Ph.D. in Political Science

The Ph.D. program in political science is designed to allow students to develop research skills, prepare for careers in research and teaching institutions of higher education, and engage in advanced research involving issues of politics and public policy.

Overview

The strength of the Ph.D. program in political science lies in its small size and the diversity of its faculty. Students accepted into the doctoral program are expected to have a major and minor in the areas the department offers as specializations, which include:

• American politics
• Comparative politics
• International relations
• Public administration
• Public policy

The program requires major and minor comprehensive exams in students' selected fields.

Admissions Process

Admission to the doctoral program is competitive; a limited number of applicants are accepted each year. To be considered, all application materials must be complete and submitted through the University's Graduate School. A departmental selection committee makes the admission decisions.

Minimum Requirements

• Undergraduate Degree (B.A./B.S.)
• GPA: Minimum overall GPA of 3.25 or higher (on a 4.0-point scale) for all prior coursework at the undergraduate level
• 18 previously completed credit hours (six courses) in social science courses (broadly defined)
• GRE Scores: The GRE requirement is currently waived

Please note that these are minimum requirements; meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Students are admitted on an increasingly competitive basis. We take into consideration a student's overall record, as well as the department's ability to accommodate a student's research/teaching interest.

Application Deadlines

• Fall application and assistantship deadline: January 15

Important Information for Fall 2026 Applications

The Department of Political Science will be making very limited admissions of Ph.D. students, if at all, for Fall 2026. Applicants only in the subfields of international relations, comparative politics, and quantitative American politics will be considered. Admissions will remain open for students seeking to pursue an M.A. degree in all sub-fields and the MPA degree. Additionally, there will be very limited funding available for students admitted for Fall 2026.

GRE Updates

The GRE requirement is currently suspended for Department of Political Science Ph.D. applicants.

Coursework

The Ph.D. degree requires 60 credits beyond the B.A. degree. The course requirements that follow are the minimum standards established by the department. Students may take courses beyond the minimum in preparation for comprehensive exams and their dissertation research.

The Ph.D. program requires all students to fulfill the following minimum course requirements:

• Scope and methods: 9 credits
• First field: 12 credits
• Second field: 9 credits
• Field seminars and/or electives: 9 credits
• Dissertation: 15 dissertation credits
• Comprehensive examinations: 6 credits

Graduate Grades and Grade Point Average Standing

Students must maintain a 3.0 grade-point average (GPA) to maintain graduate standing with the Graduate School. If a student's GPA falls below a 3.0, the Graduate School will give the student one semester to increase their GPA to a 3.00 level. If the student fails to do so, the Graduate School will dismiss them from graduate studies at the University; this decision is not made by the Political Science Department.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Ph.D? What is the degree for?

The Ph.D. is a research degree for those who want research careers inside and outside the academy (higher education). It leads to research-focused jobs such as professors and research positions in government, not-for-profit or for-profit institutions.

Do I need a MA first?

No, we admit students to the Ph.D. program who have BA and BS degrees and who have demonstrated an understanding of the purpose of the Ph.D., demonstrated research ability and are prepared for graduate-level work.

What do I put in the statement of purpose?

The statement of purpose is a document that indicates to the admission committee the subfield of political science, research topics and—to the extent possible—research methodologies the student is interested in. This helps the committee identify whether the department can support the student's academic goals and allows the committee to assign an appropriate adviser.

Do I need an adviser before I apply?

You are welcome to reach out to a faculty member to see if their interests align with your own and inquire whether they are working with graduate students. Some faculty may have funded Graduate Teaching or Graduate Research Assistant positions, in which case they may conduct interviews or other evaluations. General admission to the program is handled by a Graduate Committee for those not seeking funding or interested in one of our generally assigned GTA lines. One does not need permission for general application.

I am from (X) country and have (Y) TOEFL score…

Requirements on language proficiency are set by the Graduate School, not our department.

Do you offer fellowships/what do I need to do to obtain a fellowship?

We do offer what we call "Graduate Teaching Assistant Fellowships" for some Ph.D. students. They are limited and highly competitive. We generally admit 1-2 funded Ph.D. students per year. You can indicate your interest in a Graduate Teaching Assistant Fellowship on your application. No other form is required at the departmental level.

Can you review my CV before I apply?

Unfortunately, we cannot. We are a small department and cannot offer pre-review.

Do you offer application fee waivers?

Application fees are collected by the Graduate School, not our department. We cannot offer any waivers under any circumstances.

What is included in a Graduate Teaching Assistant Fellowship?

Graduate teaching assistant fellowship information is available.

Does your assistantship cover summer months?

Standard GTAs are for 10 months.

Do I need to have a Political Science undergraduate degree to apply?

No, we only require that students have 18 previously completed credit hours in social science.

What methods are used in your department?

Our faculty is methodologically pluralist, including scholars who work in quantitative, qualitative, experimental and normative traditions. Please feel free to look at faculty members' websites or contact them for more detailed information.

Is there an online option?

No.

University of Nevada, Reno

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Overview:

The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) is Nevada's first university, established in 1874. It is a public research university located in Reno, Nevada, and is known for its commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering student success. UNR is ranked among U.S. News & World Report's Best National Universities.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UNR offers a vibrant campus experience with a variety of activities and opportunities for students to engage in. Students can participate in student organizations, attend sporting events, enjoy the beautiful campus, and explore the surrounding area. The university also provides access to resources such as the E. L. Wiegand Fitness Center and the Wolf Pack Map, an online campus map for navigation and information.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong academic programs:

UNR offers a wide range of academic programs with expert faculty in a supportive learning environment.

Beautiful campus and location:

The university is located in Reno, Nevada, a city known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Vibrant student life:

UNR offers a variety of activities and opportunities for students to engage in, both on and off campus.

Commitment to student success:

The university is dedicated to providing students with the resources and support they need to succeed.

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Academic Programs:

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Other:

UNR is known for its strong research programs, particularly in the areas of mining, engineering, and environmental science. The university also has a strong commitment to community engagement and outreach.