Graduate Studies 

The Department of Political Science offers a comprehensive curriculum leading to a Master’s Degree (MA) or to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Many of our doctoral students have gone on to earn tenure track positions at college and universities, including the University of Pittsburgh, West Virginia Wesleyan College, Longwood University, Monmouth University, and Wright State University. Our PhD and MA graduates have also been employed by government agencies and non-profit institutions such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and the U.S. Department of State. Profiles of some of our recent graduates can be seen by clicking here or on the appropriate link on the menu to the right.

In addition to receiving training in research methods, students choose from courses taught by world-class faculty in American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and public policy. PhD students specialize in American politics, comparative politics, international politics, or public policy.

The Department’s Handbook for Graduate Study provides detailed information about the program, including information about the fields available to students, program requirements, funding, and so on. Applicants must have a 3.0 undergraduate GPA to be considered for admission as a regular graduate student.  Information on funding opportunities can also be found here.

Students interested in learning about the application process should click the "How to Apply" link on the right of this page.

As noted in the instructions on how to apply, the Department accepts applications on a rolling basis. Except under unusual circumstances, incoming students enroll during the Fall semester of an academic year. The Department will consider applications to its PhD and MA programs into the Summer. However, as noted in the instructions, decisions about funding are made during the Spring semester. Accordingly, the Department encourages applicants to submit all of their application materials by Jan. 15.

Despite this deadline, applicants should know that funding often becomes available during the late Spring and Summer. This is because offers of funding that are made initially are sometimes turned down. If you are admitted to the program (or apply later in the Spring/Summer) and do not get funding initially, the Department will keep in touch with you regarding whether funding will become available for you.