Research from Day One: Political Science Ph.D.
We are proud to offer a high quality Ph.D. program that trains students in cutting edge methods of social science research. Class sizes are small, allowing faculty to give students individualized attention. Graduate students typically participate in research beginning in their first year of study, often allowing them to make presentations at academic conferences during their second year. The program is designed to prepare students for academic careers, although some graduates pursue careers outside academia.
American Politics | Comparative Politics | International Relations
Major Fields of Study
Graduate students may specialize in American Politics, with a focus on political institutions, political behavior, public policy, and representation; Comparative Politics, with emphasis on the cross-national, quantitative study of political institutions and electoral behavior in democracies; and International Relations, with emphasis on the quantitative study of international conflict and cooperation. Graduate students will be exposed to a number of approaches to the study of political science.
The department offers a variety of methodology courses, including advanced statistical techniques, formal and mathematical modeling, survey research, and experimental design. Students with a special interest in methodology can enroll in a joint Ph.D./M.A. program with the Department of Statistics to receive further training in quantitative analysis and an added credential.