best online phd in political science

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 .

Doctoral Program

Program Overview

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.

Best Political Science Programs

Ranked in 2021, part of Best Social Sciences and Humanities Schools

Political science is a discipline

Political science is a discipline that combines history, current events and analysis. Graduate students are often able to specialize in a certain area of politics. These are the best political science programs. Each school's score reflects its average rating on a scale from 1 (marginal) to 5 (outstanding), based on a survey of academics at peer institutions. Read the methodology »

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2024 Best Online PhD in Political Science Programs

By earning an online PhD in Political Science, you can develop expertise in your chosen areas of research, equip yourself for university teaching, and learn advanced research methods.

Your research expertise can also translate to public relations consulting, political campaign work, or public policy or public affairs leadership roles. Professionals in the field can also work for the government or conduct political or social survey research and analysis.

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In addition to the status, expertise, and future job prospects that can come with a doctoral degree, you may also enjoy a learning experience that’s rich in critical inquiry, passionate debating, and practical opportunities for professional networking.

Online Political Science Doctoral Programs

Political science doctoral programs can vary by school, but you’ll generally take interesting classes and seminars and learn research and analysis methods. A PhD in this field can help you qualify for careers in politics, industry, government, international relations, or public policy.

Part of your studies will focus on acquiring a broad and comprehensive understanding of political institutions and systems. Other parts of your learning are likely to focus on comparative politics. There tends to be an emphasis on empirical data and abstract modeling methods that are anchored in quantitative and qualitative analysis.

The lecture hall will be only a small component of your learning. You may also engage in smaller seminars and apply new and previous learning in discussion groups. The following are commonly found in a poli sci discussion group:

• Socratic inquiry
• Critical debate
• Defense or refinement of your claims
• Evaluation of your peers’ claims

As a doctoral student, you may want to align your studies with your other interests and career goals. You may be interested in working in academia, law, or international relations, or you may want to perform public research or consulting related to political campaigns or public affairs.

Careers in Political Science

Some graduates may choose to pursue state or national elective office. Others may want to work in urban and regional planning or work as political consultants, political pollsters, or market research analysts.

Some political scientists with advanced degrees work for the federal government as state department analysts or advisors. Others work with government leaders or NGOs in international relations. Specialists in constitutional law might work for law firms, advocacy groups, think tanks, or the US Department of Justice.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , a doctorate in political science could help make you a good candidate for specialized research, writing, leadership, or analysis roles in a range of related occupations.

You’ll be doing specialized research in a doctoral program, so your career path will likely depend on how you choose to apply your knowledge. An online doctorate can also help qualify you to pursue careers in public research or academia—teaching at a university or publishing books or articles based on original research in the field.

Other occupational roles in the field can include political leadership or consulting, political or historical research, and public policy research and advocacy.

Political Science Doctorate Curriculum

Your courses will vary greatly by school, but many curriculum formats emphasize key branches of the major, such as American politics, comparative politics, political theory, and international relations.

• American Political Institutions : This course is an advanced study and discussion of the powers of institutions aligned with the three main branches of government, including the laws and mechanisms extending and limiting their powers.
• American Political Parties : You’ll examine and analyze the history, evolutions, ideologies, and power dynamics of US political parties.
• Constitutional History and Law : This course is a comprehensive overview of the constitution, its origins, competing interpretations, and legal statues, with selected topics for advanced research.
• Comparative Politics : You’ll assess various social, behavioral, economic, and political data to create predictive comparative models related to political dynamics and trends.
• Introduction to Political Methodology : This is a course on abstract theoretical models and statistical methods for qualitative and quantitative research designs for the study of political institutions and related sociological and behavioral phenomena.
• Discrete Research Methods : This course provides in-depth examinations of specific research methods, their empirical features, and considerations of their applications for research into distinct branches of political science.
• International Relations : This course discusses dominant topics in international relations, including studies in international conflict, theories of diplomacy, cold-war conflicts, international alliances, international law, and economic development.
• Political Theory : You’ll perform advanced research and investigation into topics selected from historical political theory, empirical political theory, or comparative politics.
• Dissertation Colloquium : You’ll discuss and critique research methodologies and research proposals as you develop dissertation research and prepare to complete and defend your dissertation.

Some programs group broad areas of investigation and discussion into a small number of extended seminar formats. In most cases, though, you’ll still study topics in various branches of political science as well as advanced research design, methodology, and analysis.

Admissions requirements for political science doctoral programs will vary by school. You don’t need to have a masters for admissions, but at some schools you might.

Common admissions requirements include:

• Bachelors or masters in political science or related major
• Satisfactory GPA (often 3.0 or 3.5)
• GRE or GMAT scores (if required)
• Letters of recommendation

You don’t always have to get a masters first to earn a PhD, but some program structures either allow or require PhD candidates to earn a masters degree in their PhD program.

Accreditation

Accredited schools and curricula meet recognized standards for academic quality and resources that support students’ success.

Pursuing your degree at an accredited school can also be a condition for receiving certain forms of financial aid. A degree from an accredited institution is recognized and respected by other universities and prospective employers.

Organizations such as the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) have more information on accreditation.

Financial Aid

It can take quite a few years to finish a doctoral program, so relying on financial aid is common for many PhD students.

Common forms of financial aid for students include state and federal grants, need-based or merit-based scholarships, work study programs, and student loans. Financial aid packages may combine several types of aid. Loan terms can vary, so it’s helpful to review your package carefully.

With the right circumstances, you might also qualify for employer-sponsored tuition assistance, research assistant jobs, or even a research fellowship. If you anticipate seeking need-based financial aid, filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be a good first step.

What Can I Do with a PhD in Political Science

What you do with a PhD in Political Science often depends on your individual interests and your professional experience and skills, among other factors.

Some people who study political history want to compete for elective offices. Others will engage in nonprofit, nonpartisan public advocacy work, and some may pursue careers in international relations or postsecondary teaching.

Working as a campaign consultant or doing political fundraising work is another career path you might pursue as a political scientist. You’ll generally learn advanced research skills in a PhD program, so working in consulting, public policy, think tanks, and academia are additional pathways to consider.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs for both political scientists and market research analysts will experience faster than average job growth over the next decade. These positions are expected to see 6% and 18% job growth respectively.

Other related careers for political scientists include public relations managers, fundraising managers, urban and regional planners, and postsecondary teachers.

How Many Years Does It Take to Get a PhD in Political Science?

Getting a PhD in Political Science online typically takes 3 to 5 years, but your timeline can vary according to your program and schedule.

Getting an online doctorate in political science is likely to involve designing, researching, and writing a dissertation in addition to advanced coursework and seminars. So, some students may end up needing more time than others, similar to the experience of earning an online masters in political science .

Programs can also vary in their approach and emphasis. Some are designed to get students finished more quickly while others focus more on breadth and depth of learning.

Is a PhD in Political Science Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in Political Science is worth it for many professionals. Jobs for political scientists, which includes work in international relations, are forecast for 6% growth (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Jobs for market research analysts, which can include campaign consulting and polling research work, are forecast for 18% job growth.

Even postsecondary teaching positions and jobs for public relations and fundraising managers are anticipated to grow 9% over the next decade. Meanwhile, urban and regional planners are expected to experience 11% job growth.

That said, many people who pursue a PhD don’t base decisions on job prospects alone. Many PhD candidates have an intellectual curiosity and drive that can make research and learning rewarding processes in their own right, making this political science degree worthwhile .

Universities Offering Online PhD in Political Science Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Liberty University offers an online PhD in Public Policy program. Courses last for 8 weeks. The program requires 60 credits to complete, and up to 30 qualifying credits can be transferred in.

Students may choose a specialization in Economics, Education, Foreign Policy, National Security, and Social Policy. Applicants must have a master’s degree and a GPA of 3.0.

Liberty University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Old Dominion University offers an online PhD in Public Administration and Policy. The program requires students to complete 49 credit hours, with 12 credit hours dedicated to a dissertation. Applicants must have a master’s degree, a minimum GPA of 3.25, 3 letters of recommendation, and a 3 to 6 page personal essay about their goals.

Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Salve Regina University offers an online PhD in International Relationships. Students must complete 13 courses, including a dissertation. They must also pass a written examination with three questions based on general knowledge and the specific areas of study.

Applicants can be accepted year-round. When applying, applicants must submit all transcripts, a resume, 2 letters of recommendation, and at least 5 years of professional experience.

Salve Regina University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Valdosta State University offers an online PhD in Public Administration program. To graduate, students must complete 54 credit hours but have the option to transfer in up to 15 qualifying credits. Students may also choose a specialization. Applicants must submit their GPA, their GRE scores, and 3 letters of recommendation.

Valdosta State University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Walden University offers an online PhD in Public Policy and Administration program. Students must complete 58 credits and a 4 day residency to graduate. They can choose to transfer in up to 41 qualifying credits from another institute.

The program must be completed within 8 years of starting. Applicants must have a master’s degree and must submit all transcripts.

Walden is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Earning Your PhD in Political Science Online

The advanced knowledge, professional status, and pure intellectual rewards that come with getting a PhD can all be very exciting and rewarding. When it comes to earning a political science PhD, some students want to accelerate an important career step while others want to pursue their passion for research and new ideas.

Online political science degrees tend to come in all shapes and sizes. You may want to take stock of your goals and then take a look at the many online political science doctoral programs out there from accredited institutions. You can then discover which programs excite you most!

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PhD Political Science and International Studies

By distance learning.

For 2024-25 £4,778 FT (UK) £21,360 FT (International Students) More Fees and funding details.

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The Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS) offers a vibrant and inclusive research culture.

POLSIS has established itself as a centre of excellence in political science, political economy, comparative politics, political theory, international, international relations theory and security and conflict. Our research is concentrated around various research groups and research clusters which carry out a series of collaborative research activities.

Our distance learning PhD in Political Science and International Studies offers the opportunity to conduct original research under the guidance of academic supervisors, leading to an 80,000 word thesis, for those unable to live and work on campus on a regular basis. You will take a number of research training modules in your first year and may attend further courses offered by the Department or the University that enhance your personal discipline-specific and transferable skills.

Distance learning does present challenges and applicants need to have a high capacity to work independently and in a disciplined fashion to pursue their research goals. However, supervisory teams are there to support students in acquiring the skills and knowledge to complete a thesis. In addition, you will be able to participate in an active research environment through a range of online and hybrid events.

Distance learning students are usually expected to attend one-week visit to the University (it is possible to request an exemption due to extenuating circumstances such as work commitments of caring responsibilities, for example). This visit will take place at the start of your studies during the College’s induction week (which usually takes place in the last week of September). This is a fantastic opportunity to attend a range of training sessions and networking events and meet your peers and supervisory team in person. The College of Social Sciences will make a generous contribution to your accommodation and travel. Your School will write to you to confirm the arrangements of your visit once you have confirmed your offer. Distance Learning students are not required to attend the University for the remainder of their studies but are welcome to visit at their own expense.

POLSIS is part of the School of Government, one of the leading UK and international centres for governance, politics, international development, and public management. As one of the largest Schools of Government, in the United Kingdom, it is home to more than 80 full-time academic staff, more than 1,200 undergraduate and taught postgraduate students, and more than 70 doctoral researchers.

The School of Government offers much more than a degree. As a doctoral student here, you have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of research events with staff and other doctoral students, including a PGR Colloquium and departmental speaker series. In addition, an individual training plan is drawn up to meet the needs of each student, covering coursework and skills development. As such, completing this research degree will cultivate specialist knowledge in your field and professional skills for a range of career settings. 

We are able to supervise a wide range of topics, in line with the research interests of our staff. We are particularly interested in receiving applications on themes that fit with our research groups:

• Asian Politics
• British Politics
• European Studies
• Gender and Feminist Theory
• International Relations and Security Theory
• Parties, Voters and Elections
• Political Economy
• Political Theory

Applications to study for a research degree on either a full- or part-time basis are welcomed. 

Further information

• POLSIS Doctoral research page
• Guidance on preparing a research proposal
• Doctoral Research Scholarships and funding

Tricia Thomas Doctoral Research Student Administration Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3497, Email:  [email protected]

PhD by Distance Learning 2024-2025

Uk students.

• £4,778

International students (Band D)

• £21,360

Learn more about fees

Scholarships and studentships

Scholarships may be available, please contact the Department directly.

International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government. Explore our postgraduate funding database

The Postgraduate Student Loan has increased its maximum loan amount to £12,167 (for 2023/2024 entry). For more detailed information visit our Postgraduate funding page .

For more information visit studenthelp.bham.ac.uk .

How To Apply

When clicking on the Apply Now button you will be directed to an application specifically designed for the programme you wish to apply for where you will create an account with the University application system and submit your application and supporting documents online. Further information regarding how to apply online can be found on the How to apply pages

Our Standard Requirements

Applicants for the distance learning PhD must provide evidence of prior research experience and/or training suitable for their intended programme of study. When they apply, they are expected to consult with their supervisor who can assess their skills, background and capacity to undertake independent study at a distance. Besides formal qualifications, a key factor determining whether the Department decides to accept a candidate for either degree is the quality of his or her research proposal and its relevance to our own interests. Successful completion of a research thesis demands a high level of self-discipline, motivation and commitment to the subject of research. Great importance is placed on work experience, when relevant. Please contact the Department for more details. Learn more about entry requirements .

International Requirements

Holders of a Licence, Diplome, Diplome d'Etudes Superieures, Diplome d'Ingenieur or a Diplome d'Architecte from a recognised university in Algeria will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of one of these qualifications will normally be expected to have achieved a score of 15/20 for 2:1 equivalency or 13/20 for 2:2 equivalency.  

Holders of the Licenciado or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Argentinian university, with a promedio of at least 7.5, may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Applicants for PhD degrees will normally have a Maestria or equivalent

A Bachelors (Honours) degree from an accredited Australian higher education institution may be considered for admission to a Masters degree.   Applicants with 3 year Bachelors with distinction from a recognised university, can be considered for admission to a Masters degree.

Holders of a Diplom, a Diplomstudium/Magister or a three-year Bachelors degree from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 2.5 for 2:1 equivalency or 3.0 for 2:2 equivalency, or a high-scoring Fachhochschuldiplom (FH) from a recognised Austrian Fachhochschule, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Students with a good 5-year Specialist Diploma or 4-year Bachelor degree from a recognised higher education institution in Azerbaijan, with a minimum GPA of 4/5 or 80% will be considered for entry to postgraduate taught programmes at the University of Birmingham.

For postgraduate research programmes applicants should have a good 5-year Specialist Diploma (completed after 1991), with a minimum grade point average of 4/5 or 80%, from a recognised higher education institution or a Masters or “Magistr Diplomu” or “Kandidat Nauk” from a recognised higher education institution in Azerbaijan.

 Holders of a bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in Bahrain will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Holders of a Bachelors (Honours) degree of three years duration, followed by a Masters degree of one or two years duration from a recognised university in Bangladesh will be considered for postgraduate taught study. Students with a Bachelors degree of at least four years duration may also be considered for postgraduate study. Degrees must be from a recognised institution in Bangladesh.

Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0-3.3/4.0 or 65% or above for 2:1 equivalency, or a GPA of 2.6-3.1/4.0 or 60% or above for 2:2 equivalency depending on the awarding institution.  

Students who hold a Masters degree from the University of Botswana with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 (70%/B/'very good') will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Please note 4-year bachelor degrees from the University of Botswana are considered equivalent to a Diploma of Higher Education. 5-year bachelor degrees from the University of Botswana are considered equivalent to a British Bachelor (Ordinary) degree.

Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

A Licenciatura or Bacharelado degree from a recognised Brazilian university:

• A grade of 7.5/10 for entry to programmes with a 2:1 requirement
• A grade of 6.5/10for entry to programmes with a 2:2 requirement

Holders of a good Bachelors degree with honours (4 to 6 years) from a recognised university with a upper second class grade or higher will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.  Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Diploma za Zavarsheno Visshe Obrazovanie (‘Diploma of Completed Higher Education’), a pre-2001 Masters degree or a post-2001 Bachelors degree from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 5 out of 6, mnogo dobur/’very good’ for 2:1 equivalence; or 4 out of 6, dobur/’good’ for 2:2 equivalence; will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students with a minimum average of 14 out of 20 (or 70%) on a 4-year Licence, Bachelor degree or Diplôme d'Etudes Superieures de Commerce (DESC) or Diplôme d'Ingénieur or a Maîtrise will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Holders of a bachelor degree with honours from a recognised Canadian university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. A GPA of 3.0/4, 7.0/9 or 75% is usually equivalent to a UK 2.1.

Holders of the Licenciado or equivalent Professional Title from a recognised Chilean university will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Applicants for PhD study will preferably hold a Magister degree or equivalent.

Students with a bachelor’s degree (4 years minimum) may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. However please note that we will only consider students who meet the entry guidance below.  Please note: for the subject areas below we use the Shanghai Ranking 2022 (full table)  ,  Shanghai Ranking 2023 (full table) , and Shanghai Ranking of Chinese Art Universities 2023 .

需要具备学士学位（4年制）的申请人可申请研究生课程。请根据所申请的课程查看相应的入学要求。 请注意，中国院校名单参考 软科中国大学排名2022（总榜） ，  软科中国大学排名2023（总榜） ，以及 软科中国艺术类高校名单2023 。  

Business School    - MSc programmes (excluding MBA)  

商学院硕士课程（MBA除外）入学要求

School of Computer Science – all MSc programmes 计算机学院硕士课程入学要求

College of Social Sciences – courses listed below 社会科学 学院部分硕士课程入学要求 MA Education  (including all pathways) MSc TESOL Education MSc Public Management MA Global Public Policy MA Social Policy MA Sociology Department of Political Science and International Studies  全部硕士课程 International Development Department  全部硕士课程

  All other programmes (including MBA)   所有其他 硕士课程（包括 MBA）入学要求

Please note:

• Borderline cases: We may consider students with lower average score (within 5%) on a case-by-case basis if you have a relevant degree and very excellent grades in relevant subjects and/or relevant work experience. 如申请人均分低于相应录取要求（5%以内），但具有出色学术背景，优异的专业成绩，以及（或）相关的工作经验，部分课程将有可能单独酌情考虑。
• Please contact the China Recruitment Team for any questions on the above entry requirements. 如果您对录取要求有疑问，请联系伯明翰大学中国办公室   [email protected]

Holders of the Licenciado/Professional Title from a recognised Colombian university will be considered for our Postgraduate Diploma and Masters degrees. Applicants for PhD degrees will normally have a Maestria or equivalent.

Holders of a good bachelor degree with honours (4 to 6 years) from a recognised university with a upper second class grade or higher will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.  Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Diploma Visoko Obrazovanje (Advanced Diploma of Education) or Bacclaureus (Bachelors) from a recognised Croatian higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 4.0 out of 5.0, vrlo dobar ‘very good’, for 2:1 equivalence or 3.0 out of 5.0, dobar ‘good’, for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.  Holders of a good Bacclaureus (Bachelors) from a recognised Croatian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 4.0 out of 5.0, vrlo dobar ‘very good’, or a Masters degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a Bachelors degree(from the University of the West Indies or the University of Technology) may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. A Class II Upper Division degree is usually equivalent to a UK 2.1. For further details on particular institutions please refer to the list below.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Masters degree or Mphil from the University of the West Indies.

Holders of a good four-year government-accredited Bachelors degree from a recognised Higher Education college with a minimum overall GPA of 3 out of 4 for 2:1 equivalency, or a GPA of 2.75 out of 4 for 2:2 equivalency; or a good four-year Bachelors degree (Ptychio) from a recognised University, with a minimum overall grade of 6.5 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalency, or 5.5 for 2:2 equivalency; will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Holders of a good Bakalár, or a good pre-2002 Magistr, from a recognised Czech Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 1.5, B, velmi dobre ‘very good’ (post-2004) or 2, velmi dobre ‘good’ (pre-2004), for 2:1 equivalence, or 2.5, C, dobre ‘good’ (post-2004) or 3, dobre ‘pass’ (pre-2004) for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Holders of a good Bachelors degree/Candidatus Philosophiae, Professionbachelor or Eksamensbevis from a recognised Danish university, with a minimum overall grade of 7-10 out of 12 (or 8 out of 13) or higher for 2:1 equivalence, or 4-7 out of 12 (or 7 out of 13) for 2:2 equivalence depending on the awarding institution will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Holders of the Licenciado or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Ecuadorian university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Grades of 70% or higher can be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Magister/Masterado or equivalent qualification, but holders of the Licenciado with excellent grades can be considered.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Egypt will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4 for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8 for 2:2 equivalency. Applicants holding a Bachelors degree with alternative grading systems, will normally be expected to have achieved a 75% (Very Good) for 2:1 equivalency or 65% (Good) for 2:2 equivalency. For applicants with a grading system different to those mentioned here, please contact [email protected] for advice on what the requirements will be for you.

Holders of a good Bakalaurusekraad from a recognised university or Applied Higher Education Institution with a minimum overall grade of 4/5 or B for 2:1 equivalency or 3/5 or C for 2:2 equivalency, or a good Rakenduskõrgharidusõppe Diplom (Professional Higher Education Diploma), will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree with very good grades (grade B, 3.5/4 GPA or 85%) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. 

Holders of a good Ammattikorkeakoulututkinto (AMK) (new system), an Yrkeshögskoleexamen (YHS) (new system), a Kandidaatti / Kandidat (new system), an Oikeustieteen Notaari or a Rättsnotarie, a good Kandidaatti / Kandidat (old system), a professional title such as Ekonomi, Diplomi-insinööri, Arkkitehti, Lisensiaatti (in Medicine, Dentistry and Vetinary Medicine), or a Maisteri / Magister (new system), Lisensiaatti / Licenciat, Oikeustieteen Kandidaatti / Juris Kandidat (new system) or Proviisori / Provisor from a recognised Finnish Higher Education institution, with a minimum overall grade of 2/3 or 3-4/5 for 2:1 equivalence or 1-2/3 or 2.5-3/5 for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Holders of a good three-year Licence, License Professionnelle, Diplôme d'Ingénieur/Architecte Diplômé d'État, Diplôme from an Ecole Superieure de Commerce / Gestion / Politique, or Diplome d'Etat Maitrise of three years duration or a Maîtrise from a recognised French university or Grande École will be considered for postgraduate taught study.

Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a minimum overall grade of 13 out of 20, bien, for 2:1 equivalency, or 11 out of 20, assez bien, for 2:2 equivalency depending on the awarding institution.  

Holders of a good three-year Bachelor degree, a Magister Artium, a Diplom or an Erstes Staatsexamen from a recognised university, or a good Fachhochschuldiplom from a Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences), with a minimum overall grade of 2.5 for 2:1 equivalency, or 3.0 for 2:2 equivalency, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students from Germany who have completed three years of the Erstes Staatsexamen qualification with a grade point average (GPA) of 10 from the first six semesters of study within the Juristische Universitätsprüfung programme would be considered for entry onto LLM programmes.  Students from Germany who have completed the five year Erstes Staatsexamen qualification with a grade point average (GPA) of 6.5 would be considered for entry onto LLM programmes. 

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a good four-year Ptychio (Bachelor degree) from a recognised Greek university (AEI) with a minimum overall grade of 6.5 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalency, or 5.5 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalency, or a good four-year Ptychio from a recognised Technical Higher Education institution (TEI) with a minimum overall grade of 7.5 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalency, or 6.5 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalency, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

4-year Licenciado is deemed equivalent to a UK bachelors degree. A score of 75 or higher from Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala (USAC) can be considered comparable to a UK 2.1, 60 is comparable to a UK 2.2.  Private universities have a higher pass mark, so 80 or higher should be considered comparable to a UK 2.1, 70 is comparable to a UK 2.2

The Hong Kong Bachelor degree is considered comparable to British Bachelor degree standard. Students with bachelor degrees awarded by universities in Hong Kong may be considered for entry to one of our postgraduate degree programmes.

Students with Masters degrees may be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a good Alapfokozat / Alapképzés (Bachelors degree) or Egyetemi Oklevel (university diploma) from a recognised Hungarian university, or a Foiskola Oklevel (college diploma) from a recognised college of Higher Education, with a minimum overall grade of 3.5 for 2:1 equivalency, or 3 for 2:2 equivalency, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Holders of a Bachelors degree of three or four years in duration from a recognised university in India will be considered for postgraduate taught study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved 55% - 60% or higher for 2:1 equivalency, or 50% - 55% for 2:2 equivalency depending on the awarding institution.  

Either: A four-year Bachelors degree (first class or very good upper second class)

Or: A three-year Bachelors degree (first class) from recognised institutions in India.

For MSc programmes, the Business School will consider holders of three-year degree programmes (first class or very good upper second class) from recognised institutions in India.

For entry to LLM programmes, Birmingham is happy to accept applications from 3 or 5 year LLB holders from India from prestigious institutions.

Holders of the 4 year Sarjana (S1) from a recognised Indonesian institution will be considered for postgraduate study. Entry requirements vary with a minimum requirement of a GPA of 2.8.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Iran with a minimum of 14/20 or 70% will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate taught programmes.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Iraq will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency, or 2.8/4 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Israel will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved score of 80% for 2:1 equivalency or 65% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Holders of a good Diploma di Laurea, Licenza di Accademia di Belle Arti, Diploma di Mediatore Linguistico or Diploma Accademico di Primo Livello from a recognised Italian university with a minimum overall grade of 100 out of 110 for 2:1 equivalence, or 92 out of 110 for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students who hold the Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees (14-15/20 or Bien from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 12-13/20 or Assez Bien is considered comparable to a UK 2.2).

Students with a Bachelor degree from a recognised university in Japan will be considered for entry to a postgraduate Masters degree provided they achieve a sufficiently high overall score in their first (Bachelor) degree. A GPA of 3.0/4.0 or a B average from a good Japanese university is usually considered equivalent to a UK 2:1.

Students with a Masters degree from a recognised university in Japan will be considered for PhD study. A high overall grade will be necessary to be considered.

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in Jordan will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Students who have completed their Specialist Diploma Мамаң дипломы/Диплом специалиста) or "Magistr" (Магистр дипломы/Диплом магистра) degree (completed after 1991) from a recognised higher education institution, with a minimum GPA of 2.67/4.00 for courses requiring a UK lower second and 3.00/4.00 for courses requiring a UK upper second class degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate Masters degrees and, occasionally, directly for PhD degrees.  Holders of a Bachelor "Bakalavr" degree (Бакалавр дипломы/Диплом бакалавра) from a recognised higher education institution, with a minimum GPA of  2.67/4.00 for courses requiring a UK lower second and 3.00/4.00 for courses requiring a UK upper second class degree, may also be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/50

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in Kuwait will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Holders of a good pre-2000 Magistrs or post-2000 Bakalaurs from a recognised university, or a good Postgraduate Diploma (professional programme) from a recognised university or institution of Higher Education, with a minimum overall grade of 7.5 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalency, or 6.5 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalency, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Lebanon will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a score of 16/20 or 80% for 2:1 equivalency, or 14/20 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Libya will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved score of 70% for 2:1 equivalency or 65% for 2:2 equivalency. Alternatively students will require a minimum of 3.0/4.0 or BB to be considered.

Holders of a good Bakalauras (post 2001), Profesinis Bakalauras (post 2001) or pre-2001 Magistras from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 8 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalency, or 7 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalency, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Holders of a good Bachelors degree or Diplôme d'Ingénieur Industriel from a recognised Luxembourgish Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 16 out of 20 for 2:1 equivalence, or 14 out of 20 for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees (70-74% or A or Marginal Distinction from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 60-69% or B or Bare Distinction/Credit is considered comparable to a UK 2.2).

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised Malaysian institution (usually achieved with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average minimum of 3.0) will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a good Bachelors degree from a recognised Higher Education Institution with a minimum grade of 2:1 (Hons) for UK 2:1 equivalency, or 2:2 (Hons) for UK 2:2 equivalency, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree (Honours) from a recognised institution (including the University of Mauritius) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2:1).

Students who hold the Licenciado/Professional Titulo from a recognised Mexican university with a promedio of at least 8 will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Students who have completed a Maestria from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a Bachelors degree, licence or Maîtrise from a recognised university in Morocco will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a score of 15/20 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency, or 13/20 for 2:2 equivalency.

Students with a good four year honours degree from a recognised university will be considered for postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. PhD applications will be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a Bachelors (Honours) degree of four years duration from a recognised university in Nepal will be considered for postgraduate taught study. Students with a Bachelors degree of at least three years duration plus a Masters degree may also be considered for postgraduate study. Degrees must be from a recognised institution in Nepal.

Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.2/4.0 or 65%-79% average or higher for 2:1 equivalency, or a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 60%-65% for 2:2 equivalency depending on the awarding institution.  

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised Dutch university, or Bachelors degree from a recognised Hogeschool (University of Professional Education), or a good Doctoraal from a recognised Dutch university, with a minimum overall grade of 7 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalence, or 6 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Students who hold a Bachelor degree (minimum 4 years and/or level 400) from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0

Holders of a good three-six-year Bachelorgrad, Candidatus Magisterii, Sivilingeniø (siv. Ing. - Engineering), "Siviløkonom" (siv. Øk. - Economics) degree from a recognised Norwegian education institution with a minimum GPA of B/Very Good or 1.6-2.5 for a 2.1 equivalency, or a GPA of C/Good or 2.6-3.2 for a 2.2 equivalency; will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in Oman will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years in duration from a recognised university in Pakistan will be considered for postgraduate taught study. Students with a Bachelors degree of at least three years duration followed by a Masters degree of one or two years duration, or holders of a two year Bachelors degree and a two year Masters degree in the same subject, may also be considered for postgraduate study.

Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 2.8-3.0/4.0 or 65% or above for 2:1 equivalency, or a GPA of 2.6/4.0 or 60% or above for 2:2 equivalency depending on the awarding institution.  

A two-year degree followed by a three-year LLB will count as a full Bachelors degree.

All qualifications must be from recognised institutions. For further details on recognised institutions, please refer to Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in the Palestinian Territories will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3/4 or 80% for 2:1 equivalency or a GPA of 2.5/4 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.    

Holders of the Título de Licenciado /Título de (4-6 years) or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Paraguayan university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Grades of 4/5 or higher can be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent.  The Título Intermedio is a 2-3 year degree and is equivalent to a HNC, it is not suitable for postgraduate entry but holders of this award could be considered for second year undergraduate entry or pre-Masters.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Título de Maestría / Magister or equivalent qualification, but holders of the Título/Grado de Licenciado/a with excellent grades can be considered.

Holders of the Licenciado, with at least 13/20 may be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent. The Grado de Bachiller is equivalent to an ordinary degree, so grades of 15+/20 are required.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Título de Maestría or equivalent qualification.

Holders of a good post-2001 Licencjat / Inzynier (Bachelors degree), or a pre-2001 Magister, from a recognised Polish university, with a minimum overall grade of 4.5/4+ out of 5, dobry plus ‘better than good’ for 2:1 equivalence, or 4 out of 5, dobry 'good' for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Holders of a good Licenciado from a recognised university, or a Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializados (DESE) from a recognised Polytechnic Institution, with a minimum overall grade of 16 out of 20, bom com distinção ‘good with distinction’, for 2:1 equivalence, or 14 out of 20, bom ‘good’, for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in Qatar will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Holders of a good Diplomă de Licenţă, Diplomă de Inginer, Diplomă de Urbanist Diplomat, Diplomă de Arhitect, Diplomă de Farmacist or Diplomã de Doctor-Medic Arhitect (Bachelors degree) from a recognised Romanian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 8 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalence, or 7 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Holders of a good Диплом Бакалавра (Bakalavr) degree with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 from recognised universities in Russia may be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes/MPhil degrees. 

Students who hold a 4-year Bachelor degree with at least 16/20 or 70% will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.   

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in the Saudi Arabia will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Students who hold a Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies,Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. A score of 14-15/20 or Bien from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 12-13/20 or Assez Bien is considered comparable to a UK 2.2

Students who hold a Bachelor (Honours) degree from a recognised institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 (or a score of 60-69% or B+) from a well ranked institution will be considered for most our Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees with a 2:1 requirement.

Students holding a good Bachelors Honours degree will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a good three-year Bakalár or pre-2002 Magister from a recognised Slovakian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 1.5, B, Vel’mi dobrý ‘very good’ for 2:1 equivalence, or 2, C, Dobrý ‘good’ for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Holders of a good Diploma o pridobljeni univerzitetni izobrazbi (Bachelors degree), Diplomant (Professionally oriented first degree), Univerzitetni diplomant (Academically oriented first degree) or Visoko Obrazovanja (until 1999) from a recognised Slovenian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 8.0 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalence, or 7.0 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Students who hold a Bachelor Honours degree (also known as Baccalaureus Honores / Baccalaureus Cum Honoribus) from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most Masters programmes will require a second class upper (70%) or a distinction (75%).

Holders of a Masters degree will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a Bachelor degree from a recognised South Korean institution (usually with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average 3.0/4.0 or 3.2/4.5) will be considered for Masters programmes.

Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Título de Licenciado / Título Universitario Oficial de Graduado (Grado) /Título de Ingeniero / Título de Arquitecto from a recognised Spanish university with a minimum overall grade of 7 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalence, or 6 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Holders of a Special or Professional Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in Sri Lanka will be considered for postgraduate taught study.

Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved 60-74% or a CGPA 3.30/4.0 or B+ for 2:1 equivalency, or 55-59% or a CGPA 3.0/4.0 or B for 2:2 equivalency depending on the awarding institution.  

Holders of a good Kandidatexamen (Bachelors degree) or Yrkesexamen (Professional Bachelors degree) from a recognised Swedish Higher Education institution with the majority of subjects with a grade of VG (Val godkänd) for 2:1 equivalency, or G (godkänd) for 2:2 equivalency, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. Holders of a good Kandidatexamen (Bachelors degree) or Yrkesexamen (Professional Bachelors degree) from a recognised Swedish Higher Education institution with the majority of subjects with a grade of VG (Val godkänd), and/or a good Magisterexamen (Masters degree), International Masters degree or Licentiatexamen (comparable to a UK Mphil), will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good " Baccalauréat universitaire/ Diplom / Diplôme; Lizentiat / Licence; Staatsdiplom / Diplôme d'Etat" degree from a recognised Swiss higher education institution (with a minimum GPA of 5/6 or 8/10 or 2/5 (gut-bien-bene/good) for a 2.1 equivalence) will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Syria will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved score of 70%, or ‘very good’ for 2:1 equivalency or 60%, or ‘good’ for 2:2 equivalency.  

Holders of a good Bachelor degree (from 75% to 85% depending upon the university in Taiwan) from a recognised institution will be considered for postgraduate Masters study. Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a good Bachelors degree from a recognised institution will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level. Holders of Bachelors degree from prestigious institutions (see list below) will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4.0 for 2:1 equivalency or 2.7 for 2:2 equivalency. Applicants with grades slightly below these requirements may also be considered for an offer if they have a relevant Bachelors degree, good scores in relevant modules, or relevant work experience.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from all other institutions will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.2/4.0 for 2:1 equivalency, or 2.8 for 2:2 equivalency.

Prestigious institutions: Assumption University Chiang Mai University Chulalongkorn University Kasetsart University Khon Kaen University King Mongkut University of Technology - Thonburi (known as KMUTT or KMUT) Mahidol University Prince of Songla University Srinakharinwirot University Thammasat University

Holders of a bachelor degree with honours from a recognised Caribbean and West Indies university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. 

Students with a Bachelors degree from the following universities may be considered for entry to postgraduate programmes:

• Ateneo de Manila University - Quezon City
• De La Salle University - Manila
• University of Santo Tomas
• University of the Philippines - Diliman

Students from all other institutions with a Bachelors and a Masters degree or relevant work experience may be considered for postgraduate programmes.

Grading Schemes

1-5 where 1 is the highest 2.1 = 1.75 2.2 = 2.25 

Out of 4.0 where 4 is the highest 2.1 = 3.0 2.2 = 2.5

Letter grades and percentages 2.1 = B / 3.00 / 83% 2.2 = C+ / 2.5 / 77%

Holders of a postdoctoral qualification from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.  Students may be considered for PhD study if they have a Masters from one of the above listed universities.

Holders of a Lisans Diplomasi with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0/4.0 from a recognised university will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a Yuksek Diplomasi from a recognised university will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in the UAE will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most Masters programmes will require a second class upper (2.1) or GPA of 3.5/5.0

Holders of a good four-year Bachelors degree/ Диплом бакалавра (Dyplom Bakalavra), Диплом спеціаліста (Specialist Diploma) or a Dyplom Magistra from a recognised institution, with a minimum GPA of 4.0/5.0, 3.5/4, 8/12 or 80% or higher for 2:1 equivalence, or a GPA of 3.5/5.0, 3.0/4, 6/12 or 70% for 2:2 equivalence, depending on the awarding institution, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

The University will consider students who hold an Honours degree from a recognised institution in the USA with a GPA of:

• 2.8 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for entry to programmes with a 2:2 requirement 
• 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for entry to programmes with a 2:1 requirement 

Please note that some subjects which are studied at postgraduate level in the USA, eg. Medicine and Law, are traditionally studied at undergraduate level in the UK.

Holders of the Magistr Diplomi (Master's degree) or Diplomi (Specialist Diploma), awarded by prestigious universities, who have attained high grades in their studies will be considered for postgraduate study.  Holders of the Fanlari Nomzodi (Candidate of Science), where appropriate, will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of the Licenciatura/Título or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Venezuelan university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Scales of 1-5, 1-10 and 1-20 are used, an overall score of 70% or equivalent can be considered equivalent to a UK 2.1.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Maestria or equivalent qualification

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised Vietnamese institution (usually achieved with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average minimum GPA of 7.0 and above) will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.  Holders of a Masters degree (thac si) will be considered for entry to PhD programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree with a minimum GPA of 3.5/5.0 or a mark of 2.0/2.5 (A) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.   

Students who hold a good Bachelor Honours degree will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. 

International Students

You can satisfy our English language requirements in two ways:

• by holding an English language qualification to the right level - IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band
• by taking and successfully completing one of our English courses for international students

Research within the School of Government is aligned to one of three departments and Institutes:

The Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS)

Dr Columba Achilleos-Sarll Feminist and post/decolonial theory; the Women, Peace and Security agenda; civil society and advocacy; visual global politics.

Dr David Bailey Protest, critical political economy and contemporary capitalism

Dr Stephen Bates British politics; Parliamentary Studies (in comparative perspective or focused on the UK Parliament).

Dr Tendayi Bloom Noncitizenship; Statelessness; Migration governance. 

Dr Verena K. Brändle Digital democracy; social media and politics; European politics; border and migration studies; political communication

Dr Sarah Bufkin Racism and racialization; Black Atlantic political thought; Critical Theory; Cultural Studies.

Professor Peter Burnham Restructuring of the state in the global political economy; State theory and radical theories of IPE; Marx and contemporary Marxism; Economic policy and capitalist crisis.

Dr Mwita Chacha Regional integration; International cooperation; Politics of coups d’état; Public opinion.

Dr Licia Cianetti Democracy and institutional change; democratic regression; inclusion and exclusion from policymaking processes; cities and local democracy.

Dr Laurence Cooley Politics of deeply divided societies (especially Northern Ireland and Bosnia and Herzegovina); post-conflict power-sharing; politics of the census and identity categorisation.

Professor David Cutts Political and electoral behaviour; Party campaigning turnout; Civic engagement; Populist parties; Social media and politics. 

Dr May Darwich International Relations Theory and the Middle East; Foreign policies of Middle Eastern states; Identity politics in the Middle East; Security policies in the Middle East.

Professor David Dunn US foreign and security policy; Strategic and security studies, and diplomacy and statecraft.

Dr Rita Floyd Ethics of emergency politics, theories of security (especially securitization theory), the English school and environmental security.

Dr Guiditta Fontana Peace processes and war-to-peace transitions. The design of peace accords, Powersharing and Reform of cultural and educational institutions in conflict-affected societies. Multi-method research designs. Politics of Lebanon, Northern Ireland, North Macedonia.

Dr Emma Foster Environmental politics; gender/sexuality and international relations; gender/sexuality and international relations.

Dr Charlotte Galpin European and national identities; European public sphere and media; Euroscepticism, EU citizenship and social movements; The role of Germany or Britain in Europe; Brexit; Gender and feminist approaches to these topics.

Dr Julie Gilson Japanese foreign policy; East Asian regionalism and institutions; Asia-Europe and Japan-Europe relations; Civil society in Asia; Climate change and environmentalism in Asia.

Dr Ruben Gonzalez-Vicente South-South relations; Global China; the political economy of development, especially in Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean; critical political economy; political geography. 

Dr Tim Haughton Contemporary politics of Central and Eastern Europe; Political campaigning; Party politics; Electoral politics.

Dr Laura Jenkins Feminist political theory; Contemporary political theory and British politics.

Dr Deema Kaneff Resources and Social Change; Postsocialist transformations and global capitalism; Property relations; Markets and moralities; Transnational migration, Social exclusion and inequalities. (Europe, Eastern Europe, Bulgaria and Ukraine)

Dr Peter Kerr British politics; State theory and theories of social and political change; UK party politics and party modernisation; Political leadership and governing strategies in the UK; Citizenship and political participation and political sociology. 

Dr George Kyris International conflict, conflict management and resolution; International organisations, especially the European Union; State recognition; Statehood and sovereignty; Secession; unrecognised/ de facto states.

Professor René Lindstädt American Politics; Political Institutions; Accountability; Representation; Legislative politics and institutions; Elections; Political methodology

Dr Huw Macartney International or Comparative Political Economy; Banking and financial market governance; Globalisation, and historical materialism. 

Dr Cerwyn Moore Political violence; international relations theory; Post-Soviet and post-communist security; Interpretive approaches to global politics and Chechnya.

Dr Richard North Any area of contemporary political philosophy, but particularly on justice and liberal and democratic political philosophy.  

Dr Julian Panke European Union Politics; European Neighbourhood Policy; German foreign policy and Eastern European foreign policies (Poland, Slovakia).

Professor Patrick Porter The interaction of power and ideas in the making of foreign and defence policy in the U.S. and U.K, and in shaping their conflicts, classical realism, strategic thought and great power diplomacy.

Dr Adam Quinn US ‘grand strategy’; American national identity; American foreign and security policy; Ideological contest in American politics (contemporary and historical). 

Dr Robert Ralston International Security; Civil-Military Relations; Grand Strategy.

Dr Richard Shorten Political theory, ideology, and rhetoric; fascism, Marxism and totalitarianism; reactionaries and conservatives; the political thought of Hannah Arendt, Albert Camus and George Orwell; intellectual politics of the Cold War.

Dr Asaf Siniver International mediation and conflict resolution; The politics, diplomacy and history of the Arab-Israeli conflict; The Israeli-Palestinian peace process; Contemporary US foreign policy and Foreign Policy Analysis. 

Dr Nicola Smith Gender and sexuality; Feminist political economy; Queer theory; Biopolitics; Body politics; Sex Work; Obesity; Austerity.

Dr Graham Timmins Areas related to the external relations and foreign policy role of the European Union with specific reference to EU-Russia and German-Russian relations.

Dr Tsering Topgyal Chinese foreign and security policy; Tibet and China’s Nationality Policy; Asia-Pacific security and politics; US-China relations; Sino-Indian relations and Security studies. 

Dr Sevasti-Eleni Vezirgiannidou International Environmental Politics; Climate change politics; Environment and trade negotiations; Environmental Regime effectiveness and compliance and The trade-environment debate.

Dr Marco Vieira Rising powers and global order; South-South political cooperation/identity/institutions, South American/Latin American politics; Brazilian foreign policy and International relations theory. 

Dr Yi Wang Memory politics; Nationalism and national identity; Contemporary China; International relations of East Asia; Political communication 

Dr Robert Watt Military History, power and networks, Small Wars/Insurgencies; Native American History & Politics.

Professor Mark Webber NATO; transatlantic relations; European security; American, Russian and British foreign policy; Theories and practices of security

Dr Mark Wenman Continental philosophy; Contemporary political theory; The philosophy of the social sciences; The history of political thought.

Professor Nicholas Wheeler Trust-building between adversaries, especially nuclear armed states; Nuclear weapons and proliferation. 

Professor Kataryna Wolczuk Politics of Russia and post-Soviet countries; EU’s Eastern policy, Russia’s policy towards the post-Soviet states; Regional integration in the post-Soviet space; Nationalism and national identities (across Europe and Eurasia).

Professor Stefan Wolff -  Ethnic conflict, civil war, post-conflict state-building; Geopolitics and great-power rivalry; Central Asia, South Caucasus, Eastern Europe, Western Balkans, Middle East & North Africa.

Dr Christalla Yakinthou Conflict transformation, particularly post-settlement; Transitional justice both in theory and practice, and transitions in the MENA region; The relationship between constitutional design and transitional justice; Power sharing, Cypriot, Lebanese, and Tunisian politics and conflicts and the right to truth in international law and practice, and issues around enforced disappearance and missing people during conflict.

Dr Sotirios Zartaloudis European Union politics and policies; Migration in Europe; European politics; Discourse

The International Development Department (IDD)

Dr Sameen A. Mohsin Ali Bureaucratic politics; politics of development, donor engagement, and public sector reform; public health, especially with regard to vaccination; politics of South Asia (especially Pakistan)

Dr Philip Amis Urbanisation; Urban policy; Poverty and housing.

Not currently accepting new PhD supervision applications 

Dr Danielle Beswick UK development policy, including parliamentary scrutiny and public engagement in this; UK Africa relations; The UK Conservative Party and development; Politics, identity and security in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Rwanda; Knowledge exchange between universities and legislatures.

Dr Brock Bersaglio The political ecology of biodiversity conservation, wild meat (including food sovereignty), and zoonotic disease in eastern/southern Africa; anti-, post- and settler colonial development studies

Dr Adrian Campbell Public and local government reform, especially in transitional states. 

Professor Nic Cheeseman  Elections and democratization; The formation of a social contract in new democracies; Power-sharing and the politics of inclusion; Populism and strategies of political mobilization; African political thought. 

Dr David Cobley Disability-inclusive approaches to development, especially in the areas of poverty reduction, livelihood development, inclusive education and disaster risk reduction.

Dr Niheer Dasandi Politics of international development and foreign aid; development and human rights; politics of climate change and health; foreign policy and development  

Dr Jonathan Fisher Authoritarianism and authoritarian rule; (in)security and conflict; international politics of aid and peacekeeping; particular interest in sub-Saharan Africa.

Professor David Hudson Politics of leadership and coalitions; public opinion, survey analysis, and experiments; migration decision making; network analysis.

Professor Paul Jackson Conflict and post-conflict reconstruction; security sector reform and international intervention; combatants, politics and social reintegration; peacebuilding; economic development.

Dr Chris Lyon Politics of development; political theory; democracy, participation, decentralisation; social justice; development ethics

Professor Heather Marquette The politics of development and foreign policy; Corruption, kleptocracy and organised crime; Anti-corruption/counter-organised crime strategies and interventions

Dr Claire McLoughlin State legitimacy; The politics of public service delivery; The role of ideas in development.

Dr Emeka Njoku Critical security studies; Terrorism and counter-terrorism; Nonprofit organisations; conflict-related gender/sexual violence; State-civil society relations; peacebuilding.

Professor Fiona Nunan Renewable natural resource governance, management and livelihoods in low- and middle-income countries, especially fisheries and coastal ecosystems and community-based or collaborative governance.

Dr Martin Ottmann Political economy of civil war and development, including peace processes and negotiated settlements; Power-sharing, resource redistribution, elections, and political trust after war. PhD applications relying on advanced statistical research methods, mixed-methods designs, and modern methods of causal inference are particularly welcome. 

Dr Emily Scott Humanitarianism, health, and migration; international organisation (IOs) and international non-governmental organisations (INGOs); state-society relations, particularly in the Middle East; conflict and security; localization and the international politics of aid.

Dr Merisa Thompson Feminist political economy; food and agrarian studies; the politics of gender and development; histories of colonialism, particularly the Caribbean.

Dr Kailing Xie Contemporary Chinese society, Gender and reproductive politics, the politics of nation-building; Civil Society; governance beyond the state; collective memory and emotions; Chinese diaspora;feminist epistemologies and methodologies.

Department of Public Administration and Policy (DPAP)

Dr Koen Bartels Social innovation; Democratic innovation; Public encounters; Urban governance; Action research; Interpretive policy analysis; Communication; Practice theory; Relational public policy and administration.

Dr Karin Bottom   The role of small parties; Comparative politics; Policy analysis; Elections and quantitative methodologies.

Dr May Chu Risk regulation; Collaborative governance; Food safety and sustainability

Dr Abena Dadze-Arthur Transfer and brokering of knowledge across cultural and institutional boundaries. Decolonizing, transforming, and indigenising approaches to public management and governance. The scientific study of subjectivity (Q Methodology)

Dr Stephen Jeffares Projects that draw on social media data to understand change or controversies in public policy. 

Dr Timea Nochta Networks in governance and policy; Complexity; Smart cities, digitalisation and e-government; Climate change and net zero; Network analysis; Mixed methods

Dr Louise Reardon Multi-level governance; Policy networks; Agenda setting; Policy change; Policy implementation; Transport policy; Wellbeing and quality of life; Smart cities. 

Dr Philip Whiteman Policy implementation studies; Central and local government relations; Regulation of local government; Local authority corporate management scrutiny; Public sector performance, procurement and efficiency; Public consultation and participation; Organisation dynamics. 

You will contact your supervisor approximately monthly (every 2 months for part-time students) over the course of your study. Supervisors are experienced in managing the research process and are chosen to complement your area of interest. You will discuss your research with a panel annually. The panel is chaired by an experienced researcher from the department, and includes your supervisor and another member of staff. It provides an important opportunity to present progress on your research and to have a wider discussion about your work.

Your supervisor will read and comment on drafts of your thesis before it is finally submitted. An external and an internal examiner (who will not be your supervisor) will then examine it, and will meet with you for a viva. They will judge whether your thesis demonstrates:

• Knowledge of the relevant academic literature
• Skill in use of research methods
• Independent investigation
• Clear presentation of information
• Arguments presented in a coherent and appropriate form

The requirement for PhDs is that the work is an original contribution to knowledge that is worthy of publication.

If I gain a postgraduate research degree in this area, what are my career prospects?

Birmingham’s Political Science and International Studies graduates develop transferable skills that are useful in many occupations. These include familiarity with research methods; the ability to manage large and diverse quantities of information; the ability to organise information in a logical and coherent manner; judging and evaluating complex information; and making reasoned arguments, both orally, in tutorials and presentations, and in written work. There are many careers where a political science and international studies degree is useful and past graduates have entered areas including commercial management, finance, administration, politics, and even the armed forces. Some of our PhD graduates also continue onto successful careers in academic research and teaching.

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What is a “Political Science PhD?”

Political Science studies power relationships. The word “politics” has its origins in the Greek word, “politika” – which involves people making collective decisions. Political scientists use statistical methods, measurements and research analysis to study power relationships.

What Does a Person Learn?

The Political Science Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) teaches people how to gather, analyze and organize data that can be used by leaders to make sound public policy.

What Do Political Scientists Do?

Political scientists help decision-makers create public policy. Specific tasks include urban planning, social services and business regulation. Political scientists publish academic reports, research articles, and books too.

Required Courses

These are the typical courses that are required for a Political Science PhD:

• Technical Writing

Minors (Concentrations)

These are some minor areas of study:

• Elections (Voting)
• International Relations (Foreign Policy)
• Municipal Services
• Political Economy
• Public Policy & Administration

Accreditation for Teaching Institutions

A Doctorate’s value depends upon the quality of the teaching institution issuing the diploma. Due to the vast amount of time, energy and money invested in acquiring a PhD, it is wise to ensure that the school is accredited. The United States Department of Education regulates accrediting agencies.

The following is a list of some accreditation organizations:

• Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
• Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
• Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)

There are also six regional accreditation organizations.

PhD Job Prospects

Future outlook.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that the number of jobs for Political Science Doctors will increase faster than average because many political scientists are reaching retirement age.

Skills Acquired

Political scientists must be able to think logically, read analytically, and communicate effectively.

Political science PhD’s are valuable for administrators, economists, journalists, lawyers, managers, political activists, politicians, professors, social scientists, sociologists, teachers, and urban planners.

Here are the most common employers:

• Community organizations
• Government (employs six out of ten Political Science PhD holders)
• Legal firms
• Political parties
• Social advocacy groups
• Think tanks
• Universities

Work Environment

The Political Science Doctor will primarily work for either a government or school in office and field environments.

Most office environments will be clean and well-lit; political scientists will research, analyze and publish their conclusions.

During political campaigns, these experts will conduct public opinion surveys, write press releases, and raise funds at all times of the day and on weekends.

Professors will primarily teach students, and write course curriculum. Teachers have flexibility in their schedules, usually with evenings, weekends and the summer free.

Job Salaries

The BLS estimates that the average salary for a Political Scientist Doctor (May 2008) was $104,130.

Career Advancement

Political scientists can advance their careers by becoming administrators, consultants, judges, lawmakers, and politicians.

Online Offerings

Here are some online offerings:

Euclid Intergovernmental University New York, NY 10017 Telephone: 212-537-4048 Web: www.euclid.int Degree: Doctor of Diplomacy and International Affairs

George Washington University Washington, DC 20052 Telephone: 202-994-1000 Web: www.gwu.edu Degree: Political Science PhD

Walden University Baltimore, MD 21202-4346 Telephone: 866-492-5336 Web: www.waldenu.edu Degree: Public Policy and Administration PhD

Offline Offerings

Institutions offering Political Science PhD’s:

University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 Telephone: 205-348-6010 Web: www.ua.edu

American University Washington, DC 20016 Telephone: 202-885-1000 Web: www.american.edu

University of Arizona Tucson, AZ 85721 Telephone: 520-621-2211 Web: www.arizona.edu

Arizona State University Mesa, AZ 85212 Telephone: 480-727-3278 Web: www.asu.edu

Auburn University Auburn, AL 36849 Telephone: 334-844-4000 Web: www.auburn.edu

University of Baltimore Baltimore, MD 21201 Telephone: 410-837-4200 Web: www.ubalt.edu

Baylor University Waco, Texas 76798 Telephone: 800-BAYLOR-U Web: www.baylor.edu

Boston College Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 Telephone: 617-552-8000 Web: www.bc.edu

Boston University Boston, MA 02215 Telephone: 617-353-2000 Web: www.bu.edu

Brandeis University Waltham, MA 02453 Telephone: 781-736-2000 Web: www.brandeis.edu

Brown University Providence, RI 02912 Telephone: 401-863-1000 Web: www.brown.edu

The University of California Oakland, CA 94607 Telephone: 510-987-9200 Web: www.universityofcalifornia.edu

California Institute of Technology Pasadena, CA 91125 Telephone: 626-395-6811 Web: www.caltech.edu

Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Telephone: 412-268-2000 Web: www.cmu.edu

Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, OH 44106 Telephone: 216-368-2000 Web: www.case.edu

Catholic University of America Washington, DC 20017 Telephone: 202-319-4494 Web: www.cua.edu

University of Chicago Chicago, IL 60637-1546 Telephone: 773-702-1234 Web: www.uchicago.edu

University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH 45221 Telephone: 513-556-4335 Web: www.uc.edu

Claremont Graduate University Claremont, CA 91711 Telephone 909-621-8000 Web: www.cgu.edu

Clark Atlanta University Atlanta, Georgia 30314 Telephone: 404-880-6672 Web: www.cau.edu

University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309-0001 Telephone: 303-492-1411 Web: www.colorado.edu

Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO 80523 Telephone: 877-491-4336 Web: www.colostate.edu

Columbia University New York, NY 10027-6902 Telephone: 212-854-1754 Web: www.columbia.edu

University of Connecticut Storrs, CT 06269 Telephone: 860-486-2000 Web: www.uconn.edu

Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853 Telephone: 607-254-4636 Web: www.cornell.edu

City University of New York New York, NY 10016-4309 Telephone: 877-428-6942 Web: www.gc.cuny.edu

University of Dallas Irving, Texas 75062 Telephone: 972-721-5000 Web: www.udallas.edu

University of Delaware Newark, DE 19716-0099 Telephone: 302-831-2000 Web: www.udel.edu

University of Denver Denver, CO 80208 Telephone: 303-871-2886 Web: www.du.edu

Duke University Durham, NC 27708 Telephone: 919-684-8111 Web: www.duke.edu

Emory University Atlanta, GA 30322 Telephone: 404-727-6123 Web: www.emory.edu

Florida International University Miami, Florida 33199 Telephone: 305-348-2000 Web: www.fiu.edu

Florida State University Tallahassee, FL 32306 Telephone: 850-644-2525 Web: www.fsu.edu

University of Florida Gainesville, FL 32611 Telephone: 352-392-3261 Web: www.ufl.edu

George Washington University Washington, DC 20052 Telephone: 202-994-1000 Web: www.gwu.edu

Georgetown University Washington, DC 20057 Telephone: 202-687-0100 Web: www.georgetown.edu

Georgia State University Atlanta, GA 30303-3044 Telephone: 404-413-2000 Web: www.gsu.edu

University of Georgia Athens, GA 30602-6755 Telephone: 706-542-3000 Web: www.uga.edu

Harvard University Cambridge, MA 02138-3654 Telephone: 617-495-1814 Web: www.harvard.edu

University of Hawaii Honolulu, HI 96822 Telephone: 808-956-8111 Web: www.uhm.hawaii.edu

Howard University Washington, DC 20059 Telephone: 202-806-6100 Web: www.howard.edu

Idaho State University Pocatello, ID 83209 Telephone: 208-282-0211 Web: www.isu.edu

University of Illinois Urbana, IL 61801 Telephone: 217-333-0302 Web: www.illinois.edu

Indiana University Bloomington, IN 47405 Telephone: 812-855-2328 Web: www.indiana.edu

University of Iowa Iowa City, IA 52242 Telephone: 319-335-5500 Web: www.uiowa.edu

Johns Hopkins University Washington, DC 20036 Telephone: 202-663-5600 Web: www.sais-jhu.edu

University of Kansas Lawrence, KS 66045-7593 Telephone: 785-864-4450 Web: www.nhm.ku.edu

Kent State University Kent, OH 44240 Telephone: 330-672-3000 Web: www.kent.edu

University of Kentucky Lexington, KY 40506 Telephone: 859-257-9000 Web: www.uky.edu

Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, LA 70803 Telephone: 225-578-1175 Web: www.lsu.edu

Loyola University Chicago Chicago, IL 60660 Telephone: 773-274-3000 Web: www.luc.edu

University of Maryland College Park, MD 20742-5241 Telephone: 301-405-7002 Web: www.umd.edu

University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA 01002 Telephone: 413-545-4824 Web: www.umass.edu

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, MA 02142 Telephone: 617-253-1000 Web: www.mit.edu

Miami University Oxford, OH 45056 Telephone: 513-529-1809 Web: www.muohio.edu

University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1316 Telephone: 734-764-1817 Web: www.umich.edu

Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824 Telephone: 517-355-1855 Web: www.msu.edu

University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN 55455-0153 Telephone: 612-625-5000 Web: admissions.tc.umn.edu

Mississippi State University Starkville, MS 39759 Telephone: 662-325-9429 Web: www.msstate.edu

University of Mississippi University, MS 38677 Telephone: 662-915-7474 Email: [email protected]

University of Missouri Columbia, MO 65211 Telephone: 800-856-2181 Web: www.missouri.edu

University of Nebraska Lincoln, NE 68588 Telephone: 402-472-7211 Web: www.unl.edu

University of Nevada, Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV 89103 Telephone: 702-871-0200 Web: www.unlv.edu

University of New Mexico Albuquerque, NM 87131 Telephone: 505-277-0111 Web: www.unm.edu

University of New Orleans New Orleans, LA 70122 Telephone: 504-280-6000 Web: www.uno.edu

New School University New York, NY 10011-8603 Telephone: 212-388-1574 Web: www.newschool.edu

New York University New York, NY 10012 Telephone: 212-998-1212 Web: www.nyu.edu

University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, NC 27515 Telephone: 919-962-2211 Web: www.unc.edu

North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC 27607 Telephone: 919-515-2011 Web: www.ncsu.edu

University of North Texas Denton, TX 76201 Telephone: 940-565-3225 Web: www.unt.edu

Northeastern University Boston, MA 02115 Telephone: 617-373-2000 Web: www.neu.edu

Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ 86011 Telephone: 928-523-3111 Web: home.nau.edu

Northern Illinois University Dekalb, IL 60115-2366 Telephone: 815-753-9000 Web: www.niu.edu

Northwestern University Evanston, IL 60208 Telephone: 847-491-3741 Web: www.northwestern.edu

University of Notre Dame Notre Dame, IN 46556 Telephone: 574-631-5000 Web: www.nd.edu

Ohio State University Columbus, OH 43210 Telephone: 614-292-OHIO Web: www.osu.edu

University of Oklahoma Norman, OK 73019 Telephone: 405-325-0311 Web: www.ou.edu

University of Oregon Eugene, OR 97403 Telephone: 541-346-1000 Web: www.uoregon.edu

Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA 16802 Telephone: 814-865-5471 Web: www.psu.edu

University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA 19104 Telephone: 215-898-5000 Web: www.upenn.edu

University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, PA 15260 Telephone: 412-624-4141 Web: www.pitt.edu

Princeton University Princeton, NJ 08544 Telephone: 609-258-3000 Web: www.princeton.edu

Purdue University West Lafayette, IN 47907 Telephone: 765-494-4600 Web: www.purdue.edu

Rice University Houston, TX 77005-1827 Telephone: 713-348-0000 Web: www.rice.edu

University of Rochester New York, NY 10017-3620 Telephone: 212-953-7240 Web: www.rochester.edu

Rutgers University New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8530 Telephone: 732-445-4636 Web: www.rutgers.edu

University of South Carolina Columbia, SC 29208 Telephone: 803-777-7000 Web: www.sc.edu

University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA 90089-9003 Telephone: 213-740-2738 Web: www.usc.edu

Southern Illinois University Carbondale, IL 62901-4304 Telephone: 618-453-2121 Web: www.siu.edu

Stanford University Stanford, CA 94305 Telephone: 650-723-2300 Web: www.stanford.edu

State University of New York at Albany Albany, New York 12246 Telephone: 518-320-1100 Web: www.albany.edu

Syracuse University Syracuse, NY 13210 Telephone: 315-443-3867 Web: www.syr.edu

Temple University Philadelphia, PA 19122 Telephone: 215-204-7000 Web: www.temple.edu

University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 37996 Telephone: 865-974-1000 Web: www.utk.edu

University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX 78701-2982 Telephone: 512-499-4200 Web: www.utexas.edu

Texas A&M University College Station, TX 77843 Telephone: 979-845-1060 Web: www.tamu.edu

Texas Tech University Lubbock, TX 79409 Telephone: 806-742-2011 Web: www.ttu.edu

Tulane University New Orleans, LA 70118 Telephone: 504-865-5000 Web: www.tulane.edu

University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT 84112 Telephone: 801-581-7200 Web: www.utah.edu

Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tennessee 37240 Telephone: 615-322-7311 Web: www.vanderbilt.edu

University of Virginia Charlottesville, VA 22908 Telephone: 434-924-0311 Web: www.virginia.edu

Washington State University Pullman, WA 99164 Telephone: 509-335-3564 Web: www.wsu.edu

Washington University in St. Louis St. Louis, MO 63130 Telephone: 314-935-5000 Web: www.wustl.edu

University of Washington Seattle, WA 98195 Telephone: 206-543-2100 Web: www.washington.edu

Wayne State University Detroit, MI 48202 Telephone: 877-WSU-INFO Web: www.wayne.edu

West Virginia University Morgantown, WV 26505-2807 Telephone: 304-598-4890 Web: www.health.wvu.edu

Western Michigan University Kalamazoo MI 49008-5200 Telephone: 269-387-1000 Web: www.wmich.edu

University of Wisconsin Madison, WI 53706-1481 Telephone: 608-263-2400 Web: www.wisc.edu

Yale University New Haven, CT 06520-8323 Telephone: 203-737-1777 Web: www.yale.edu

Top Ranked Doctoral Programs

Search for other great programs, 3 responses to “political science programs”.

I am in Angola, master in political science, now I want complete my PhD online program, if right, give me total informations about university, fees, curriculum and so on

Are you sure George Washington U. offers an online Ph.d.? Can you confirm this? I only see a masters degree online.

I am much more eager to pursue PhD online in Political Science. I hope you would inform me soon regarding the process.

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Political Science, PHD

On this page:, at a glance: program details.

• Location: Tempe campus
• Second Language Requirement: No

Program Description

Degree Awarded: PHD Political Science

The PhD program in political science is intended to develop scholars who demonstrate a high level of excellence in teaching and research as professional political scientists. It offers a variety of areas of specialization within and between the four main subfields of political science: American politics, comparative politics, international relations and political theory. Students interested in a political theory specialization should consult with the academic unit prior to application.

Program faculty have particular strengths in Latino and Latina politics, women and politics, ethnoreligious dynamics, political violence, human rights, political psychology and political economy.

The school is host to the Center for Latina/os and American Politics Research, the Future Security Initiative and an experimental lab. Faculty are also affiliated with other centers at ASU, such as the Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab; the Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict; the Melikian Center for Russian, Eurasian and East European Studies; as well as the Center for the Study of Economic Liberty. Many faculty members are active in collaborative interdisciplinary research at ASU and with scholars at other universities, and they have won major grants and awards, as have the school's doctoral students.

Degree Requirements

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (3 credit hours) POS 503 Empirical Political Inquiry (3)

Electives and Research (69 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) POS 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information A maximum of 12 credit hours of approved coursework outside the department but within ASU may count toward the required 84 credit hours.

Coursework beyond the 12-credit-hour maximum may be taken outside the department with permission of both the director of Graduate Studies and the faculty advisor.

When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, this program allows 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to be used for this degree. If students do not have a previously awarded master's degree, the 30 hours of coursework is made up of electives and research to reach the required 84 credit hours.

Also required is a formal oral defense of the dissertation and a written comprehensive examination in the major field.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• personal statement
• writing sample
• three letters of recommendation
• list of political science courses taken
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

ASU does not accept the GRE® General Test at home edition.

To assist in evaluating all candidates, the applicant should list titles and related information for all previous undergraduate and graduate courses or coursework in political science or related fields. The file must be saved in a .pdf, .doc, .rtf or .txt format and uploaded with the online graduate admission application. The information should be in a table with the following column headings: Course Title, Undergrad Credit Hours, Graduate Credit Hours, Grade, Institution, Year.

Undergraduate coursework in political science is not a prerequisite for admission. However, applicants to the doctoral program should have a basic understanding of elementary statistics and the undergraduate content of the political science fields of specialization that they wish to study. Students without this background should allow sufficient time to acquire it.

The personal statement (one to three pages) should describe the areas of political science the applicant wishes to study, post-graduation goals, and why the School of Politics and Global Studies is the best fit for the applicant. Applicants may also mention any particular faculty members with whom they are interested in working and why, as well as provide context for any discrepancies in their educational background.

The writing sample is typically a previously written research or other similar paper that best demonstrates the applicants critical thinking and writing skills in political science or a related field. There is not a length requirement for the writing sample, but it should be of sufficient level to allow the admissions committee to evaluate the applicant's knowledge and skills.

Students are expected to take courses for the first four semesters that will prepare them for comprehensive exams by the beginning of their fifth semester.  Each subfield has required methods courses, research courses, and core seminars for major and minor fields and these must be included on the IPOS. The faculty advisor and the student will set timelines for course completion and exams, bearing in mind the goal of being prepared to take comprehensive exams by the beginning of the fifth semester at ASU. 

A minimum of 84 hours is required.

Core Courses (3 credits)

POS 503 - Empirical Political Inquiry

Research methods and techniques of the discipline, emphasizing empirical foundations and analytic methods employed in subfields.

Electives and Research (69 credits – 39 if previous MA applied to program)

If your field is American Politics:

• POS 603 - Polimetrics I
• POS 604 - Polimetrics II
• POS 530 - American Politics
• Three elective courses in subfield

If you field is Comparative Politics:

• POS 550 - Comparative Politics

If your field is International Relations:

• POS 560 - International Relations
• POS 604 – Polimetrics II or approved Methods course

Culminating Experience (12 credits)

POS 799 – Dissertation

Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs, apply to a program, visit our campus, application deadlines, career opportunities.

Program graduates have a strong track record of obtaining positions in academic, public and private sectors. The program works closely with students so they have the opportunity and tools needed to achieve their career goals. The doctoral program provides advanced education for students preparing for teaching, research or applied careers in political science in government, nonprofits and the private sector.

Career examples include:

• campaign consultant
• campaign strategist
• data analyst
• research specialist
• tenure-track or instructional faculty in political science

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

• [email protected]
• 480/965-8563

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Ph.d. in political science.

We are ranked as a top-ten research department and our graduate program has an excellent job placement record. Over the past decade, the vast majority of our PhD graduates have gone on to attain tenure-track positions, and many other students have become leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. 

In addition to a demanding sequence of courses during the first two years, our graduates begin working with faculty from the very first day, to gain an appreciation of the challenges involved in producing innovative research.

This paves the way to their own intellectual development, the first major milestone of which is a solo-authored research paper to be presented to the department during their second year in the program. From that point on, until the completion of the dissertation in year five, the focus is primarily on independent and collaborative research.

Our graduate program is organized around subfields that address major theoretical questions about political life, encourage collaboration across intellectual boundaries, and place us at the frontiers of the discipline. As a graduate student here, you will become certified in two major fields and gain exposure to other fields through our graduate workshop series.

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PhD in Political Science

You are here: american university school of public affairs phd programs phd political science.

PhD Political Science (On-Campus)

Dive deeply into US and global politics. Learn empirical methods that allow you to produce meaningful research with profound impact. Prepare yourself for university-level teaching.

(202) 885-6230

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202-885-6203

Fax: 202-885-2967

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At the Heart of Policy and Politics

The PhD in Political Science at the School of Public Affairs draws from the breadth and depth of intellectual resources within the Department of Government and across American University, providing our students with rigorous substantive and methodological training. Students work closely with prominent scholars who have made major contributions to academic research and national and global policy via cutting-edge research and professional activities.

Our students organize their programs around a choice of three fields of study. For their primary and secondary fields, students specialize in American politics, comparative politics, or political methodology. Students may also take courses in other departments and schools within the university and even at other Washington, DC-area universities.

Learn and Make Professional Connections

In addition to their coursework, doctoral students are introduced into the discipline and make professional connections through a variety of research workshops in the Department of Government and the School of Public Affairs. They also benefit from exposure to activities, conferences, and research opportunities offered by the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies , the Women & Politics Institute , the Center for Data Science , and the Center for Environmental Policy , all of which are directed by Department of Government faculty.

Publish and Present

We encourage graduate students to present research papers at major academic conferences, co-author papers with faculty members, publish in top journals, and seek prestigious awards to fund their research. All students receive a yearly stipend to attend research conferences.

Become an Expert

Our students wield multiple skills at graduation. They have already produced original research and taught classes, and are prepared for careers in academia and beyond.

The PhD degree in Political Science requires 36 credit hours of approved graduate work. Most students complete 12 credits in their primary field of study, 12 credits in research design and methodology, 6 credits in their secondary field of study, and 6 credits of electives, which they choose in consultation with their advisor.

As work on the dissertation project progresses, students register for dissertation credit to maintain active status. They take  Doctoral Continuing Enrollment (GOVT-898)  during the third year of study and  Doctoral Dissertation (GOVT-899)  after their dissertation proposal is approved.

A minimum grade point average of 3.20 in all coursework is required to remain in good standing and to earn the degree. Full-time status is considered to be nine credit hours per semester. Students are expected to complete the degree in four to five years.

Students advance to PhD candidacy by successfully completing all required courses, passing a qualifier paper and two written comprehensive exams (one in each of their fields of study), and defending their dissertation proposal. To earn the degree, students must complete the dissertation and pass a final oral defense of the dissertation.

More information about course requirements can be found here .

For more information, please contact the SPA Graduate Admissions Office at 202-885-6230 or  [email protected] .

Applicants are considered and students admitted for the fall semester only. Please refer to the  application deadlines  page for the deadline to apply. 

While previous academic or professional work in politics or political science is not required, applicants need to demonstrate a serious commitment to a career in this field. The personal statement on reasons for pursuing graduate study in the program is essential, along with the other required application materials .

We accept PhD applicants for full-time study only. Students must be funded either by the School of Public Affairs or by an external sponsoring organization (self-funding is not permitted for newly admitted doctoral students).

For more information, please contact the SPA Graduate Admissions Office at 202-885-6230 or [email protected] .

The PhD in Political Science is a 36-credit-hour program. To estimate the cost of tuition, please see the  current cost per credit hour  for graduate students.

Unless applicants expect to be funded through a reliable external source, they must request consideration for funding on their application. Upon acceptance into the program, students selected for AU funding are granted a fellowship with full funding for four years of study, contingent on maintaining satisfactory progress each year. Some limited funding is available on a competitive basis for a fifth year of study.

As a requirement for the fellowship, students work 20 hours a week with a faculty member. If possible, our graduate office will assign students to faculty members with expertise in their areas of research interest. 

Students must advance to candidacy by the end of their third year of study to continue receiving funding.

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Doctoral Program

Earn your Ph.D. in political science at USC and join a community of dedicated scholars in a vibrant, collaborative department. As a university located in the state’s capital city, you’ll have access to resources and expansive opportunities through community partnerships. 

Our Ph.D. program provides advanced scholarly understanding of political science including international relations. Through a specialized course of study, you will develop the knowledge, theoretical perspectives and methodological skills necessary for conducting research and teaching in these fields. 

Ph.D. Program at a Glance 

Doctoral candidates choose a primary and secondary field from one of several fields of inquiry: 

• American politics
• Comparative politics
• International relations
• Political theory
• Public administration and public policy
• Research methodology (secondary field only)

These fields determine the courses taken as well as a likely topic for a dissertation. Learn more about these fields. 

Support for your research 

The university offers many resources to support research, and our department is a collaborative environment where faculty and scholars work together to advance new ideas. Students have the opportunity to publish research, which provides an edge in seeking academic jobs. 

Some recent student article titles include: 

• How voters hold the European People’s Party accountable in European Parliament elections
• Power concentration or parity? The conditional influence of power distribution in regional economic integration
• How U.S. voters elect prosecutors: evidence from a conjoint experiment 

Journals where student work has been featured: 

• Social Science Quarterly
• Justice System Journal
• Journal of International Relations
• Journal of Law and Courts
• International Studies Quarterly
• Political Research Quarterly
• Public Administration Review

Career placements 

Our doctoral graduates have done well in the highly competitive academic job market. From academia to jobs in government, private and public sectors, your degree can equip you for careers where advanced analytical skills and communication of complex ideas are valuable. 

Jobs our grads secured:

• Post-doctoral positions
• Lecturer/instructor
• Assistant professor 

Where they work: 

• University of Chicago
• National Taiwan University
• University of Texas, El Paso
• Georgia State University
• College of Charleston
• Yale University 

Where our grads work:

• United Nations
• US Government
• US Air Force Academy
• US Department of Energy
• SC Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services
• SC Migrant Education Program
• Greenville Hospital
• Republic of Korea Navy 

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.

Online Political Science and Government Programs in America

1-13 of 13 results

Krieger School of Arts & Sciences

Baltimore, MD •

Johns Hopkins University •

Graduate School

• • Rating 4.53 out of 5   19 reviews

Master's Student: I have yet to enroll for Fall 2023 after receiving my acceptance letter due to a delay in my need-based financial aid from JHU. However the Homewood Campus in Baltimore is beautiful and my Student Advisor, Alexis has been extremely helpful in initiating my enrollment process and answering all of my questions in a timely matter. My intended Advanced Academic Program is the accelerated (2 semester), dual-modality, 40-credit M.S. in Biotechnology, Biodefense concentration. All of the anticipated course subjects are diverse and there's even a customizable core lab course on campus (at least until Summer 2024). I can't wait and I wish you all the best in your search for academic programs or professional certifications. ... Read 19 reviews

Johns Hopkins University ,

Graduate School ,

BALTIMORE, MD ,

19 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I have yet to enroll for Fall 2023 after receiving my acceptance letter due to a delay in my need-based financial aid from JHU. However the Homewood Campus in Baltimore is beautiful and my Student... .

Read 19 reviews.

College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences

Blacksburg, VA •

Virginia Tech •

Virginia Tech ,

BLACKSBURG, VA ,

Columbian College of Arts & Sciences

Washington, DC •

George Washington University •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: The course work here is rigorous and exciting and will push you to become the best professional that you can be. Client interactions especially for the speech language pathology graduate program is top notch and they get you working hands on within the first couple weeks of starting the program. The support given by the professors and school are outstanding and I have had nothing but great interactions, even when I've needed help figuring things out. ... Read 2 reviews

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George Washington University ,

WASHINGTON, DC ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The course work here is rigorous and exciting and will push you to become the best professional that you can be. Client interactions especially for the speech language pathology graduate program is... .

Read 2 reviews.

College of Social and Behavioral Science - University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT •

University of Utah •

• • Rating 4.5 out of 5   2 reviews

Alum: There are small class sizes, which allows you to be more interactive with your classmates and teachers. In many subjects, we had in depth dialogue about sensitive topics and the culture provided safe spaces to talk. ... Read 2 reviews

University of Utah ,

SALT LAKE CITY, UT ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says There are small class sizes, which allows you to be more interactive with your classmates and teachers. In many subjects, we had in depth dialogue about sensitive topics and the culture provided safe... .

University of Connecticut College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Storrs, CT •

University of Connecticut •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   1 review

Graduate Student: The University of Connecticut is a very supportive, diverse, academically enriching place for education growth. I have learned a great deal from the very knowledgeable and helpful professors and staff on the West Hartford campus. I think that the campus has a lot to offer with extra curricular activities and involvements and UCONN does a great job of trying to get students involved outside of the classroom. I would highly recommend this campus and the Master's of Social Work program to anyone interested. The parking is convenient, the campus is small, and the environment is personable. I am honored the opportunity to pursue my masters degree at this prestigious university. ... Read 1 review

University of Connecticut ,

STORRS, CT ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says The University of Connecticut is a very supportive, diverse, academically enriching place for education growth. I have learned a great deal from the very knowledgeable and helpful professors and... .

Read 1 reviews.

Helms School of Government

Lynchburg, VA •

Liberty University •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   6 reviews

Master's Student: Liberty University offers a christian approach to real world application so that the student is well rounded and grounded to face life's challenges. The only thing I would like to see different would be for the auto-enrollment program be applicable to more areas of study. ... Read 6 reviews

Liberty University ,

LYNCHBURG, VA ,

6 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Liberty University offers a christian approach to real world application so that the student is well rounded and grounded to face life's challenges. The only thing I would like to see different... .

Read 6 reviews.

• Find college scholarships

College of Public Affairs and Education - University of Illinois at Springfield

Springfield, IL •

University of Illinois Springfield •

• • Rating 4.25 out of 5   4 reviews

Master's Student: University of Illinois Springfield has been amazing the professors have been so helpful I highly recommend. ... Read 4 reviews

University of Illinois Springfield ,

SPRINGFIELD, IL ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says University of Illinois Springfield has been amazing the professors have been so helpful I highly recommend. .

Read 4 reviews.

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences - Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, IL •

Eastern Illinois University •

Eastern Illinois University ,

CHARLESTON, IL ,

College of Humanities and Social Sciences - Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, TX •

Sam Houston State University •

Sam Houston State University ,

HUNTSVILLE, TX ,

University of West Florida College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities

Pensacola, FL •

University of West Florida •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   1 review

Master's Student: Internation Affairs gives you a look into the world from a different perspective. You learn from the start of societies that have originated and how they have changed over time. You explore into the origins of mankind that have evolved into governments or anarchies. This program teaches you about the causes of war and also the violence that occurs around the world. So far this program has taught me a lot to one day work for the government or international affairs. ... Read 1 review

University of West Florida ,

PENSACOLA, FL ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Internation Affairs gives you a look into the world from a different perspective. You learn from the start of societies that have originated and how they have changed over time. You explore into the... .

Southern New Hampshire University Graduate Programs

Manchester, NH •

Southern New Hampshire University •

• • Rating 4.71 out of 5   113 reviews

Master's Student: I am currently in my fifth term at Southern New Hampshire University to achieve my master’s degree in Curriculum Instruction with a Concentration in Reading, with a 3.96 GPA. My classes are online, and each week I participate in a group discussion where I discuss the week's topic with at least two of my peers and instructor. I also complete short papers, journals, or milestones towards the final project. Each week I utilize the textbooks and online resources provided by my instructors to complete the assignments for the week. I am estimated to graduate in October 2024. ... Read 113 reviews

Southern New Hampshire University ,

MANCHESTER, NH ,

113 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I am currently in my fifth term at Southern New Hampshire University to achieve my master’s degree in Curriculum Instruction with a Concentration in Reading, with a 3.96 GPA. My classes are online,... .

Read 113 reviews.

Indiana University - Northwest

• • Rating 3.86 out of 5   14 reviews

Master's Student: I recently ended my first semester as a Graduate student. While I found the experience to be a bit stressful, it was quite rewarding. Supportive staff, advisors, and professors made the journey smoother. ... Read 14 reviews

14 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I recently ended my first semester as a Graduate student. While I found the experience to be a bit stressful, it was quite rewarding. Supportive staff, advisors, and professors made the journey... .

Read 14 reviews.

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School of Arts & Humanities - American Public University System

Charles Town, WV •

American Public University System •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: Teachers are engaging and the coursework is laid out in a manner that is easy to understand. The layout of the course is also easy to work with. ... Read 2 reviews

American Public University System ,

CHARLES TOWN, WV ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Teachers are engaging and the coursework is laid out in a manner that is easy to understand. The layout of the course is also easy to work with. .

Showing results 1 through 13 of 13

Political Science, PhD

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American Politics, Comparative Government, Global Affairs, International Relations, Political Science, government, history, politics

Gain a strong foundation in research methods and substantive content for advanced postgraduate study of political science. The very low student-to-faculty ratio provides exceptional opportunities for research collaboration and guidance throughout the program.

The PhD program in political science is intended to develop scholars who demonstrate a high level of excellence in teaching and research as professional political scientists. It offers a variety of areas of specialization within and between the four main subfields of political science: American politics, comparative politics, international relations and political theory. Students interested in a political theory specialization should consult with the academic unit prior to application.

Program faculty have particular strengths in Latino and Latina politics, women and politics, ethnoreligious dynamics, political violence, human rights, political psychology and political economy.

The school is host to the Center for Latina/os and American Politics Research, the Future Security Initiative and an experimental lab. Faculty are also affiliated with other centers at ASU, such as the Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab; the Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict; the Melikian Center for Russian, Eurasian and East European Studies; as well as the Center for the Study of Economic Liberty. Many faculty members are active in collaborative interdisciplinary research at ASU and with scholars at other universities, and they have won major grants and awards, as have the school's doctoral students.

• College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Location: Tempe

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (3 credit hours) POS 503 Empirical Political Inquiry (3)

Electives and Research (69 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) POS 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information A maximum of 12 credit hours of approved coursework outside the department but within ASU may count toward the required 84 credit hours.

Coursework beyond the 12-credit-hour maximum may be taken outside the department with permission of both the director of Graduate Studies and the faculty advisor.

When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, this program allows 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to be used for this degree. If students do not have a previously awarded master's degree, the 30 hours of coursework is made up of electives and research to reach the required 84 credit hours.

Also required is a formal oral defense of the dissertation and a written comprehensive examination in the major field.

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• personal statement
• writing sample
• three letters of recommendation
• list of political science courses taken
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

ASU does not accept the GRE® General Test at home edition.

To assist in evaluating all candidates, the applicant should list titles and related information for all previous undergraduate and graduate courses or coursework in political science or related fields. The file must be saved in a .pdf, .doc, .rtf or .txt format and uploaded with the online graduate admission application. The information should be in a table with the following column headings: Course Title, Undergrad Credit Hours, Graduate Credit Hours, Grade, Institution, Year.

Undergraduate coursework in political science is not a prerequisite for admission. However, applicants to the doctoral program should have a basic understanding of elementary statistics and the undergraduate content of the political science fields of specialization that they wish to study. Students without this background should allow sufficient time to acquire it.

The personal statement (one to three pages) should describe the areas of political science the applicant wishes to study, post-graduation goals, and why the School of Politics and Global Studies is the best fit for the applicant. Applicants may also mention any particular faculty members with whom they are interested in working and why, as well as provide context for any discrepancies in their educational background.

The writing sample is typically a previously written research or other similar paper that best demonstrates the applicants critical thinking and writing skills in political science or a related field. There is not a length requirement for the writing sample, but it should be of sufficient level to allow the admissions committee to evaluate the applicant's knowledge and skills.

Program graduates have a strong track record of obtaining positions in academic, public and private sectors. The program works closely with students so they have the opportunity and tools needed to achieve their career goals. The doctoral program provides advanced education for students preparing for teaching, research or applied careers in political science in government, nonprofits and the private sector.

Career examples include:

• campaign consultant
• campaign strategist
• data analyst
• research specialist
• tenure-track or instructional faculty in political science

School of Politics and Global Studies | COOR 6801 [email protected] 480-965-8563

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2024 Best Political Science & Government Doctor's Degree Schools

For its 2024 ranking, College Factual looked at 103 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for political science & government students pursuing a doctor's degree. Combined, these schools handed out 654 doctor's degrees in political science & government to qualified students.

What's on this page: * Our Methodology

• Best Doctor’s Degree Schools List

Choosing a Great Political Science & Government School for Your Doctor's Degree

Overall Quality Is a Must

A school that excels in educating for a particular major and degree level must be a great school overall as well. To take this into account we include a school's overall Best Colleges for a Doctor's Degree ranking which itself looks at a host of different factors like degree completion, educational resources, student body caliber and post-graduation earnings for the school as a whole.

Average Early-Career Salaries

Average early-career salary of those graduating with their doctor's degree is one indicator we use in our analysis to find the schools that offer the highest-quality education. That is, everyone wants their doctor's degree to be worth something, and salaries are one measure of determining that.

Other Factors We Consider

The metrics below are just some of the other metrics that we use to determine our rankings.

• Major Focus - How much a school focuses on political science & government students vs. other majors.
• Major Demand - The number of political science & government students who choose to seek a doctor's degree at the school.
• Educational Resources - How many resources are allocated to students. These resources may include educational expenditures per student, number of students per instructor, and graduation rate among other things.
• Student Debt - How much debt political science & government students go into to obtain their doctor's degree and how well they are able to pay back that debt.
• Accreditation - Whether a school is regionally accredited and/or accredited by a recognized political science & government related body.

Our full ranking methodology documents in more detail how we consider these factors to identify the best colleges for political science & government students working on their doctor's degree.

More Ways to Rank Political Science & Government Schools

When choosing the right school for you, it's important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we've created a number of major-specific rankings , including this Best Political Science & Government Doctor's Degree Schools list to help you make the college decision.

Featured Political Science & Government Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

BA in Political Science

Gain a solid understanding of American political history, the current political landscape, and the major political parties with this online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.

Best Schools for Doctorate Students to Study Political Science & Government in the United States

Explore the top ranked colleges and universities for political science & government students seeking a a doctor's degree. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

15 Top Schools for a Doctorate in Political Science

Yale University is a great choice for individuals interested in a doctor's degree in political science & government. Yale is a large private not-for-profit university located in the city of New Haven. More information about a doctorate in political science & government from Yale University

Harvard University is one of the finest schools in the United States for getting a doctor's degree in political science & government. Located in the medium-sized city of Cambridge, Harvard is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. More information about a doctorate in political science & government from Harvard University

University of Chicago is a good option for individuals pursuing a doctor's degree in political science & government. UChicago is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Chicago. More information about a doctorate in political science & government from University of Chicago

Columbia University in the City of New York is a great option for individuals interested in a doctor's degree in political science & government. Columbia is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of New York. More information about a doctorate in political science & government from Columbia University in the City of New York

Located in the large suburb of Stanford, Stanford is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. More information about a doctorate in political science & government from Stanford University

Located in the large city of Houston, Rice is a private not-for-profit university with a medium-sized student population. More information about a doctorate in political science & government from Rice University

UPenn is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Philadelphia. More information about a doctorate in political science & government from University of Pennsylvania

Located in the city of Evanston, Northwestern is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. More information about a doctorate in political science & government from Northwestern University

Located in the small city of Princeton, Princeton is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. More information about a doctorate in political science & government from Princeton University

Duke is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Durham. More information about a doctorate in political science & government from Duke University

Brown is a large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Providence. More information about a doctorate in political science & government from Brown University

Georgetown is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Washington. More information about a doctorate in political science & government from Georgetown University

Located in the small city of Ithaca, Cornell is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. More information about a doctorate in political science & government from Cornell University

Located in the city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. More information about a doctorate in political science & government from Johns Hopkins University

WUSTL is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Saint Louis. More information about a doctorate in political science & government from Washington University in St Louis

Honorable Mentions

Here are some additional great schools for Political Science & Government students that almost earned our Best Political Science & Government Doctor's Degree Schools award.

Political Science & Government by Region

View the Best Political Science & Government Doctor's Degree Schools for a specific region near you.

Other Rankings

Best associate degrees in political science & government, best master's degrees in political science & government, best value in political science & government, best for non-traditional students in political science & government, best online in political science & government, most popular online in political science & government, best bachelor's degrees in political science & government, best overall in political science & government, highest paid grads in political science & government, best for veterans in political science & government, most popular in political science & government, most focused in political science & government.

View All Rankings >

Rankings in Majors Related to Political Science

One of 13 majors within the Social Sciences area of study, Political Science & Government has other similar majors worth exploring.

Political Science Concentrations

Most popular related majors, notes and references.

• The bars on the spread charts above show the distribution of the schools on this list +/- one standard deviation from the mean.
• The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ( IPEDS ) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
• Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s ( College Scorecard ).
• Credit for the banner image above goes to UKWiki at English Wikipedia . More about our data sources and methodologies .

Popular Reports

Compare your school options.

25 Best Online Masters in Political Science [2024 Guide]

If you’re interested in politics on a local, state, national, or global scale and want to expand your education into advanced areas of public policy, then you may consider pursuing an online masters in political science.

A career in political science may allow you to develop, implement, and analyze policy, engage in social advocacy, or play a role in reporting news via various media outlets.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

The annual salary for many political science career paths is well above average, and jobs in the field are predicted to grow over the coming years. This indicates a probable high return on your investment in a master’s degree poli sci program.

Universities Offering Online Master’s in Political Science Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

1. American Public University

Students applying to American Public University’s Master of Arts in Political Science program don’t have to pay an admissions application fee, don’t have to pay a fee to have their transfer credits evaluated, and don’t have to take the GMAT or GRE for admittance. There are four available concentration options.

APUS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

2. Bellevue University

Bellevue University’s Master of Science in Intelligence and Security Studies program is similar in nature to a political science masters program at other schools.

There are three comparative politics specializations and three international relations specializations. Graduates will also earn certificates in strategic deterrence, strategic intelligence, and intelligence and security strategy.

Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

3. East Carolina University

Students in the security studies masters program at Eastern Carolina University will choose from four areas of concentration: science and technology security, environmental health and occupational safety, homeland security policy, and international security.

It’s a good program for students interested in pursuing careers as policy analysts or program administrators.

East Carolina University  is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

4. Eastern Illinois University

Eastern Illinois University’s Master of Arts in Political Science program features a concentration in Public Administration and Public Policy.

It’s a flexible program that can be completed in 3 semesters by full-time students. Students can also choose to take as few as one class a semester until they’ve completed the program.

Eastern Illinois University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of College and Schools.

5. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University offers a Master of Liberal Studies program with a concentration in Political Science. Students will take four core courses, six concentration-specific courses, and one culminating experience course.

The entire program requires 31 credits for completion. Classes include policy analysis, information literacy, constitutional law, and political behavior.

FHSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

6. George Washington University

Students in George Washington University’s political management masters program will learn a lot about fundraising, campaign management, polling and strategic research techniques, and political communications.

The degree is firmly rooted in political science, but whereas political science teaches students about these topics, political management teaches them to actively do these things.

GWU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

7. Harvard University

The government and political science masters program at Harvard University allows students to choose to complete either a final thesis or a capstone project. The degree can be earned mostly online, but there are three required on-campus classes. Students can also earn additional graduate certificates in one of five concentrations.

Harvard University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

8. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University’s Master of Arts in Government program allows students to collaborate and network with peers from a myriad of different professional and academic backgrounds. There are 12 total courses and 3 available concentrations in security studies, political communication, and democracy studies, governance, and leadership.

Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

9. Liberty University

The Master of Science in Political Science program from Liberty University can be completed in under 2 years. The program is conducted 100% online via 8 week courses, and up to half the required credits can be transferred from another school. The curriculum is designed to deliver a comprehensive political education.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

10. Northeastern University

Northeastern University’s Master of Arts in Political Science program is available to both full-time and part-time students. For full-time students, it usually takes about 2 years to finish. There are 32 total required credits and 5 concentration options to choose from. Students can also participate in optional co-op experiences.

Northeastern University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

11. Norwich University

Students in the Master of Arts in Diplomacy program at Norwich University can select from one of the following concentrations: international terrorism, conflict management, international commerce, or cyber diplomacy. The program is largely online, but there’s a required one-week residency on campus. All class sizes are capped at 15 students.

Norwich University  is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

12. Ohio University

Ohio University’s Master of Public Administration has four separate concentrations from which students can choose. All coursework can be completed online, and most students finish in about 2 years. It’s a nationally recognized program that teaches students about political science and about having a voice for advocacy and change.

Ohio University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

13. Oregon State University

Oregon State University offers both Master and Executive Master of Public Policy degrees online. The executive program requires 45 credits for completion, and the regular masters program requires 62 credits. Both programs are fully accredited, and the classes and curricula are developed and taught by the school’s renowned faculty.

Oregon State University  is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

14. Pennsylvania State University – World Campus

Pennsylvania State University – World Campus has a 36 credit Master of Public Administration program consisting of 21 core credits, 12 elective credits, and a 3 credit masters project.

Course topics include human resources in public and nonprofit sectors, research methods, organizational behavior, intro to policy analysis, and governmental fiscal decision-making.

Pennsylvania State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

15. Regent University

Students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Campaigns and Political Leadership program at Regent University can select concentrations from leadership and ethics, policy studies, marketing and communication, and information studies and data analytics.

The program is good for students interested in becoming campaign marketing specialists, political consultants, or campaign managers.

Regent University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

16. Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University’s political science masters program is a good choice for students hoping to continue on to doctoral programs, teach at the postsecondary level, or pursue careers within various nonprofit organizations.

It requires between 30 credits to 36 credits for completion, depending on whether students select the thesis or non-thesis option.

Sam Houston State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

17. Southern Utah University

Students in the Master of Public Administration program at Southern Utah University who are interested in political science can select the state and local government emphasis.

With this emphasis, students will learn about public sector economics, administrative law, political systems, public human resources management, and other political science-related subjects. The entire program requires 36 credits for completion.

Southern Utah University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

18. Sul Ross State University

Sul Ross State University offers masters programs in both political science and public administration. They’re similar programs, but public administration is geared more towards students currently working or pursuing careers in public service. Political science, on the other hand, is better for those hoping to become professors in the field.

Sul Ross State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

19. University of Illinois – Springfield

University of Illinois – Springfield offers an online political science masters program specifically designed for working professionals in many different fields. This program offers flexible schedules that allow students to tailor their curricula to their own interests and career goals. Students can also earn graduate certificates in practical politics as well.

The University of Illinois Springfield  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

20. University of Miami

The Master of Public Administration program at University of Miami is a practice-based program taught by world-renowned faculty.

For most students, it can be completed in 24 months, and there are plenty of scholarships available for eligible students. Notable courses include political analysis, organizational dynamics, and political environment of business.

The  University of Miami  is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

21. University of Nebraska – Omaha

Students enrolled in the Master of Science in Political Science program at University of Nebraska – Omaha should leave the program with firm, comprehensive foundations in both political science and other interdisciplinary studies.

There are available concentrations in American government and international affairs. Additional graduate certificates can also be earned.

UNO  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

22. University of West Florida

University of West Florida’s online Master of Arts in Political Science program puts a heavy focus on both American and international politics. It can’t be taken by students in every state, but the students who are enrolled in the program will study current events, international governments, politics, and public policy.

The  University of West Florida  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

23. Villanova University

Students in Villanova University’s public administration masters program will learn about human capital management strategies, leadership ethics and value-based decision-making, effective management practices for government agencies and nonprofits, and the role of strategic planning and management.

Students can also earn additional graduate certificates in public administration, nonprofit management, or city management.

Villanova University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

24. Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech’s is named as one of the best universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

In their Master of Arts in Political Science program, there are three required courses, four elective courses, and three required thesis and research courses. Course topics include contemporary political theory, electronic governance, American foreign policy, and global governance.

Virginia Tech  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

25. Western New Mexico University

Students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies program at Western New Mexico University can choose from several different subjects in various disciplines. This includes a political science option. Students will be required to select at least one additional concentration area to meet the requirements of the degree.

Western New Mexico University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Online Masters in Political Science Programs

Earning your masters in poli sci may offer you the opportunity to work in various fields, including public administration and government, private business, nonprofit, and academia.

As part of your studies, you may take traditional or online courses that focus on political and economic analysis, terrorism and public policy, legal and political issues related to the military, American and foreign public policy, and national security.

Other courses may have you focus on learning current and emerging trends in politics, understanding the functioning of American congress, analyzing urban and rural issues related to policy, and discussing various political movements over the years.

Poli sci curriculum may also extend into a review of international politics and the impact of governance concerning culture. Common areas include Latin American, Western European, and Russian politics.

An online political science masters degree from one of the top online colleges for your needs may prepare you for various career paths, including political scientist, urban and regional planner, reporter, and news broadcaster.

With a position in political science, you may have the opportunity to play a key role in governance and political institutions. You may support the planning and development of public policy within government institutions at a state, national, and international level.

A career as a political scientist may also require you to track changes in the social and political climate and assess the impact that policy may have on various groups of the population.

You may also perform research and analysis on various political topics. These topics may include everything from voting behavior, public opinion, and political theory to international relations and comparative politics.

Positions in urban and regional planning may allow you to help manage and grow communities. You may work with various levels of government, contractors, political institutions, and members of the public to develop plans and strategies for land use, the economy, and environmental projects.

Working as a reporter or broadcast news analyst may allow you to perform research for articles or news reports. Your tasks may include gathering facts, information, analysis, and opinions on trending topics.

Positions in media may also require you to interpret current events and communicate opinions, facts, and information through various mediums, such as written news, radio, and television.

Political Science Careers & Salaries

There are several political science career paths available with a master’s degree online. These include positions in all levels of government agencies, such as municipal, state, national, and international government bodies.

Other paths may include being a member of a political campaign or party, working within media and news organizations, or working for nonprofits and being involved in social advocacy.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , there is a wide range of positions you may pursue with a masters from online programs in political science.

Earning your master’s in political science may also qualify you for some teaching positions.

While many postsecondary institutions require instructors to hold a PhD, others may allow a masters degree as an entry-level educational requirement. Several careers in the field of political science are expected to experience job growth over the next several years.

Some roles that expect growth include political scientist (6%), public relations specialist (7%), public relations and fundraising manager (9%), urban and regional planner (11%), and economist (14%).

Political Science Master’s Curriculum & Courses

While specific courses may vary from one school to the next, common courses in a masters in political science online program may include the following:

• The Role of Social Capital in Politics : This course examines what social capital is as well as the important role it plays in politics, strategy, and ethical decision making.
• Law, Policy, and Administration : You’ll take a look at the interrelationship among various participants in the political science landscape, including management, policymakers, and legal staff.
• The Supreme Court of the United States : This course will help you understand the relationship between the US Supreme Court, the Constitution, and public policy.
• Law and Inequality : You’ll examine the role that public policy, law, and political philosophy play in creating and resolving inequality in American society.
• Global Issues in Politics : This course evaluates the impact of globalization on politics and governance and the role of democracy in international and global politics.
• Current and Emerging Public Policy : This course is a review of new and upcoming public policy in US politics.
• American Congress and Policy Making : You’ll evaluate the structure of the American congressional structure in relation to the development and implementation of public policy and political institutions.
• Urban Issues and Policy : In this course, you’ll examine how public policy can impact urban centers, from creating positive social change to inciting violence and inequality.
• Feminist Theory : You’ll analyze political philosophy and public policy from the perspective of various feminist theories.
• Writing for Public Affairs : This course is a review of common writing styles used in political science careers, including best practices for writing policies and press releases.

Other in-person or online courses in a political science masters program may focus on gender and women in politics, jury systems and trials, African Americans and politics in the United States, the role of interest groups, political systems, and policy analysis.

Admissions Requirements

While admission requirements may vary from school to school, some common requirements may include those listed here:

• Letters of recommendation : Letters from individuals that can speak to your academic interests and work ethic may be required to support your admission into a masters level program.
• GRE scores : While a growing number of schools no longer require GRE scores, some programs may still require you to meet a specific score threshold to allow admission into their masters in poli sci program.
• Writing samples : Examples of your writing style and ability may be requested to support your acceptance and admission into a graduate-level academic program.
• Transcripts from postsecondary programs : Schools may require transcripts from previous bachelor degree programs you’ve completed.

Some schools and programs may also request that you complete an online application, send a letter of interest, and submit GPA scores that meet a certain threshold.

Accreditation

When an academic program receives regional accreditation, it verifies that the program’s curriculum is of high academic quality. The accreditation status of an academic program may impact your eligibility for financial aid as well as the ability to transfer credits from one school to another.

Your degree’s accreditation status may also factor into the recruitment process and hiring decisions made by employers. This is because accredited programs are generally viewed as superior learning experiences.

You can find out more about the accreditation status of programs you’re interested in attending through the US Department of Education’s website.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

There are a number of financial aid options that could help you fund your studies, if you qualify. These options may include federal or state grants and loans as well as private scholarships. While loans generally require repayment once your studies are complete, grants and scholarships do not.

There may also be some scholarships specifically available for students pursuing a masters in political science. Your eligibility to obtain these scholarships may depend on the accreditation status of your program, your life experiences, or the location of the school you’re enrolling in.

You may apply for financial assistance by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through the department of education’s website.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Master’s in Political Science Online?

The length of time it will take for you to complete an online political science master’s degree may depend on the program and school you choose to attend.

Master’s degree on-campus and online programs generally take between 1 to 2 years to complete with full-time study. Programs generally include two 16 week semesters over each academic year. With that in mind, a 1 year program would include 2 semesters, a 2 year program would include 4 semesters, and a 3 year program would include 6 semesters.

Some traditional and online master’s degree programs may also allow you to enroll on a part-time study basis, which would extend your completion time but allow you to finish at your own pace.

What Jobs Can You Get with a Political Science Masters Degree?

With a masters degree in political science online , you may be able to secure positions in government agencies, business, and nonprofit organizations.

There is a wide range of career paths in this field. Positions include political scientist, public relations specialist, urban and regional planner, fundraiser, journalist, reporter, broadcast analyst, economist, and social scientist.

Career options that are specifically related to government and politics include researcher, political campaign manager, and policy analyst. These positions may work in relation to state and federal politics and public policy, international relations, or comparative politics.

What Can You Do with a Masters in Political Science?

You may pursue a number of rewarding career paths with a master’s degree in political science . It is common for poli sci graduates to become political scientists. This career path may allow you to work in professional, scientific, technical, and government organizations.

Other positions you may pursue include policy analyst, public relations and fundraising manager, economist, social scientist, political philosophy theorist, urban and regional planner, public relations specialist, survey researcher, reporter, news correspondent, or news broadcaster.

Is a Masters Degree in Political Science Worth It?

Yes, a master’s degree in political science is worth it for many students. Jobs in life, physical, and social science sector are projected to grow at a rate of 5% in the next 10 years (Bureau of Labor Statistics), faster than the average for all occupations.

Common political science careers in this field include policy analyst, political scientist, urban and regional planner, news broadcaster, and reporter. A master’s in political science may allow you to play a key role in governance, public policy, and social advocacy.

Getting Your Master’s in Political Science Online

Earning your masters in political science online may allow you to embark on an exciting career path. This degree may open up opportunities to plan, develop, and implement public policy in a local, state, national, or international context.

The political science curriculum in both on-campus and online master’s degree programs may provide you with the foundation needed to analyze policy, perform research, and provide informed opinions on current events, social change, and international relations.

This career path may qualify you to work in government, business, and nonprofit. You may also work as a self-employed consultant in the field of political science.

Since many political science positions earn higher than average annual salaries and have positive job outlooks, obtaining an accredited masters degree in political science may prove to be a strategic investment in your career.