Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy program in political science is designed 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.

Program Description

The program provides a strong foundation in research methods and substantive content for advanced postgraduate study of political science. The low student-to-faculty ratio offers exceptional opportunities for research collaboration and guidance throughout the program. Program faculty have particular strengths in Latino and Latina politics, women and politics, ethnoreligious dynamics, political violence, human rights, political psychology, and political economy.

At a Glance

• College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Location: Tempe
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Degree Requirements

• 84 credit hours
• A written comprehensive exam
• A prospectus
• A dissertation

Required Core

• POS 503 Empirical Political Inquiry (3 credit hours)

Electives and Research

• 69 credit hours

Culminating Experience

• POS 799 Dissertation (12 credit hours)

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

• General university 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
  • GRE scores
  • 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.

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Application Deadlines

• Fall:
  • Session A/C: In Person, Deadline: 01/02, Type: Final

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 graduates 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
  • Lobbyist
  • Research specialist
  • Tenure-track or instructional faculty in political science

Research Areas

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.