phd after ma political science

Graduate Program

Pushing the Scholarly Frontier

PhD in Political Science

Our doctoral students are advancing political science as a discipline. They explore the empirical phenomena that produce new scholarly insights—insights that improve the way governments and societies function. As a result, MIT Political Science graduates are sought after for top teaching and research positions in the U.S. and abroad. Read where program alumni are working around the world.

How the PhD program works

The MIT PhD in Political Science requires preparation in two of these major fields:

• American Politics
• Comparative Politics
• International Relations
• Models and Methods
• Political Economy
• Security Studies

We recommend that you take a broad array of courses across your two major fields. In some cases, a single course may overlap across the subject matter of both fields. You may not use more than one such course to "double count" for the course distribution requirement. Keep in mind that specific fields may have additional requirements.

You are free to take subjects in other departments across the Institute. Cross-registration arrangements also permit enrollment in subjects taught in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University and in some of Harvard's other graduate schools.

Requirements

1. number of subjects.

You will need two full academic years of work to prepare for the general examinations and to meet other pre-dissertation requirements. Typically, a minimum of eight graduate subjects are required for a PhD.

2. Scope and Methods

This required one-semester seminar for first-year students introduces principles of empirical and theoretical analysis in political science.

3. Statistics

You must successfully complete at least one class in statistics.

You must successfully complete at least one class in empirical research methods.

5. Philosophy

You must successfully complete at least one class in political philosophy.

6. Foreign language or advanced statistics

You must demonstrate reading proficiency in one language other than English by successfully completing two semesters of intermediate-level coursework or an exam in that language, or you must demonstrate your knowledge of advanced statistics by successfully completing three semesters of coursework in advanced statistics. International students whose native language is not English are not subject to the language requirement.

7. Field research

We encourage you to conduct field research and to develop close working ties with faculty members engaged in major research activities.

8. Second Year Paper/workshop

You must complete an article-length research paper and related workshop in the spring semester of the second year. The second-year paper often develops into a dissertation project.

9. Two examinations

In each of your two elected fields, you must take a general written and oral examination. To prepare for these examinations, you should take at least three courses in each of the two fields, including the field seminar.

10. Doctoral thesis

As a rule, the doctoral thesis requires at least one year of original research and data collection. Writing the dissertation usually takes a substantially longer time. The thesis process includes a first and second colloquium and an oral defense. Be sure to consult the MIT Specifications for Thesis Preparation as well as the MIT Political Science Thesis Guidelines . Consult the MIT academic calendar to learn the due date for final submission of your defended, signed thesis.

Questions? Consult the MIT Political Science Departmental Handbook or a member of the staff in the MIT Political Science Graduate Office .

PhD in Political Science

UMass Amherst offers PhD and accelerated MA degrees in six fields of political inquiry: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, public policy, and public law. In addition, while each field is its own thriving research community, your studies can involve multiple research clusters whose work crosses subfields, including conflict, violence and security; political economy; global forces; computational social science; and ambiguities of democracy. You’ll also choose methods training appropriate to the questions you are asking—from statistical modeling and network analysis to ethnography and textual analysis—and enjoy mentorship by scholars across diverse subfields and methodological orientations.

Application information & deadlines

January 15, 2024, political science.

PhD and MA in American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, public policy, and public law.

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Department of Political Science

Graduate Program

Yale’s Ph.D. program has a strong historical record of producing leading scholars in the field of Political Science. (Please note: The department does not offer a stand-alone MA in Political Science. Information about the Jackson Institute MPP in Global Affairs .) Many Yale graduates have also had successful careers in government, politics, non-profit organizations, and the private sector. This historical strength is matched by a strong faculty deeply engaged in training current graduate students to succeed in contemporary Political Science.

One of the Department’s strengths is substantive and methodological pluralism—there is no single “Yale way,” and our students and faculty are motivated by a range of questions in and across the subfields of Political Science. At the same time as we acknowledge this diversity of interests, the Department’s curriculum is designed to ensure students have adequate opportunities to master the core tools of contemporary social science research, including a four-course sequence in quantitative methodology and research design (statistics), a two course sequence in formal theory, courses on experimental design, implementation, and analysis, and a training program in qualitative and archival methodology.

The Department also offers training in five substantive subfields: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Economy, and Political Theory. In each of these subfields, faculty regularly teach courses that expose students to both the foundational work in these areas and current active research topics. In many subfields, this training takes the form of formal or informal “sequences,” for example Comparative Politics I and II are taught each year. These classes are supplemented by topical seminars on selected and advanced topics.

In addition to regular courses, the Department and affiliated institutions (in particular, the MacMillan Center and the Institution for Social and Policy Studies) host a variety of (near-)weekly workshops in which outside speakers and Yale affiliates present and discuss work. These workshops provide a unique opportunity for students to observe the work of leading scholars, as well as to develop their own research in conjunction with faculty and student review. Information about these workshops is available here.

Students will also take two courses as a cohort. The first, Introduction to Politics, is for all Ph.D. students in their first semester. The second, Research and Writing, spans the second year and is centered on students producing a publishable quality research paper prior to embarking on the dissertation. Students in Research and Writing present their final paper in the Department’s mini-APSA conference in April.

About eighteen students enter the Ph.D. program each year. The total number of students in residence at any one time, including students working on their dissertations, is approximately 100, of whom about 40 are taking courses.

The Director of Graduate Studies for the Political Science Department is Hélène Landemore . Professor Landemore’s DGS office is located in Room 234  in Rosenkranz Hall, 115 Prospect Street. To contact Professor Landemore or sign up for DGS office hours, email her at dgs.polisci@yale.edu .

The Graduate program registrar is Colleen Amaro.  Her office is located in Room 230 in Rosenkranz Hall, 115 Prospect Street. She can be contacted by email at colleen.amaro@yale.edu .

Department of Political Science College of Liberal Arts

Our Graduate Programs

Graduate Study in Political Science at Purdue offers specializations in traditional fields such as American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Public Policy, and possesses strengths in areas that cut across traditional fields, such as technology and governance, political methodology, political economy and development, political institutions and institutional reform, environmental policy, national security, human rights and political violence, and politics related to group identity and conflict.

Graduate students and faculty at Purdue participate in research labs and programs in the department, including the Governance and Responsible AI Lab (GRAIL) , the International Politics and Responsible Tech (iPART) Lab , the Computational Social Science Lab , the Law and Conflict Research Lab,  and the labs associated with the Purdue Program on American Institutional Renewal.  

Students and faculty also participate in Purdue's many interdisciplinary research centers and collaborative groups on campus including the Center for CSPAN Scholarship and Engagement , the  Institute for a Sustainable Future , the Purdue Policy Research Institute . Students receive rigorous training in a wide range of research methods in the department and through workshops, coursework, and speakers in the cross-college initiative Advanced Methods at Purdue (AMAP).

If you are considering doctoral study, please explore the information on the Prospective Students page.

Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Political Science

Doctoral students specialize (major) in American, Comparative, International Relations or Public Policy with a secondary specialization (minor) in: a) one of the major fields, b) political methodology, or c) a custom designed field. Our curriculum has ample room to explore interdisciplinary interests and applied fields. We welcome students with interests in traditional academic career paths and applied career paths.

Doctoral students become deeply immersed in the process of scholarly research and are quickly prepared to be full collaborators and independent researchers. We encourage students to execute research projects in preparation for academic and applied careers. In addition, we prepare doctoral students for independent classroom instruction and make every effort to provide an independent teaching experience for each doctoral student completing our program. 

Master of Arts Degree in Political Science

Generally, we only admit to the M.A. program those students who are interested in pursuing both the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees. Students who apply to our program with a Bachelor's degree or an M.A. in another field will complete the M.A. in political science as part of the curriculum of the M.A./Ph.D program. 

Doctoral Program

Program Overview

The principal goal of the Stanford Ph.D. program in political science is the training of scholars. Most students who receive doctorates in the program do research and teach at colleges or universities. We offer courses and research opportunities in a wide variety of fields in the discipline, including American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, and Political Methodology. The program is built around small seminars that analyze critically the literature of a field or focus on a research problem. These courses prepare students for the Ph.D. comprehensive exam requirement within a two-year period and for work on the doctoral dissertation.

For Prospective Graduate Students

The Department of Government. Calling all researchers, leaders, and changemakers.  

When you join Harvard University’s Department of Government, you become part of a highly-recognized intellectual community of scholars, researchers, visionaries, leaders, and changemakers. Our strength in teaching and research in all fields of political science is reflected in both our faculty and our curriculum. 

Harvard University’s Department of Government is a world leader in the study and scholarship in political science. Our programs of study include:

• American Politics
• Comparative Politics
• International Relations
• Political Methodology/Formal Theory
• Quantitative Social Sciences in the Government Department

Our innovative curriculum reflects a diverse range of fields and methodologies. The vibrant graduate student body receives hands-on training by conducting supervised dissertation research and working with our faculty in research projects and undergraduate teaching. 

Here, scholars have access to unparalleled resources.  They have the opportunity to define and formulate their own research questions and to apply a variety of research methodologies. 

• Graduate students research is greatly facilitated by the exceptional resources offered by the Department of Government and the University.
• Harvard has the  largest university library in the world .
• Harvard expansive network of research centers and top international studies centers bring together scholars and researchers from around the globe.

Scholars can also take advantage of Harvard’s generous financial aid program.  In addition, there is just no match to the energy and excitement that accompanies student life in the Cambridge/Boston area.  

PhD Requirements

Candidates for the PhD in Government are expected to complete the required coursework during their first two years of graduate study and take the General Examination at the end of the second year. A typical schedule consists of these two years, followed by three or four years of work on a dissertation, combined with supervised teaching.

Admissions 

The graduate program of the Department of Government is designed to train students for careers in university teaching and advanced research in political science. The department does not offer an independent master’s program, the master of arts in political science being reserved for PhD candidates on the way to their final degrees.  Click here  to visit the Graduate School of Arts and Science’s page on admission to the Government Department to learn more about the application process. 

Application for Admission

The application for admissions is available at  http://www.gsas.harvard.edu/apply . The application fee is $105.

Application information and instructions are available at  www.gsas.harvard.edu . Applicants with admissions questions should call 617-496-6100 from 2-5pm EST or email  [email protected] .  Applicants with financial aid questions should call 617-495-5396 or email  [email protected] .

Financial Aid and Fellowship Opportunities 

Financial aid is administered under the direction of the  Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) .  The department intends that all graduate students should have support adequate to enable them to complete their studies while enrolled full-time. Prospective students apply for financial aid at the same time they apply for admission and are also required to submit a Statement of Financial Resources.  The financial aid package for government students typically includes tuition and fees plus a stipend and a summer research grant for the first two years; tuition and fees plus guaranteed teaching fellowships and a summer research grant for years three and four; tuition and fees in year five; and tuition and fees plus a stipend for the completion year.

In addition to  funding from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences , graduate students are encouraged to apply for outside fellowships and grants. Please visit the  website of the GSAS Fellowships Office  for more information.  

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• PhD in Political Science

The Graduate Program in Political Science offers an intellectually stimulating and collegial environment for the training of PhD candidates. The program is highly selective, enrolling an average of six students a year, all of whom receive full funding. The Graduate Faculty of Political Science at Boston University is a diverse community of scholars stretching across several departments and schools. Students may also take advantage of the broader resources in the Boston area. Entering students must have a BA or MA. The program trains students in research and teaching methods, preparing them for positions in colleges and universities, research institutions, and government agencies. For a complete description of our program, please visit our website .

Learning Outcomes

• Produce and defend an original and significant contribution to knowledge in the discipline of political science.
• Demonstrate mastery of subject material by developing a minimum level of competence in five of the six fields of political science (American politics, public policy, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and methodology) and a high level of competence in two of these fields.
• Participate in professional academic community activities, such as attending local seminar series, presenting papers at conferences, and submitting papers to academic journals.
• Be able to teach the discipline at the undergraduate level.

Course Requirements

Students are required to complete 64 graduate-level credits. Those entering the program from a Boston University MA program will be able to transfer over some of their course credits by arrangement with the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS).

Selection of courses must be approved by the DGS. Courses may be drawn from the offerings of the Department of Political Science as well as other disciplines such as economics, history, mathematics and statistics, philosophy, and sociology, subject to the following requirements:

Core Seminars

Four Core Seminars should be completed in year 1:

• GRS PO 711 Approaches to the Study of American Politics
• GRS PO 751 Approaches to the Study of Comparative Politics
• GRS PO 771 Approaches to the Study of International Relations
• GRS PO 791 Approaches to the Study of Political Theory

Methodology

Three out of four graduate-level methodology courses are required:

• GRS PO 841 Quantitative Research Methods
• GRS PO 842 Qualitative Approaches to the Study of Political Science
• GRS PO 843 Techniques in Political Analysis: Maximum Likelihood Estimation
• GRS PO 844 Methods for Causal Inference

Students may petition the DGS to replace one or more of these courses with equivalent or more advanced courses from other departments.

Research Workshop

Two semesters of GRS PO 903/904 Research Workshop must be taken in years 2 or 3.

Professional Development

GRS PO 702 Professional Development for PhD Candidates in Political Science must be taken in years 2 or 3.

Language Requirement

There is no general language requirement. However, if knowledge of a foreign language is necessary for their research, students are encouraged to develop that competence prior to defending their PhD proposal.

Qualifying Examinations

As one element of the qualifying examination, students must submit an independent research paper of high quality. Typically, this will involve the substantial revision, expansion, and polishing of a graduate seminar paper. In addition, timed qualifying examinations are given in two fields of the student’s choosing: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and methodology. After passing all three elements of the qualifying exam, students proceed to their dissertation work.

Dissertation and Final Oral Examination

Candidates shall demonstrate their abilities for independent study in a dissertation representing original research. Candidates must undergo a final oral examination in which they defend their dissertation before their committee and any others who may wish to attend. All portions of the dissertation and final oral examination must be completed as outlined in the GRS General Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree .

Any student who has successfully completed all course requirements and has passed the qualifying exam may request that a master’s degree be granted.

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The Department of Government at Harvard is a world leader in the study of political science, and the department’s faculty covers a wide range of fields and methodologies. The department’s breadth and depth allows you to pursue ground-breaking research on a variety of topics. The doctoral program’s diversity and flexibility enables scholars from all backgrounds and interests to thrive.

In the Department of Government, you will study and do research with the faculty of the department, as well as leading scholars in other Harvard departments and schools, including Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School. You have access to unparalleled resources, ranging from the largest university library in the world to the Harvard research computing cluster, to a wide array of centers and institutes associated with the department.

Graduates of the department write dissertations on topics ranging from ancient political theory to the politics of cybersecurity. They go on to jobs at leading academic institutions, companies, government agencies, and non-profits.

Additional information on the graduate program is available from the Department of Government and requirements for the degree are detailed in Policies . 

Areas of Study

American Government | Comparative Politics | International Relations | Political Thought and Its History | Quantitative Methods/Formal Theory

Admissions Requirements

Please review admissions requirements and other information before applying. You can find degree program-specific admissions requirements below and access additional guidance on applying from the Department of Government .

Writing Sample

A writing sample is required as part of the application and should be a recent scholarly or critical paper, 15 to 25 pages in length.

For the coordinated JD/PhD  in law and political science, applicants must apply separately to each program and indicate in the application to the PhD program that a concurrent application has been submitted to the Harvard Law School.

Standardized Tests

GRE General: Required Writing Sample: Required (15-25 pages) iBT TOEFL preferred minimum score: 105 IELTS preferred minimum score: 7.5

Theses & Dissertations

Theses & Dissertations for Government

See list of Government faculty

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Questions about the program.

M.A. in Political Science

General info.

• Faculty working with students: 33
• Students: 32
• Students receiving Financial Aid: No financial aid available for M.A. students
• Part time study available: No
• Application terms: Spring, Fall
• Application deadlines: Spring: October 2; Fall: February 15

Kyle Beardsley Director of Graduate Studies Department of Political Science Duke University Box 90204 Durham, NC  27708-0719 Phone: (919) 660-4300

Email:  [email protected]

Website:  http://polisci.duke.edu

Program Description

The graduate program in Political Science is designed primarily to prepare students for research and teaching. Major fields of specialization are:  Political Institutions; Political Economy; Security, Peace and Conflict; Political Behavior and Identities; Political Methodology; and Normative Political Theory and Political Philosophy.  Students can also integrate courses of study around a common theme, such as Race, Ethnicity and Politics; Religion and Politics; or Law and Politics. Students can supplement their training with coursework in other departments including Anthropology, Computer Science, Economics, History, Mathematics, Philosophy, Psychology, Public Policy, Sociology, and Statistics.

Our department goals are served by close and supportive relations with the faculty and with other students.  Typically, about 10-13 new graduate students enter each year.  The ratio of students in residence to faculty is approximately 2:1.

Resources for study include the Social Science Research Institute (SSRI); Duke Initiative on Survey Methodology; Political Institutions and Public Choice (PIPC); Program in Asia Security Studies; Social Science Workshop for Chinese Scholars; Triangle Institute for Security Studies (TISS); and Empirical Implications of Theoretical Models (EITM), among others.

• Political Science: Master's Admissions and Enrollment Statistics
• Political Science: Master's Career Outcomes Statistics

Application Information

Application Terms Available:  Spring, Fall

Application Deadlines:  Spring: October 2; Fall: M.A.: February 15

Graduate School Application Requirements See the Application Instructions page for important details about each Graduate School requirement.

• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts required with application submission; official transcripts required upon admission
• Letters of Recommendation: 3 Required
• Statement of Purpose: Required (See department guidance below)
• Résumé: Required
• GRE Scores: GRE General Required
• English Language Exam: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test required* for applicants whose first language is not English *test waiver may apply for some applicants
• GPA: Undergraduate GPA calculated on 4.0 scale required
• Writing Sample (see departmental guidance below)

Writing Sample The submission of a writing sample (limited to fewer than 15 pages) is required. Writing samples should be uploaded to the Departmental Requirements section of the application.

Additional Component Applicants to the joint Ph.D. program in Public Policy and Allied Disciplines must submit an additional essay for admission to the program. Regardless of your selection of primary department, please respond to the following prompt:

In 500 words or less, please explain your interest in the joint Ph.D. program offered between Public Policy and an Allied Discipline. Highlight how your research interests and past experiences lie at the intersection between Public Policy and the Allied Discipline and how participation in the joint program will facilitate your professional goals after receiving your degree.

We strongly encourage you to review additional department-specific application guidance from the program to which you are applying:  Departmental Application Guidance

List of Graduate School Programs and Degrees

General Catalog

Political science ma, phd.

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MA, Political Science & International Affairs

The MA in Political Science & International Affairs offers world-renowned faculty and cutting-edge research tools and methodologies for students interested in international relations, comparative politics, American politics, or political theory.

Degree Type: Masters

Degree Program Code: MA_PSIA

Degree Program Summary:

The MA degree is administered jointly by the Departments of Political Science and International Affairs and is designed as a preparation for the PhD. Students must complete three classes in research methods, as well as courses in the program’s offered fields. Students also complete an original master’s thesis under the guidance of a faculty chair and committee members. Between the two departments, courses are offered in international relations, comparative politics, American politics, law and courts, and political theory. The faculty, one of the most productive in the nation, has won numerous awards for research and teaching.

The MA program in Political Science and International Affairs invites students who wish to study politics in its many forms, but who also want to develop the analytic skills necessary to achieve mastery in their areas of study. Dedicated to providing the substantive political knowledge any advanced student of politics would want and need, the program also provides the exposure to cutting-edge research tools that distinguishes the very best graduate programs. Some faculty are senior members of the discipline, while others are rising stars who are already receiving national recognition. All are committed to the core mission of the graduate program.

The Departments of Political Science and International Affairs are in the School for Public and International Affairs, which also includes the Department of Public Administration and Policy. Students therefore have access to over 50 faculty in the School without sacrificing strong collegial relations and diverse classroom and research opportunities.

The MA accepts applications for the Fall semester only. The application deadline for priority consideration for assistantships, fellowships, and other SPIA funding is December 1. Applications received after December 1 will be considered on a rolling basis until February 15. Funding offers will be awarded until funding is exhausted. No applications will be accepted after February 15. The GRE is required of all applicants. Interested applicants should consult the department’s website for further application information. Inquiries should be directed to the Graduate Office at [email protected] or to the Graduate Program Administrator, Dr. Megan Morgan, at [email protected] .

Locations Offered:

Athens (Main Campus)

College / School:

School of Public & International Affairs

Candler Hall 202 Herty Drive Athens, GA 30602

706-542-2059

Department:

Political Science & International Affairs

Graduate Coordinator(s):

Geoffrey Sheagley, Political Science

Shane Singh, International Affairs

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Department of Political Science

Phd admission.

Deadline: January 15 for Fall admissions (no spring admissions)

Requirements: 

• Application
• GREs (waived for fall 2023 admission)
• Three (3) Letters of Recommendation
• Official Transcript(s)
• Personal Statement of Interest
• Writing Sample

Accelerated MA Admission*

Deadline: November 1 and April 1

• Writing Sample emailed to [email protected]
• GREs are *NOT* required. A staff member will waive this requirement in your application AFTER you have applied.
• Minimum of 3.5 overall GPA

*Only undergraduate students at UMass Amherst, Amherst College, Hampshire College, Smith College or Mount Holyoke College are eligible to apply

Department of Political Science Thompson Hall 200 Hicks Way UMass Amherst Amherst, MA 01003 Graduate Admissions Committee Chair: Regine Spector Associate Director of Academic Programs: Ariel Travis email: [email protected]

Admissions FAQ's

MA, PhD and Accelerated MA applications should be submitted through the  Graduate School  using their  on-line application .

The deadline for fall PhD and MA applications is January 15th. There is no spring admissions process for the PhD or MA programs. If you are interested in the Accelerated MA, you must apply by November 1st  or April 1st.

A complete graduate application will include:

• Graduate School application
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official transcript(s)
• Writing sample 
• GRE requirement is waived for fall 2023 admissions. 

Applicants to the Accelerated Master's program must have a minimum of 3.5 overall GPA from one of the Five Colleges. Hampshire College students are exempt from the GPA requirement since the College does not issue GPAs.

For other admissions questions and issues, please see the  UMass Amherst Graduate School FAQ .

Yes. We offer a limited number of teaching assistantships which come with a stipend, tuition waiver and waiver of most fees. Foreign students are eligible for TA appointments. Funding is only available for PhD students.

No. You also do not need to apply for the MA program before pursuing the PhD program. The Department admits the vast majority of students directly to the PhD program without an MA. The MA is not a prerequisite for the PhD. Funding is only offered to PhD students.

Suggestions

The Graduate Admissions Committee urges applicants to describe in their personal statements the kinds of questions they plan to pursue in graduate school, to indicate their familiarity with and interest in the particular subfield(s) of political science that they wish to study, and to discuss how our department fits their academic needs.

The Admissions Committee strongly suggests that applicants seek recommendations from professors with whom they have taken intellectually demanding courses. We further suggest seeking references from political science professors when possible.

Writing samples are examined carefully by the Admissions Committee to evaluate the applicant's writing ability. We recommend that applicants provide a research-oriented writing sample from political science or, if unavailable, a related discipline.

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• Political Science /

PhD in Political Science

• Updated on  
• Apr 28, 2023

Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science, or Ph.D. in Political Science, is a doctoral-level course. This program lasts between one and three years, although, for part-time Political Science students, it can last up to five years. A wide range of topics, including human rights, international politics, political theory, political economics, and more, are covered in the Ph.D. program in political science.

This Blog Includes:

What is ph.d. in political science, ph.d. political science syllabus, 4 parts of a ph.d. program (political science), degree options in political science, ph.d. in political science: eligibility, ph.d. in political science: universities, top universities in india, application & admission, careers and jobs after ph.d. in political science, popular job profiles and salary.

The vast field and subfields of political science offer students the opportunity to delve deeper into myriad issues related to international politics, governance, public administration , international relations , history, and much more. In particular, the Ph.D. in Political Science program caters to the interests of those individuals who wish to venture into advanced fields such as Area Studies, Public Policy, Law, Human Rights, political psychology, violence and war studies, and even topics related to Business, Globalisation, Financial Economics, etc. It provides individuals with the necessary flexibility and background to develop and express ideas, conduct research through quantitative and qualitative method, and analyzes cross-effects among socio-economic-cultural factors. In this blog, we will share some important details pertaining to this doctorate program.  

Owing to the diverse range, subdivisions, and specializations, there are different types of degree options for a Ph.D. in Political Science [3-8 years] one can pursue. This includes the traditional PhD program which includes a comprehensive coursework curriculum, research projects, electives, practical training, fieldwork, and teaching practicum along with a host of other elements. In addition to that, one can also go for an integrated PhD , an MPhil/PhD as well as dual PhD degrees amalgamating two different disciplines such as communication and political science, international relations and journalism, diplomacy and communication, etc. All of the above courses gear up an individual for a career in research in the capacities of research assistant , teaching assistant, and researcher in academic institutions, international research organizations, political consultancies, and governments, amongst others.

Also Read: International Relations Courses

While the Ph.D. in Political Science program is largely subjective and the department/university may implement varied eligibility conditions, in general, to enter such Ph.D. courses , one is required to possess a high-standing MA in Political Science or master’s degree in a related discipline, for instance, MA History, etc along with prior research, paper publication, assistantships under a professor or even professional experience. Relevant teaching exposure is also encouraged. In a fair amount of universities worldwide, one can also enroll directly after completing a BA in Political Science with strong credentials.

Related Article: Political Science Syllabus

As you may already be aware, institutions in the Ivy League(USA), London School of Economics & Political Science (UK), University of Toronto (Canada), etc have cemented themselves as household names when it comes to pursuing a PhD in Political Science as well as other Political Science Courses . However, there are many emerging study-abroad destinations and options which have steadily gained rankings, have internationally recognized faculty, and offer vibrant avenues for building a strong career in political science , amongst others. Here we mention a few of them.

Read more about pursuing doctorate programs at different destinations: Ph.D. in Europe , Ph.D. in France , Ph.D. in Canada  

• Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi
• University of Hyderabad [UOH], Hyderabad
• Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), New Delhi
• IIT, Gandhinagar
• Banasthali Vidyapith University, Jaipur
• University of Delhi
• Amity University

As for application procedure, universities offering a PhD in Political Science conduct admissions through two routes namely, the general online application as well as through approaching professors directly. To gain admission through the latter route, your research interests must align with that of your potential professor. Application materials may also include GRE and IELTS / TOEFL scores, Research Proposals, statements of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LOR), official transcripts, and CVs, amongst others.

Here is a list of popular careers in political science :

• Advocate/Organizer
• Budget Examiner or Analyst
• Banking Analyst or Executive
• Career Counselor
• Congressional Officer/Committee Staffer
• Civil Services (Indian Administrative Services, Indian Foreign Services)
• Political Scientist
• Legislative Assistant
• Secretary to government departments 
• Human Rights Activists
• Legal Adviser to Political Parties
• Election and Campaign Manager
• Teacher/ Professor 
• Politician 
• Policy Analyst
• Public Relations Specialist
• Public Affairs Research Analyst
• Foreign Service Officer
• Corporate Manager
• Immigration Officer

Must Read Political Science Books!

Ans: Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science, or Ph.D. Political Science, is a degree that falls within the umbrella of the arts.

Ans: CRET, RET, and PET are some of the common entrance exams for Ph.D. Political Science admission.

Ans: Students can get placements globally and also appear for Indian Civil Services, Market Trend Analyst, or Professor in educational institutions.

A Ph.D. in Political Science, being a heavily research-inclined program requires consistent efforts toward one’s R&D goals and interests. If you wish to pursue it or any other Ph.D. programs, consult the experts and mentors at Leverage Edu who will in order to fulfill your study abroad dream  

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Sir i am studying in ma english so i am in interest in phd in political science i am eligible or not eligible please commend

Yes, you are eligible for PhD in Political Science!

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The Student Daily

Career, Notifications & Jobs

Career After MA in Political Science

April 7, 2021 by Son of Ghouse Leave a Comment

A Student who has done with his 12 th standard is rarely given an advice to join into the stream of Political Science and explore the career opportunities in that stream.

The main reason being there are lot of myths surrounding this course, like there is no scope in Political Science and only politicians do this course etc but the prime reason is people lack proper knowledge and awareness about this course, so today let’s burst all the myths and know all the career opportunities and scope after completing MA (Master of Arts) in Political Science.

Also Read: How to: Journalism Courses After 12th ?

Political Science:

Political Science, rarely also called as Politology , is the study of Politics. It helps us learn Government Policies and Governance system. Political Science also helps us understand political activities, political strategies, political know-how which are in use by National and International Political Parties to keep themselves afloat.

Political Science can be studied on three core subjects like Comparative Politics, International Behavior, and Political Theory. Political Science traditionally helps in obtaining in-depth knowledge from other social science subjects like economics, law, sociology, philosophy, journalism, social policy.

Career Scope after MA in Political Science

Above we have seen complete objectives to study MA Political Science and now let’s see the career prospects and scope after MA in Political Science. As the political science is a complete specialization of core subjects it gives wide career opportunities in different sectors like state and central government, educational institution, social service, and Journalism.

Without a delay let’s look into one by one,

#1 Teaching

Teaching being one of the career that can be chosen after MA, as you have core knowledge about every subject you could become expert and start teaching.. And the people who are passionate of teaching and want to design a bright future for upcoming generations can select this career route. The Salary paid in this profession would differ from the Institute to institute and to which grade you are teaching.

Also Read: Best Courses After 12th Commerce for Girls

#2 Journalism

Journalism is also one more profession post completion of Political Science, you could become editor or reporter in the NEWS channels or papers as you have complete knowledge about the Political thoughts, Policies by the government and also the International policies that are framed by government.

Also Read: What is Sociology and How to Become a Sociologist ?

There are many people who after completing their LLB Graduation for 3 years they tend to pursue MA in political science which could help them in handy whenever they want to know more about the articles and framework of constitution.

#4 Civil Services

The person who wants to clear Civil Services exam and become a IAS Officer MA political science will be crucial subject as the government official needs to understand the policies much better and also needs to have research methodology to frame new policies to the people.

#5 Political Consultant

The Elections in India have seen in the rise of Political strategies to win the election. Political Consultant has become a crucial integration into the parties to suggest them whom to field and who can win the election based on the heavy ground research.

#6 Public Relations Specialist

Public Relations are very crucial for any organization to run its business or to any political party to run its party when opposition is always waiting to malign its image. The person in this role have to give lot of press releases, write lot of articles and blogs and bring positive impact about the company.

Skill set to excel in this career:

As above mentioned job roles are more inclined towards the people and their livelihood, the person willing to have his career in this area should be more empathetic in nature when he takes any decisions through above mentioned roles.

• Communication Skills
• Reasoning Skills
• Analytical Skills
• Public Response Management
• Public Policy

Studies after MA Political Science:

Political Science is a vast subject and has huge scope to learn more and more, after completion of MA people can also choose to do other advanced courses like,

• M.Phil in Political Science – This Subject gives you opportunity  to learn about public administration, International politics, and Political sociology etc.
• Ph.D in Political Science – This doctorate program which is for 3 years helps you learn more techniques of research methodology to elaborately understand the Theory based topics learned during your graduation and post graduation. This will help you give speeches and seminars to other students.

Also Read: How to Become a Chartered Accountant After 12th ?

NOW, that you ’ ve gone through career scope after MA politics, lets look how to do your MA politics after 12 th .

Route to MA Political Science After 12 th

Now let’s know the qualification and eligibility for pursuing Political Science course after his/her 12 th standard.

• Student should complete his 12 th grade in any of the core subjects with 50% of marks.
• Student should graduate with BA (Bachelor of Arts ) in Political Science or any related subject. Humanities will also be preferred in Graduation.

BA (Bachelor of Arts ) in Political Science:

This is a 3 year undergraduate offered by many recognized universities in India and eligibility for this course is 10+2 with 55% of marks. Graduated student learns how to govern the country and will be able to evaluate the political and democratic process.

BA Political Science includes the certain syllabus in there semester programs;

• Constitution of India
• Principles of Political Science
• Theory of welfare, liberty, equality, Rights & Justice.
• Indian Political Thinkers like Raja Ram mohan roy, Swami Dayanand, Swami Vivekanand, Lal Lajpat Rai, Bala Gangadhar Tilak.
• Indian Political Thinkers like Mahatma Gandhi, JP Narayana, Jawahar lal Nehru.
• Public Administration
• International Affairs and World Outlook.
• Comparative Politics- Definitions, Framework etc
• Constitutionalism – History, Type, Structure

These are some of the core theories that are taught to the students over the 6 semesters which helps student to attain an depth knowledge about the Political decisions taken over the time.

Course Fees:

The course fees for BA Political science costs you depending on the college you get placed into and the Average college fees for the course is 5,000 to 40,000 per year. 

Colleges Offering BA Political Science Course:

• Loyola College   Chennai
• Chandigarh University Chandigarh
• St Xavier College Mumbai
• Christ University Bangalore
• Presidency University Kolkata

Also Read: How to Become DSP in Police ?

MA (Master of Arts) Political Science:

MA Political Science is an advanced 2 year post graduation course which provides more in depth knowledge about Political Science. MA Political Science covers public affairs, historical and modern Political agenda, international policy, Government system.

Qualification:

Person who wants to pursue MA in Political Science has to complete his Graduation in BA Political Science or should have completed any degree from the recognized university in any stream and also Humanities will be the most preferred.

You should attain a minimum a 50% of Marks in their graduation.

Entrance Exams for MA are:

• BHU PET  – Banaras Hindu University
• JNUEE    –  Jawaharlal Nehru University
• DUET     –  Dravidian University
• IPU CET   – Guru Gobind Indraprastha University

These are some of the entrance exams which could lead you into some of the top colleges offering the course. Entrance exam isn’t mandatory for many of the private colleges, admission into them would be based on first come first serve.

Course Fee:

MA political science course would cost you around 20,000-80,000/- per year.

Can we do as Distance Education?

Students who are working professional and want to pursue MA Political Science can also complete it through distance education. There are many universities which provide this course as distance learning. Nalanda University is one such university which provides distance education. Tamilnadu Open University, Osmania University, Dr. B.R Ambedkar University are also some of the colleges offering this course.

Cost of such course is also less; it is around 15,000 to 30,000 per year.

Colleges offering Regular MA Political Science course:

• Hindu College, Delhi
• Presidency college, Chennai
• St Xavier’s College, Kolkata
• Lady Shri Ram college Delhi

Core topics of MA Political Science:

• Ancient Indian Political Thoughts
• Research Methodology
• Contemporary Political Thought
• Western Politics Thought
• Indian Constitution
• Political Thinking like Marx
• Political Sociology
• Politics in India
• Indian Administration
• Post-cold war International Relations

Hence the MA in Political science has wide range of career prospects and also help you learn a extensive knowledge about the public relations, policy making, constitution of India and there impact in lives of Indians. And we have seen the qualification criteria to get into this course and also prestigious colleges offering the course.

Hope you have enough knowledge about the scope after MA politics that could help you excel in your career. Also we discussed about the process of getting admission in BA and MA politics.

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Gender and Politics: Navigating Power and Perception

• Friday, April 26, 2024 9 AM–3 PM ET
• Map Location Knafel Center OR Online on Zoom 10 Garden Street Cambridge, MA 02138

As we approach the 2024 presidential election in the United States and other elections across the globe, issues of gender, power, perception, and representation are integral components of the political landscape. At this critical juncture, we will gather current and former office holders, activists, scholars, and journalists to explore the intersection of gender and politics in the current moment and in comparative perspective.

In a series of multidisciplinary, multiparty sessions, speakers will discuss the relationship between gender and elected office or other forms of political involvement; who gets heard in the political sphere; and the role of the media in gendered narratives.

Conversations will spotlight local, state, national, and international experiences to explore societal and systemic barriers that inhibit political involvement by traditionally underrepresented gender groups or affect the voices of those who have successfully attained office.

This event is cosponsored by the Women and Public Policy Program at Harvard Kennedy School.

Harvard Radcliffe Institute gratefully acknowledges the Perrin Moorhead Grayson and Bruns Grayson Dean's Leadership Fund for Academic Ventures, which is supporting this event.

S ee " Gender and Politics: Keynote Conversation with Laphonza Butler ” for event information on the Thursday, April 25, 2024, evening program. 

Free and open to the public.

We are planning "Gender and Politics: Navigating Power and Perception" as a hybrid program.

Join Us in Person

To attend in person,  each individual will need to register .

Join Us Online

To view this event online,  each individual will need to register via Zoom .

For instructions on how to join online, see the  How to Attend a Radcliffe Event on Zoom  webpage.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation e-mail containing a link and password for this meeting. Live closed captioning will be available for the webinar.

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The 16 highest-paying college majors, 5 years after graduation

If you're looking for a college degree with maximum earning potential, you'll want to be an engineer.

Engineering degrees took nine of the top 16 rankings for college majors with the highest income five years after graduation, according to a recent New York Federal Reserve study of full-time workers.

Computer engineering majors ranked first with an annual median salary of $80,000, followed by chemical engineering and computer science — the only two other majors that pay more than $75,000 annually.

The trend is expected to continue going forward too. STEM jobs — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — are expected to grow twice as fast as non-STEM jobs through 2031.

Here are the 16 highest-paying college majors:

The technical knowledge, mathematical proficiency and problem-solving abilities required in engineering are valuable across many industries. As such, the profession tends to have higher salaries compared to other occupations.

Engineers also get top dollar when they gain more experience. When looking at "mid-career" graduates — those ages 35 to 45 who are working full-time — engineering majors tend to make six figures.

Here's a look at the rankings for mid-career graduates:

Once again, chemical engineering is ranked first, with $133,000 in annual median income. Chemical engineers get paid well since they often work in lucrative sectors like oil and gas, pharmaceuticals and semiconductor manufacturing.

In contrast, the lowest paying majors tend to be in liberal arts or education. Early childhood education had the lowest pay for mid-career earners, with $48,000 in annual median income. That's only $8,000 more than the $40,000 early childhood educators make at the beginning of their careers.

Data for this annual study was compiled from U.S. Census data from 2022, the most recent available. The study excludes majors currently enrolled in school and is limited to a working age population aged 25 to 65, with a bachelor's degree or higher.

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