top political science phd programs in the world

• Best Universities - Political Science

Best Political Science Universities in the World 2024

The 3rd edition of Research.com ranking of the best universities in the discipline of Political Science was created using data consolidated from various data sources including OpenAlex and CrossRef. The bibliometric data for devising the citation-based metrics were collected on 21-11-2023. Position in the ranking is based on a sum of D-indexes (Discipline H-index) of all ranking scholar’s affiliated with a given institution. D-index takes into account only publications and citation metrics for an examined discipline. Show more

The focus of our Political Science research Research.com’s best universities ranking is a credible lineup of leading scientists from the area of Political Science, created using a meticulous study of 166,880 scholars identified from various bibliometric data sources. For the field of Political Science, as many as 1924 researchers were examined.

What is D-index approval threshold for Political Science The D-index threshold for accepting a scholar to be examined is placed at 20 if most of their publications are in the area of Political Science. The acceptance factors for researchers to be considered into the ranking of top scholars are based on the D-index, ratio of the publications made within the specific discipline plus the awards and achievements of the researchers. The D-index threshold for including leading scholars is set as an increment of 10 depending on the total number of scientists projected for each discipline whilst making sure that the top 1% of leading scientists are considered into the ranking. We estimate a proximity of 30% or less between a scientist’s general H-index and their D-index.

Other verification practices Since our primary goal is to guarantee that only genuine scholars are included in Research.com ranking we realize that numbers are never supposed to be an absolute means to quantify the work of scholars. This is why we manually check every profile and cross-correlate it against publications in a broad range of reliable sources. Although it’s not a metric impacting a researcher’s position in Research.com ranking, the quantity of papers published in prominent journals and conference proceedings should form a reliable secondary signal of their contribution to research in a selected area of science. Position in the ranking is established using each scholar’s D-index using metrics collected from OpenAlex and CrossRef, which are the most credible and well-known bibliometric databases of this kind open to the research community. A comprehensive explanation of our research policy can be found on our methodology page.

Our agenda Our aim is to motivate scientists, entrepreneurs and politicians worldwide to investigate where top experts are heading and to provide a way for the whole research community to discover who the leading experts in specific disciplines, in different countries, or even within research institutions are. Show more

Key findings for Political Science As far as scientific affiliations are concerned, the institution with the highest number of leading scientists in the world is Harvard University with 37 scholars affiliated with it being listed in Research.com Political Science ranking. It is followed by University of Oxford with 33 researchers and London School of Economics and Political Science with 32 researchers.

The most prominent researchers in the discipline of Political Science in the world are associated with Indiana University, Harvard University, University of Basel, The University of Texas at Dallas, London School of Economics and Political Science, American University, Heidelberg University, Princeton University, University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, Bocconi University.

Harvard University is listed as the best university in the world in our ranking with a total D-index of its ranking scholars at 1783. Ranking on spot no. 2 in the world is London School of Economics and Political Science with a total D-index of 1299. The third spot in the world is occupied by Stanford University with a total D-index of 1138.

The average total D-index for the top 5% universities is 139 in comparison to an average of 139 for all 343 institutions featured in the ranking.

The average number of publications within the discipline of Political Science by scholars affiliated with the top 5% of scientists in the ranking is 573 against an average of 573 for all 343 universities.

The average number of citations of scientists affiliated with the top 1% universities is 42783 against an average of 42783 for all 343 universities.

Harvard University

London School of Economics and Political Science

Stanford University

University of Oxford

Columbia University

Princeton University

University of California, Berkeley

Australian National University

University of Pennsylvania

George Washington University

University of Michigan–Ann Arbor

Yale University

The University of Texas at Austin

University of Amsterdam

Duke University

European University Institute

New York University

Indiana University

University of California, Los Angeles

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of California, San Diego

Cornell University

University of Chicago

King's College London

University of California, Irvine

University of Essex

University of Manchester

University of California, Santa Barbara

Pennsylvania State University

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

American university.

University of California, Davis

Erasmus university rotterdam.

University of Edinburgh

Georgetown University

University of Georgia

University College London

University of Gothenburg

University of Maryland, College Park

University of Zurich

University of Notre Dame

University of Wisconsin–Madison

Washington University in St. Louis

Northwestern University

Aarhus University

Johns Hopkins University

University of Minnesota

University of Birmingham

The University of Texas at Dallas

Utrecht University

University of Washington

Texas A&M University

University of copenhagen.

University of Sheffield

University of Geneva

University of Oslo

University of Strathclyde

City University of New York

University of Mannheim

University of Warwick

University of Queensland

Arizona State University

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

Bocconi University

Copenhagen Business School

Florida State University

University of Konstanz

University of Sussex

University of Toronto

University of York

University of Sydney

The Open University

University of Virginia

Stockholm University

Vanderbilt University

University of Bern

McGill University

University of Bristol

Emory University

University of Canberra

University of Waterloo

University of Melbourne

University of Montreal

Dartmouth College

Heidelberg University

Sciences po.

Uppsala University

Cardiff University

University of Southampton

University of Kent

University of California, Riverside

University of Leeds

Michigan State University

University of Antwerp

Georgia State University

University of colorado denver.

Northeastern University

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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 .

The Department of Political Science

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The Johns Hopkins University Department of Political Science is known for its strength in theory and in innovative and trans-disciplinary approaches to uncovering new knowledge and the program of doctoral study draws on these strengths to provide rigorous training. Our program is designed for highly qualified, intellectually curious, and creative graduate students who can benefit by learning from and contributing to this community of scholars.

Doctoral students develop in-depth knowledge of a major field and a minor field (or two major fields), chosen from American politics, comparative politics, international relations, law and politics, and political theory. In addition, doctoral students may complete a certificate in comparative racial politics.

Students have opportunities to work closely with faculty and to pursue independent research, and faculty and doctoral students benefit from strong connections with colleagues in other social science and humanities disciplines and opportunities to collaborate with them.

The preparation of the next generation of scholars in the field of political science is a key part of the Johns Hopkins political science department faculty’s commitment to research and advancing the understanding of politics. The doctoral program reflects the distinctive strengths of the department’s cross-cutting intellectual orientations (encompassing the themes of power and inequality, identities and allegiances, agency and structure, and borders and flows), realized in faculty and Ph.D. student research and teaching.

The department and Krieger School of Arts and Sciences provide opportunities for developing teaching and other career-related skills.

Interested in Pursuing an MA?

Our sister schools offer a variety of degree programs.

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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.

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PhD in Political Science

The Ph.D. in Political Science program  prepares students  to be outstanding researchers and scholars at top universities, policy think tanks, consulting firms, and U.S. and international institutions. Working in small classes and with experienced faculty mentors, doctoral students construct a program around a major and minor field of study.

Recent dissertation topics have spanned women's organizations and the partisan gender gap, judicial politics in the Middle East, media freedom in Turkey, social justice in the corporate world, and coercive kidnappings in violent political organizations. Our students present their research at conferences around the country, earn awards and prestigious research grants for their scholarship, and publish articles in major journals, such as International Security, American Political Science Review, International Organization, Perspectives on Politics, and Journal of Politics.

Funding is guaranteed for five years, conditional on adequate progress.

Admissions & Requirements

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Request More Information

Join the Graduate Programs Open House: October 21–November 1

Registration is now open for GW's Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (CCAS) Graduate Programs Open House! The event features program-specific information sessions and opportunities to interact with current graduate students, faculty and our admissions team.

The Political Science Department will host virtual information sessions for prospective graduate students on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 1 p.m. and Thursday, Oct. 24 at 11 a.m. EDT. Attendees will receive an application fee waiver.

Registration and Details

The deadline for our MA program is April 1, 2025, for Fall 2025 admission. Our next PhD application deadline is Dec. 15, 2024, for Fall 2025 admission. If you have questions, please contact the Department Administrator by email: [email protected] .

Major and Minor Fields

Doctoral students choose both a major and minor field of study. Any of the major fields is also an option for a minor.

Major Fields

• American Politics
• International Relations
• Comparative Politics

Minor Fields

• Political Theory
• Public Policy
• Research Methods

Learn About Research by Field

Course Requirements 

Additional requirements

In addition to required coursework, program requirements consists of two comprehensive examinations covering a primary and supporting field, an original research paper, and a dissertation demonstrating the capacity to undertake original and significant research. The research paper, to be completed by the second year in the program, must reflect the student's ability to conduct original research. Students prepare for the comprehensive exams by taking at least five courses in their primary field and at least four courses in their supporting field, selected according to departmental guidelines. Three primary fields are available: American politics, international relations, and comparative politics. In addition, political theory, public policy, and research methodology are available as supporting fields. Petitions for a self-designed minor field (e.g., political communications) composed primarily of courses not offered by the established fields can be jointly proposed by students and faculty. All students must complete a sequence of courses in research methodology comprising PSC 8101 , PSC 8108 , and PSC 8109 . 

A recommendation to the Dean for Admissions to candidacy, or the dissertation research stage, will be considered upon satisfactory completion of all coursework, research paper, field examinations, and successful defense of the dissertation prospectus. Students must pass their primary field examination with a satisfactory pass or above and must pass their supporting field examination with a bare pass or above in order to be considered eligible for promotion to candidacy. Admission to candidacy is permitted only if the student’s performance on the examinations and in the coursework gives a good indication of success in the second unit. Passing the field examinations does not in itself ensure admission to candidacy.

The dissertation prospectus must outline the central research question(s), relate the proposed research to the existing literature, detail a research methodology, and explain the nature of the original contribution that the completed project will provide. The prospectus must be presented and defended in an open forum, which all faculty and doctoral students are invited to attend. The full dissertation must be similarly defended. A dual degree program enables students to earn the master of public policy along with the PhD in the field of political science.

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Notes and References

Popular reports, compare your school options.

Graduate Programs

Political science.

Our faculty and students profit from the many outstanding institutes, centers and programs at Brown that relate to the study of politics.

The Department of Political Science covers the four main subfields in the discipline:

• American politics focuses on the behavior of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government; state and local politics; the influence of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties on decision-making; and issues of race and gender.
• Comparative politics focuses on the comparative study of the behavior of governments and political institutions, non-governmental actors across the world, and on the relationships between political and economic factors in different cultures and societies.
• International politics considers how political decisions are made in a world without a central authority above the nation-state. Recent emphases include a significant role for international law, norms, and organizations.
• Political theory seeks to analyze both historically and philosophically the origins and underpinnings of political values.

Additional Resources

Our faculty and students profit from the many outstanding institutes, centers, and programs at Brown that relate to the study of politics. These include the  Taubman Center for Public Policy and American Institutions , the  Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs , the  Master of Public Affairs program , the  Urban Studies Program , the  Saxena Center for Contemporary South Asia , the  Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies , the  Center for Philosophy, Politics and Economics , the  Center for the Study of Race and Ethnicity in America ,  Middle East Studies ,  Development Studies , the  Population Studies and Training Center , and  Africana Studies .

Application Information

In addition to the GRE and writing sample, applicants are required to submit a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, transcript(s), and, if applicable, proof of language proficiency. For further application information, please also see the  Political Science admission guidance  and the  Graduate School's admission guidance .

Application Requirements

Gre subject:.

Not required

GRE General:

Official transcripts:, letters of recommendations:.

Required (3)

Writing Sample:

Personal statement:, dates/deadlines, application deadline, completion requirements.

The Ph.D. requires passing thirteen graduate-level courses with a minimum grade of B or better, though A grades are expected, including methods, field proseminars, course(s) in political theory, and Prospectus Writing. Students must also pass a written and oral preliminary examination in their primary field; a written and oral presentation of a dissertation proposal; and a written and oral presentation of a dissertation. A minimum of two semesters as a teaching assistant is also required.

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100 Best Political Science schools in the United States

Updated: February 29, 2024

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Below is a list of best universities in the United States ranked based on their research performance in Political Science. A graph of 131M citations received by 5.34M academic papers made by 1,596 universities in the United States was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. Harvard University

For Political Science

2. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

3. Stanford University

4. University of California - Berkeley

5. Columbia University

6. University of Washington - Seattle

7. University of Chicago

8. Yale University

9. Cornell University

10. University of Pennsylvania

11. University of California - Los Angeles

12. New York University

13. Pennsylvania State University

14. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

15. Johns Hopkins University

16. University of Wisconsin - Madison

17. University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign

18. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

19. Ohio State University

20. University of Texas at Austin

21. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

22. University of Southern California

23. Princeton University

24. Michigan State University

25. Arizona State University - Tempe

26. University of Maryland - College Park

27. Duke University

28. Carnegie Mellon University

29. University of Pittsburgh

30. University of Virginia

31. Rutgers University - New Brunswick

32. University of California-San Diego

33. University of Arizona

34. University of Florida

35. University of California - San Francisco

36. Northwestern University

37. University of California - Davis

38. Boston University

39. Texas A&M University - College Station

40. University of California - Irvine

41. University of Illinois at Chicago

42. Georgetown University

43. Washington University in St Louis

44. Emory University

45. University of Iowa

46. Vanderbilt University

47. University of Utah

48. George Washington University

49. University of Rochester

50. Georgia Institute of Technology

51. University of Massachusetts - Amherst

52. Indiana University - Bloomington

53. University of California - Santa Barbara

54. Florida State University

55. George Mason University

56. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

57. University of Notre Dame

58. University of Georgia

59. University of South Carolina - Columbia

60. University of Kentucky

61. Iowa State University

62. University of Colorado Boulder

63. Purdue University

64. University of Missouri - Columbia

65. University of South Florida

66. North Carolina State University at Raleigh

67. University of Miami

68. Case Western Reserve University

69. University of Kansas

70. Boston College

71. Temple University

72. Georgia State University

73. University at Buffalo

74. Brown University

75. Providence College

76. University of Connecticut

77. Syracuse University

78. Dartmouth College

79. University of Tennessee - Knoxville

80. Brigham Young University - Provo

81. Wayne State University

82. Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

83. University of Cincinnati

84. Tufts University

85. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

86. University of Delaware

87. University of Nebraska - Lincoln

88. University of Houston

89. American University in Washington

90. California Institute of Technology

91. Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis

92. Colorado State University - Fort Collins

93. University of Oklahoma - Norman

94. SUNY at Albany

95. Stony Brook University

96. University of Central Florida

97. University of Alabama

98. University of New Mexico

99. California University of Pennsylvania

100. University of Alabama at Birmingham

The best cities to study Political Science in the United States based on the number of universities and their ranks are Cambridge , Ann Arbor , Stanford , and Berkeley .

Liberal Arts & Social Sciences subfields in the United States

 UNDERGRAD       GRAD       ALUMNI 

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Ph.D. in Political Science

ONLINE APPLICATION APPLY NOW

about OUR PROGRAM

Ranked #21 among all public political science programs in the country ( U.S. News & World Report ), the UCI graduate program in political science offers students six years of guaranteed funding .

UCI political science faculty publish regularly in top academic journals, and graduate students have ample opportunities to publish alongside them. Faculty and graduate students consistently present research at conferences, universities, and before governmental entities across the globe. Their expert advice is sought by journalists in the national media, lawyers, and policy makers. Members of the faculty have received national and international awards and testified before Congress to impact policy.

And if that wasn't enough, the UCI campus is located less than 10 miles from Newport Beach, is the #1 university doing the most for the American dream ( New York Times College Access Index ), the #9 best value university ( Princeton Review ), and the #10 ranked public university in the U.S. ( U.S. News & World Report ).

Learn more about political science at UCI...

university committed to economic diversity and upward mobility - New York Times College Access Index

best value university - Princeton Review

public university in the U.S. - U.S. News & World Report

best public political science program in the U.S. - U.S. News & World Report

LOCATION Campus is located less than 10 miles from Newport Beach.    

FUNDING Admitted students receive 6 years of guaranteed funding.    

FIELDS Primary research fields exist in American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory.  

DEGREE Ph.D.; a master's degree may be earned while in pursuit of the Ph.D.      

ENROLLMENT Full-time, on-campus with housing.        

CURRENT MASTERS Political science Ph.D. students can simultaneously pursue an M.A. in demographic and social analysis.    

JOB PLACEMENTS

American Council on Learned Societies

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Massachusetts Institute of Technology

National Chengchi University, Taiwan

Rice University

University of Florida

Read more about alumni job placements...

  A top-ranked program with research strengths in American and comparative politics, international relations, and political theory.  

what makes us

  UCI political scientists explore changing notions of citizenship, politics of race/ethnicity, studies in the global supply chains and contested notions of democracy.

Students select a primary field from among American politics, comparative politics, international relations, or political theory. They select a secondary field from these or from a more specialized area. Examples of secondary fields include critical theory; democracy studies; ethics; methodology and modeling; political economy; political psychology; public law; and race, ethnicity and politics, among others. Faculty actively mentor doctoral students and encourage them to become productive, publishing scholars before completing their graduate studies.

Students have an opportunity to earn a master's degree while in pursuit of their Ph.D., and are encouraged to enroll in interdisciplinary coursework.

Alumni have entered tenure-track positions at top research universities, highly competitive post-doctoral positions, and research-oriented jobs in both the public and private sectors.

So what are you waiting for?

APPLY TODAY

If full funding, opportunities to publish, and a proven track record of excellence in the field are what you're looking for in a graduate program, contact us today to learn more about UCI political science.  

UCI Department of Political Science

Online Application

Department Chair

Sara Goodman   [email protected]  949.824.4865

Graduate Program Director

Marek Kaminski   [email protected]  

Graduate Admissions Director

Robert Uriu   [email protected]  949.824.1868

Graduate Advisor

Jennifer Gerson   [email protected]  949.824.4074

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Fully Funded PhD Programs in Political Science

Last updated March 30, 2022

As part of our series  How to Fully Fund Your PhD , here is a list of universities that offer full funding for a Ph.D. in Political Science. These programs are designed to produce exceptional researchers and scholars in the fields of American Politics, Political Theory, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Economy, Political Science Research Methodology, Constitutional Studies, and more. Graduates from these programs typically go on to work at top universities, think tanks, consulting firms, and government and non-government organizations (NGOs), both domestically and abroad. With the  average cost of a doctorate degree exceeding $100,000, gaining acceptance to a program with full funding is ideal.

“Full funding” is a financial aid package for full-time Ph.D. students that includes full tuition remission as well as an annual stipend or salary during the entire program, which is usually 3-6 years. Funding usually comes with the expectation that students will teach or complete research in their field of study. Not all universities fully fund their doctoral students, which is why researching the financial aid offerings of many different programs, including small and lesser-known schools both in the U.S. and abroad, is essential.

The  ProFellow database  for graduate and doctoral study also spotlights external funding opportunities for graduate school, including dissertation research, fieldwork, language study, and summer work experiences.

Would you like to receive the full list of more than 1000+ fully funded programs in 60 disciplines? Download the FREE Directory of Fully Funded Graduate Programs and Full Funding Awards !

1. University of Chicago

(Chicago, IL): The University of Chicago provides full funding to all admitted doctoral students to its Ph.D. in Political Science Program. The funding package includes full tuition, an annual stipend, and health insurance, and is guaranteed for the duration of a student’s studies provided they remain in good academic standing.

2. George Washington University

(Washington, D.C.): The George Washington University Ph.D. in Political Science program provides five years of guaranteed funding. The program is designed to produce outstanding researchers and scholars at top universities, policy think tanks, consulting firms, and government institutions. Ph.D. students choose one major study: American Politics, International Relations, or Comparative Politics, and one minor study: Political Theory, Public Policy, or Research Methods.

3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

(Cambridge, MA): The MIT Ph.D. in Political Science program aims to provide merit-based funding to all incoming doctoral students. The funding package is for five consecutive years with full tuition, health insurance, and a 9-month stipend. The program aims to produce new scholarly insights that improve the way governments and societies function and requires preparation in two of these major fields: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Models and Methods, Political Economy, and Security Studies.

4. University of Minnesota

(Minneapolis, MN): The University of Minnesota Ph.D. in Political Science program offers full funding to all incoming doctoral students. The funding provides five years of guaranteed financial support through fellowships, research and teaching assistantships, or graduate instructorships. Research specialties of the program include American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Methodology, Political Psychology (minor), Political Theory, and Political Economy.

5. New York University

(New York, NY): The NYU Ph.D. in Politics program offers full funding to all incoming students through MacCracken fellowships that guarantee five years of support, including tuition and a stipend. The program views teaching as a vital part of the doctoral degree, therefore students who participate in the teaching program are provided additional compensation for each teaching opportunity. There are no department-wide course requirements, but students must take at least three courses in each of at least two of these fields: American Politics, Political Theory, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Economy, and Methodology.

6. University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

(Chapel Hill, NC): The UNC Ph.D. in Political Science program offers most students fellowships and assistantships to fund their academic studies and living expenses. These awards require ten to fifteen hours per week of service duties, which may include teaching, conducting recitation sections, or assisting a faculty member in research and/or teaching. After the first year, graduate students must demonstrate the ability to teach in English in order to be eligible for further financial support. The program’s focus is to prepare students for professional careers in political science at academic institutions, government agencies, and NGOs.

7. University of Notre Dame

(Notre Dame, IN): The University of Notre Dame Department of Political Science provides guaranteed financial support to admitted students for five years. The funding package includes full tuition and a fellowship stipend. Additional funding is also available for students to pursue research and professional development, including covering costs associated with conference travel. The program also offers a joint Ph.D. in Political Science and Peace Studies that provides a full tuition scholarship, generous stipend, health insurance, and additional funding for research and travel.

8. Stanford University

(Stanford, CA): The Stanford Ph.D. in Political Science program offers a fully funded financial package for doctoral students for up to five years. The funding package covers the full cost of tuition and an additional amount for living expenses during the academic year. The latter amount comes in the form of a stipend during the first year and a combination of teaching and research assistantships during years 2-5.  The Department also provides students with annual funds for professional development, health insurance fees, and a living stipend for the first two summers. The aim of Stanford’s Political Science Ph.D. program is to produce scholars, most of which go on to conduct research and teach at universities.

9. Vanderbilt University

(Nashville, TN): The Vanderbilt Ph.D. in Political Science program provides full funding to all doctoral students for five years of study. The financial package includes a university tuition scholarship – a service-free award that covers all tuition costs, and a graduate award consisting of either a university fellowship, graduate teaching assistantship, graduate research assistantship, traineeships, or teacher training award. The program encourages individuals from diverse, under-represented populations to apply and aims to bring the most diverse, talented, and innovative students in the world to Nashville to study political science.

10. Washington University in St. Louis

(St. Louis, MO): Washington University’s Ph.D. program in Political Science provides full funding to all incoming students. The funding package includes full tuition and a stipend for living expenses. The Political Science program is designed to prepare students for careers in academia and prides itself in successfully placing graduates in academic jobs.  The program places about 90 percent of its Ph.D. graduates in jobs, most of them tenure-track positions.

Next step: Narrowing down the list of universities to apply to is important, and a critical factor in your decision should be your potential Ph.D. advisor. As a next step, we recommend that you learn how to find your ideal Ph.D. advisor .

© Victoria Johnson 2020, all rights reserved.

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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 .

Graduate Study

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The University of Chicago leads the world in the study of political science. Its faculty and students are engaged in critical inquiry on a wide range of topics, from American elections to the origins of the modern state. Chicago values this breadth of scholarship. You will also find emphasis on the profound questions of political life, from the sources of war, to the meaning of justice, to the development of representative democracy. It is this commitment to understanding fundamental issues that distinguishes the University of Chicago and its graduate program.

To foster such scholarship, the department has developed a sophisticated and flexible program of graduate training, built around seminars with leading scholars. Students can select courses of considerable diversity, supplemented by guest lecturers and special seminars throughout the year.

Students distribute their coursework among at least two of the five fields of the discipline. They may choose from political theory, American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and methodology. In the process, all students can sample a wide variety of theoretical perspectives and develop essential research skills.

Doctoral research is the culmination of graduate study. This marks the transition from taking courses to becoming an independent scholar who conducts original and significant work. As scholars, they join faculty and fellow graduate students in advanced workshops, which meet throughout the year to consider new research. Active participation in workshops is one of the University of Chicago’s greatest strengths. Such involvement shapes their own research programs and grants opportunities to discuss and present their ideas.

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QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021: Politics

Discover where to study Politics with the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021.

Out Now: QS World University Rankings for Politics 2022

The QS World University Rankings by Subject are based upon academic reputation, employer reputation and research impact. You can learn more by reading our methodology .

Use the interactive table below to filter the rankings by location, and click on individual universities for more information. You can also use our Course Matching Tool to identify the right degree for you. Simply answer a few simple questions about your academic record and what matters most to you when choosing a university and we’ll recommend the specific degree programs which suit you best.

Interested in more than one study area? The QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021 cover 51 different subjects. Click here to see the full list.

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Best PhD Degrees in Political Sciences in the world

There are 80 study programs available at 65 schools and universities in the world , according to Erudera.

Erudera aims to have the largest and most updated database of study programs available in the world , and new study programs are being added weekly. You can use the filters to narrow down your search or sort your results based on popularity and top rankings to find more specific study programs. Once you filter your results, you can save your chosen programs to a personal list so you can do more research or contact the universities later.

Here are the best global universities for Political Sciences :

Pompeu Fabra University

University of Manchester

University of Exeter

King's College London

Cardiff University

Coventry University

University of Strathclyde

University of Bristol

University College London

Queen Mary University of London

Political Science

University of Fribourg

Switzerland

University of Lucerne

University of Bern

University of Geneva

University of Basel

University of Lausanne

Clinical Science

University of Zurich

University of Ottawa

Carleton University

Political Economy

Dalhousie University

McMaster University

University of Guelph

Simon Fraser University

University of British Columbia

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Welcome to our PhD Program in Political Science!

For students interested in graduate study in political science, we provide excellent opportunities for you to succeed at Ohio State. Our location in Columbus offers exciting extra-departmental opportunities as a major research university in one of the thirty largest metropolitan areas in the country. In 2021, U.S. News and World Report ranked the department 17th overall in the country, 12th in International Relations, 11th in American Politics, 20th in Comparative Politics, and 13th in Political Methodology.

Our distinguished and diverse faculty are strongly committed to working closely with graduate students. We combine traditional disciplinary major fields and innovative departmental specializations along with providing students with the most up-to-date training in theory and methods. 

You will have the opportunity to join a highly competitive, supportive community of students, who typically receive full financial support to pursue their degrees. Most students receive a five-year funding package that pays a stipend, tuition and fees, and health care. 

Fields of Study and Departmental Specialization

For most students, arriving at a course of study will involve the selection of two focus fields and a course-out minor from either one of the focus fields, a graduate interdisciplinary specialization, or a graduate minor. 

Focus Fields of Study

American Politics ( Ranked 11th in the nation in 2021) Comparative Politics  ( Ranked 20th in the nation in 2021) International Relations ( Ranked 12th in the nation in 2021) Political Methodology ( Ranked 13th in the nation in 2021) Political Theory

In addition, students may choose one or more departmental specializations. More individualized programs emphasizing either breadth or depth may be developed in consultation with an academic advisor.

Departmental Specializations

Political Psychology Formal Theory Political Economy Race, Ethnicity, and Gender

"I was attracted by Ohio State’s graduate program in political science because of its commitment to supporting graduate student research. The department’s outstanding faculty have guided me throughout the challenging process of selecting a dissertation topic, gathering preliminary evidence, spending months abroad collecting data, and finally writing my Ph.D. thesis. I am particularly grateful for exceptional financial support that allowed me to travel across Africa in search of the best available evidence for answering my research questions. " - Vladimir Chlouba, Ph.D. Candidate

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The Department of Political Science & International Relations at the University of Delaware offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary program that provides students with a deep understanding of global governance, political systems, and international relations. The program emphasizes ethnic and racial diversity, cultural convergence, and a strong global orientation, enabling students to gain insights into politics on all five continents. Students can choose to minor in Africana Studies, Law Studies, or Philosophy, further enriching their educational experience. The department's young and dynamic faculty come from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds and have a broad range of research and publishing interests. The program prepares graduates for various careers, including graduate studies in political science or related fields and professions in education, law, business, journalism, and more.

Wh​y Political Science & International Relations?

• Legislative Fellows spend a semester working in the Delaware General Assembly for representatives and committees. Students gain valuable insight into state and local politics, make valuable employment connections and earn a stipend. 
• Our undergraduate students: Develop important skills like communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and data analysis, which are valuable in politics, government, business, and the non-profit sector.
• Graduate and Professional Degrees: Students pursue graduate and professional degrees at prestigious universities in many exciting fields, including architecture, economics, and more.

of employers say that “a demonstrated capacity to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems is more important than their undergraduate major."

world leaders and scholars from more than 30 countries have been participants in internationally-recognized State Department programs since 2009.

of International Relations majors graduate in four years or less.

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Alberto fujimori, ex-leader of peru imprisoned for rights abuses, dies at 86, upcoming events, center for political communication (cpc).

The CPC is a nonpartisan, interdisciplinary center connecting academics, students, and the community to relevant issues in political communication. Since its creation, the CPC consistently touches on issues that are part of, or about to be part of, the national conversation. Whether it is racial injustice, climate change, polarization, or the future of our democracy, the CPC provides context through courses, research, and programs. ​

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