics

Within the spirit of this division of the overall field, students may propose alternative delineations of thematic subfields.

Students working in specific thematic and substantive subfields within comparative politics will be required to demonstrate competence in methodologies and bodies of theory judged by the faculty to be necessary for quality research and teaching in those subfields.

Requirements for the major exam:

Students taking the major exam are expected to compile a reading list that includes at least six fields, including a general “Theories of Comparative Politics” field. The reading list must be approved by the student’s advisor at least six weeks before the exam. We strongly advise students to submit their reading lists to all of the CP faculty for feedback at least a few months before the exam. A minimum of three CP faculty members will read each major exam.

Requirements for the minor exam:

Students taking the minor exam should seek two readers among the CP faculty for their exams. Students are expected to compile a reading list that includes at least four fields, including a general “Theories of Comparative Politics” field. The reading list must be approved by the two readers at least six weeks before the exam. We strongly advise students to submit their reading lists to all of the CP faculty for feedback at least a few months before the exam.

International Relations

All students majoring or minoring in international relations will be required to have deep knowledge of the scholarship relevant to their area of research and to be conversant with the major theoretical, substantive, and methodological themes and debates of the field. It is strongly recommended that students take AS 190.676 Field Survey of International Relations (or a similar course) and a methods/epistemology course chosen in consultation with their faculty advisers.

Students majoring in international relations will take an examination covering two subfields. The first subfield must be international politics. The other subfield is to be determined in consultation with faculty teaching international relations. Choices include but are not restricted to:

• International Law and Diplomacy
• International Relations Theory
• International Security Studies
• Science, Technology, and Art and International Relations
• Global Political Economy

Students minoring in international relations will take a comprehensive examination of international politics.

Political Theory

Students majoring in political theory will take a comprehensive examination covering the following two subfields:

• Contemporary Political Theory
• History of Political Thought

Each student preparing for a major comprehensive exam will propose six or seven thinkers in the history of thought, six or seven recent or contemporary thinkers, and three or four issue areas. Examination questions are composed in light of the theorists and issues articulated in the exam prospectus.

The minor comprehensive exam in political theory asks the student to select half the number of thinkers required for the major exam and three issue areas.

Preparation for these examinations will be arranged in consultation with relevant faculty.

Students majoring in political theory will also take at least one minor field from American politics, law, and politics, comparative politics, or international relations.

Law and Politics

Law and politics focus on American constitutional thought, judicial politics, law and society, and philosophy of law. Students learn not only about the history and context of American constitutional developments but also about the operation of the judicial branch of government in the past and the present. Studying how courts and judges do their work, students also consider how that work has changed over time. Students explore how legislation, as well as court decisions, reflect and influence a society’s policies, politics, and moral commitments. In addition, they examine how social movements, interest groups, and professional networks help to shape the law’s content and implementation.

Students may major or minor in law and politics. In either case, students work closely with at least two members of the faculty to develop a plan of study regarding coursework and additional reading to prepare them for comprehensive exams. Majors are expected to demonstrate a breadth of knowledge in the field sufficient for framing a dissertation and for teaching undergraduate courses; minors may focus more narrowly on a particular area of study.

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:  

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• Graduate Life Office
• Stanford Bulletin
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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 .

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PhD Political Science (Comparative Public Policy)

McMaster is one of very few universities, in Canada and internationally, to offer a PhD in Comparative Public Policy. In order to more robustly examine and explain policy dynamics and change, students are trained in the comparative method and are required to examine a policy issue in at least two political jurisdictions. These jurisdictions may be states, but they could also be at the subnational or international level.

Public policy gets to the heart of the questions of “who gets what” and “who benefits.” It can be about the big picture of how power works in societies, or it can involve finding the “devil in the details” of complex policy processes and outcomes.

About the Program

Our faculty has capacity to supervise students doing mainstream policy studies, as well as projects in a number of critical approaches to policy. We prepare students in the fields of theories and approaches to comparative public policy, public administration, and internationalization of public policy. We value the opportunity to combine comparative public policy with courses in related fields such as comparative politics, globalization and the internationalization of public policy.

The program prepares graduates for working in Canadian and overseas universities, international organizations, and federal, provincial and local public services. Our graduates have taken up position at a number of Canadian universities and in federal and provincial public services.

Research Opportunities Several faculty members in the department have funded research programs that provide potential opportunities for collaboration or research assistant positions for PhD students enrolled in political science. Potential PhD students with research interests or preparation that align with one of the projects below should contact the relevant faculty member(s) as they prepare their applications for admission to the PhD program.

Faculty Specializing in Comparative Public Policy:

Katherine Boothe : Comparative Public Policy, Patient Involvement in Healthcare, Social & Health Policy

Adrienne Davidson : Canadian Public Policy, Child Care & Education, Comparative Public Policy, Federalism & Intergovernmental Relation

Michelle Dion : Comparative Politics, Gender and Politics, Globalization, Public Policy, Social & Health Policy

Peter Graefe : Canadian Politics, Policy, Political Economy, Politics of Representation, Public Policy, Social & Health Policy

Ahmed Shafiqul Huque : Climate, Water & Sustainability, Policy, Public Policy

Stephen McBride : Canadian Politics, Global Political Economy, Globalization, Labour Issues, Public Policy

In addition, several other faculty members have an interest in Comparative Public Policy:

Karen Bird : Comparative Politics, Gender & Ethnic Relations, Gender & Politics, Politics of Representation, Public Policy

Robert O’Brien : International Political Economy, International Organization, Global Civil Society, Global Labour Issues, Political Economy of Climate Change

Tony Porter : International Relations, International Political Economy, International Institutions, Globalization, Sovereignty

Netina Tan : Elections, Political Parties, Gender and Public Policies in East and Southeast Asia

Lana Wylie : Canadian Foreign Policy

In addition, three associate members of our Department specialize in Comparative Public Policy:

Julia Abelson : Public Engagement Methods and Evaluation, Value in Health Policy Analysis, Politics of Health Policy

Gail Kratzberg : Public Policy, Great Lakes Science, Policy and Governance

John Lavis : Research Evidence, Citizen Values and Stakeholder Insights in Policy Making, Politics of Health and Social Systems

Requirements & Timelines

The Comparative Public Policy doctoral program is designed to equip graduates to conduct research and teach at the university level in Comparative Public Policy and one other field chosen from Canadian politics, comparative politics, political theory or international relations.

Students take six courses, including three required ones. They then prepare comprehensive examinations in their two major fields, which they write in August of their first year and December of their second year. Students also fulfill a language requirement to demonstrate their competency in a language other than English which is relevant to their research. This is normally done before the approval of the thesis proposal.

The remainder of the program involves preparing a thesis proposal, and then completing and defending the dissertation, which must involve a comparison of two political systems, including those at the international and subnational levels.

A thesis proposal will normally be submitted in April of the student’s second year. The thesis should normally be no more than 60,000 words long, and it is expected that the thesis will be finished about two years after the proposal is approved. Overall, then, full-time students are expected to take about four years to complete the program. Part-time students may take up to eight years to complete the degree but are encouraged to finish in less time.

Admissions & Applications

Admission to the PhD program will normally require a Master’s degree in political science with an average of at least an A– (A minus).

Applicants are encouraged to contact faculty members in the Department of Political Science regarding potential supervision.

Required Application Documents:

Graduate Studies Online Application

Applicants are required to complete the  Graduate Studies Online Application  which opens October 1st each year. In addition to the online application, applicants must also submit the required documents listed below. Most required documents must be submitted through the online application.

Statement of Interest 

• An electronic statement of interest (approximately 500 words, single or double-spaced,  maximum of 1 page ).
• The statement must be uploaded as a PDF attachment only through the online application system.
• Your statement of interest is a crucial element of the application process.  Canadian Politics  applicants should describe the analytical problem or question about the Canadian political system that their dissertation will pursue.  Comparative Politics  applicants should emphasize the comparative elements of their project compared. C omparative Public Policy  applicants should highlight the comparative nature of their research and policy area which concerns them.  International Relations  applicants should identify the international, transnational or global elements of their research projects.  Political Theory  applicants should identify the philosophical traditions, concepts, or figures that they wish to study at the doctoral level.
• All applicants would benefit from indicating particular  faculty members  or  research clusters  that overlap with their projects.

CV/Personal Resume 

• An electronic copy of your CV/Resume must be uploaded as a PDF attachment through the online application system.

Official Academic Transcripts 

• Upload a scan of ALL official university transcripts completed to date to the application system. Remember to include a copy of the transcript key/legend or scale from the transcript.  
• Transcripts from institutions where you completed courses on Letter of Permission and/or as part of a Student Exchange Program must also be included.
• If the official language of instruction at your institution is not English, please include both the original language document and a certified English translation.  
• DO NOT submit an unofficial transcript or a student record prints.
• If you receive an offer of admission further instructions will be given on how to submit formal official transcripts.  

Academic Reference 

• Three (3)  confidential e-reference reports from instructors most familiar with your academic work.  
• All referees are required to complete the e-Reference.
• You will be required to include contact information and an email address for each referee.
• The electronic referencing system will send an e-Reference request on your behalf.

English Language Proficiency (if applicable) 

• If English is not your native language, an official copy of your English Language Proficiency score or other evidence of competency in English is required. Such applicants are required to supply this evidence as part of your application. Applicants whose university studies were complete at an institution where English is deemed the official language of instruction may be exempted from this requirement (an official letter from the institution is required).  
• The English Proficiency exam must have been completed within 2 years of the application due date.  
• This requirement must be met prior to an offer of admission. There will be no exceptions to the language requirement.  
• The most common evidence is a score on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
• TOEFL: minimum score is 92 (iBT-internet based), 237 (computer based) or 580 (paper based). The McMaster University TOEFL/TSE Institution Code is 0936 and the Department Code for Political Science is 89.  
• IELTS (Academic): minimum overall score is 6.5, with at least 5.5 in each section.  

NOTE: International students wishing to enter Canada on a study permit should also contact the nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate for further information.

Application Fee 

The system will charg e a non-refundable application fee. Please have a valid credit card ready to pay the application fee. The fee will not be refunded or waived.

ANY LATE OR MISSING DOCUMENTS WILL DELAY YOUR APPLICATION AND NOT BE REVIEWED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S ADMISSION COMMITTEE.   

Application Deadline: 

January 14, 2024 (for September 2024 admission)  

We do not offer a Winter (January) or Spring (May) start date.

Financial Information, Scholarships & Awards

The Ellen Louks Fairclough Scholarship in Political Science 

The Ellen Louks Fairclough Memorial Scholarship in Political Science was established in 2004 to commemorate the life of The Right Honourable Ellen Louks Fairclough, P.C., C.C., F.CA., L.L.D., F.R.C.G.S., D.H., U.E., Canada’s first female federal cabinet minister and lifelong advocate for women’s rights. To be awarded to a student enrolled in a graduate program in Political Science who holds an Ontario Graduate Scholarship. Preference will be given to a student with an interest in Canadian public policy.  

The Political Science Travel Grant  

To support research and professional development by assisting graduate students with costs related to doing field-work or attending academic conferences. This grant is open to both MA (thesis option) and PhD students. There are two rounds of applications each year with the deadlines being October 15th and January 30th.   

The William Coleman Fund  

The William Coleman Fund was established in 2011 by Dr. William Coleman. To support Ph.D. students in the Department of Political Science who are conducting field research.  

To see additional information regarding awards and funding, please visit our Awards & Funding page .  

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March 08, 2024

Political Science or Political Science — Public Service

Which major to pick based on your career goals.

• by Ryleigh J. Praker
• April 24, 2024

If you’re interested in majoring in political science at UC Davis, you may have noticed that the university offers two undergraduate political science majors: political science and political science — public service. 

The difference between these two majors may not be immediately clear, so which one should you pick? If you find yourself facing this dilemma, this article is for you.

Why study political science?

Political science is the study of systems and theories of government. This field encompasses a broad range of topics. At UC Davis, political science courses fall into four different fields: 

• American politics
• Comparative politics
• International relations
• Political theory

Within these categories, you might take courses on voting behavior, national security policy, constitutional law or medieval political philosophy.

Studying political science is a great choice for anyone interested in politics and current events, or planning a career in law, journalism or activism. If you are passionate about championing social justice or giving a legal voice to those in need, a degree in political science will give you the skills and knowledge to use systems of law and government to affect change.

If you’re not certain about those fields, there’s no need to worry. A political science degree comes with a skillset that is broadly applicable to a wide range of careers. You’ll develop proficiency in data analysis, critical thinking, writing, speaking, leadership and teamwork.

Once you’ve decided that political science might be the field for you, you’ll need to pick a major. At UC Davis, that means choosing between political science and political science — public service.

What is the political science major like?

The first available major is the general political science major . It offers a broad range of study. As a political science major, you will choose courses from at least three of the four fields of concentration.

You can pick which fields you would like to weight more heavily to design your own course of study. For example, if you’re interested in law, you could take mostly American politics and political theory courses, with some international relations for variety. Or, if you’re more interested in studying world governments, you can spend most of your time on comparative politics and international relations.

The main appeal of the political science major is its breadth and flexibility. This major allows you to sample from a wide variety of topics and study politics across both borders and centuries. To learn more about the major, consider reading our article “ What Can I Do With My Political Science Major? ”.

What is the political science — public service major like?

The political science — public service major focuses more narrowly on American politics and policy. You will take courses from a core program on institutions and processes of American government. In addition, you’ll choose courses from different areas of concentration — foreign policy, environmental policy and social policy, to name a few. These areas of concentration may allow you to take courses outside the Department of Political Science that will count toward your major.

The political science — public service major also features a required internship and research experience. You can either participate in a quarter away like the UC Davis Washington Program or UC Center Sacramento program , or you can find your own independent internship in public policy. This is a great opportunity to gain some professional experience working in the field. It may also give you a better idea of what you want to do with your degree after you graduate.

To learn more about options for the internship experience, visit the internships page of the UC Davis Department of Political Science .

This major is much narrower in scope, but it allows you to study certain areas of American politics and policy in more depth. If you know your interest lies in American government and law, the political science — public service major can help you develop skills to work with public policy after graduation. This major is especially well-suited for anyone interested in running for office or working in government.

Choose a major based on your career path

The most important question to consider when choosing your major is where you want to go with it. Narrowing down what you’d like to do after graduation will help you pick which political science major best suits your goals.

If you are interested in a career in law, journalism, diplomacy, research or academia, you will want to pick a major that will afford you a broad and diverse range of knowledge and experience. The political science major is a perfect choice for these fields. By building a course of study across all four fields of political science, you can develop a broad and versatile base of knowledge.

If you are more interested in government, campaign or nonprofit work or specific areas of law like environmental and public interest law, the political science — public service major may be the choice for you. This major suits these careers because it gives you a more specialized line of insight into policy-making and policy implementation without requiring a broader knowledge of political theory or international affairs.

The political science — public service major is also ideal for students interested in immediately getting involved in community organizing, state and local government or nonprofit work rather than pursuing a higher-level degree.

Deciding which major to pick based on your desired career path can help you optimize your time in undergrad. However, both majors can give you the skills needed to enter many fields, so don’t panic if you don’t know which one to choose. And remember — you can always switch majors. Some of the coursework for one political science major will be transferable to the other; check with your advisor to see which courses can be applied to both.

Two perspectives from political science majors

R.J. Praker: Political Science A.B.

I started at UC Davis as a declared political science — public service major. Partway through my first year, I decided to switch to the political science major. Why?

Early on in my college career, I realized I didn’t want to work in government. Instead, my interest lay in nonprofit and private law. I was fascinated by constitutional law and legal theory, so I wanted to include political theory courses in my major program. The political science major gave me the breadth I desired to explore the political science field.

My switch in majors also allowed me to incorporate my other interests. In addition to my major, I am minoring in Russian. By choosing the political science major, I was able to count the Russian and Eastern European politics courses I was taking supplementally toward my major.

I love the flexibility my major offers! By choosing political science, I’ve been able to stack my schedule with constitutional law and Slavic politics, which wouldn’t be possible in a different major.

Cynthia Hoang-Duong: Political Science — Public Service A.B.

Cynthia plans to attend law school and become an attorney. She entered UC Davis as a psychology major, but after her first quarter, she decided to switch to political science — public service. When asked why she switched majors, she had three reasons:

Political science — public service has an internship requirement . I felt like I really needed an internship but was scared I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t need to in order to graduate.   Public service has a greater range of fields — like social policy, which I’m interested in. Political science would have allowed me to take pre-law classes, but I preferred to also have the option to take sociology classes.   Being able to take sociology courses like ‘The Criminal Justice System’ and ‘Sociology of Law’ means I’m able to learn more about criminal law , which is what I want to do in my future career.

Cynthia recommends the political science — public service major to students who are interested in an internship in political science but aren’t sure where to start. She also recommends it to students who want to incorporate other fields, like sociology or economics, into their political science major.

Choosing political science at UC Davis

The bottom line is that it’s best to explore your options thoroughly before making a decision. Remember — over half of UC Davis students change their major at some point in their undergraduate career. There’s nothing wrong with experimenting with different programs to see what’s right for you.

If you’re interested in political science but aren’t sure these majors are for you, you should also investigate the international relations major or political science minor .

Now that you understand the difference between UC Davis’ two political science majors, you’ll be better equipped to choose which major suits you better. Take some time to review the requirements for both and to reflect on your interests and career goals.

To learn more and make a concrete plan, explore advising resources at the UC Davis Department of Political Science Advising Center .

View our political science major  

View our political science — public service major

R.J. Praker (she/her) is a third year pursuing a bachelor’s degree in political science with minors in professional writing and Russian . She currently works as a writing intern for UC Davis' Office of Strategic Communications and an academic peer advisor for the Department of Political Science . She also serves as chief copy editor at the Davis Political Review . R.J. is from Placerville, California and loves to hike in the Sierra Nevada with her family’s dogs.

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