Ph.D Degree Requirements

In addition to the department requirements listed below, each field has additional major- and minor-area requirements. Please visit the department’s website for more information on degree requirements.

• Forty-eight hours of course work
• Each student will select one major and one minor field
• A satisfactory appraisal by department faculty at the end of the second semester and a cumulative average of “B+” or better
• A first-year workshop
• Five courses in theory and methods, except for those in Political Theory
• Research competence in a second language must be proven by students in Comparative Politics, International Relations and Political Theory. Native speakers of foreign languages may fulfill the language requirement by showing fluency in English.
• Successfully pass a Ph.D. written comprehensive examinations — students may also be required to pass an oral examination in their major field.
• Presentation of a thesis proposal and the subsequent completion of a doctoral dissertation.
• Up to 24 hours of work from another accredited university may count toward the Ph.D. degree. Students with a previously earned M.A. degree, which directly prepares them for the department’s Ph.D. program, may apply for advanced standing for up to 12 credit hours.

For complete details on program policies please review the Graduate Handbook.