Doctoral Degree in Politics and International Affairs

Overview and Admissions

The doctoral degree in politics and international affairs is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students to teach at the university and college levels and to conduct high-level research in the academic and nonacademic sectors. It combines a broad focus on international relations, comparative politics, American politics, and political theory with a critical understanding of institutions, rights, citizenship/identity, governance, global policy, and justice. Students work closely with faculty to frame their dissertation research and to advance their knowledge of their chosen fields of specialization. The program’s interdisciplinary approach to a variety of global issues provides a rich and open-ended opportunity to research current and past problems, movements, and transformations in politics.

Admission Requirements

We welcome your interest in our doctoral program. The department's deadline for fall admission is January 5. The School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies only admits for the fall semester. Students must apply online through the Office of Graduate Admissions. For a listing of the admission requirements, students should consult the Graduate Catalog. 

Additional information on admission requirements:

1. The concise personal statement should not exceed 1,000 words. In addition to the catalog requirements it should discuss your academic goals and objectives, and the faculty member(s) under whom you wish to study.
2. The letters of recommendation should also speak to your potential for undertaking advanced academic research.
3. There is no required, minimum GRE score for admission, but the average scores of previously accepted applicants have been approximately 160 Verbal, 152 Analytical, 5 Writing.
4. TOEFL requirements can be found in the graduate catalog. 
5. Official transcripts information can also be found in the graduate catalog.
6. Our department also requires a Curriculum Vitae/Resume.
7. The writing sample must not be more than 25 pages. This can either be a published article in a professional journal, a paper presented at a conference, a section of the applicant’s master’s thesis, or an academic research paper (for a graduate or upper-level undergraduate course).

*International students should review the Office of Admissions International Students website for additional information and requirements.

*International students are also encouraged to contact the Office of International Services for information on visas, international travel, etc. 

PLEASE NOTE: International students whose native language is not English and who want to be considered for a teaching assistantship must show proficiency in spoken English even if their TOEFL has been waived for admission to a graduate program. More information on the TOEFL requirement can be found under Admission Requirements in the graduate catalog.