Political Science

PHD

Why study Political Science?

Students pursuing the Ph.D. in political science at UC’s School of Public and International Affairs select two of the following major fields of study:  American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, or Research Methodology. Doctoral students may also complete a graduate certificate in Public Opinion and Survey Research, a Ph.D. concentration in Feminist Comparative and International Politics, or a cross-disciplinary certificate in Asian Studies.


Prospective students are encouraged to read the profiles of professors and graduate students in the School of Public and International Affairs to learn about ongoing research. 

Admission Requirements

  • Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate work 
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • A statement of purpose explaining why you have decided to pursue graduate education in political science and specifically addressing how your interests fit with those of the department faculty 
  • For students applying with only a bachelor’s degree: GRE verbal, quantitative and analytical scores are required
  • For students applying with a master’s degree from a US university or an English-medium university outside the US: GRE scores are optional
  • For students applying from countries where English is not an official language: TOEFL scores (or other standardized tests recognized by the UC Graduate School) are required unless you have a bachelor’s or higher degree from an entirely English-instructing college or university
  • Applicants should have at least a B average in undergraduate coursework or otherwise give evidence of academic promise
  • The video essay is not required

The Political Science Ph.D. program prepares students for careers in research, teaching, public policy, government, or international organizations. Recent graduates work in the US and internationally in colleges and universities, governments, and research firms.

We offer Graduate Assistantships and tuition scholarships and nominate students for the university’s targeted funding opportunities for underrepresented minority students. The Taft Research Center at the University of Cincinnati provides graduate student travel grants for research or conference presentations and doctoral dissertation fellowships.

Our school has research strengths in several areas, with multiple professors working within each, including:

Students may choose to complete a Graduate Certificate in Public Opinion and Survey Research, a Feminist Comparative and International Politics Ph.D. Concentration, or a cross-disciplinary Graduate Certificate in Asian Studies. SPIA also offers a joint political science Ph.D./J.D. program with the College of Law at the University of Cincinnati. 

Students entering the political science PhD program with an MA only need 60 credits to complete the PhD instead of 90. 

Students entering the political science PhD program with an MA only need 60 credits to complete the PhD instead of 90. 

Explore unique opportunities, faculty, and resources available in School of Public and International Affairs

Application Deadlines

  • January 15 for fall enrollment with graduate assistantship and tuition scholarship
  • June 15 for fall enrollment if applicant has a fellowship or other funding Submit an application for the Political Science program through the UC Graduate School.
The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Contact Information

Dr. Jack Mewhirter
Room 5110 Clifton Court Hall
2800 Clifton Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0375
(513) 556-1182
SPIA-Grad@uc.edu

Find related programs in the following interest areas:

Program Code: 15DOC-POL-PHD