About this program

The Department of Political Science and International Relations offers a Ph.D. degree that consists of coursework during the first six semesters followed by dissertation research and writing. Students earn an M.A. as part of their Ph.D.​ studies. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) at the time of matriculation to be eligible to apply to the Ph.D. program. The department does not offer a terminal M.A. degree. The Ph.D. program is a 57-credit program.

Graduate study in the department is organized around four major subfields within the discipline of political science: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory. Ph.D. students are required to pick one of these subfields as their primary field and another subfield as their secondary field. In addition to the four major subfields, students can choose Methods as their secondary field.

For the upcoming admissions cycle, we are giving strong priority to applicants in American Politics, Comparative Politics and International Relations whose proposed research focuses on Political Behavior and Political Psychology. This includes, but is not limited to, topics such as
Voting behavior and electoral participation
Public opinion formation
Political attitudes and belief systems
Political polarization
Environmental protest and mobilization
Misinformation, perception and cognition in politics
Emotion and decision-making

Due to current faculty advising capacity, we are prioritizing these subfields for this cycle. Applicants whose interests fall outside these areas are encouraged to consider future application cycles. Please note that Professors Bauer and Redlawsk will not be adding any new advisees.