Application Instructions
PhD in Political Science
Application Process | Contact Information | How to Apply
Application Process
Prospective students should apply as early as possible in the academic year prior to the Fall semester in which they intend to begin studies at Texas A&M. Applications are accepted for the Fall semester only. Applications are evaluated starting in early January. The Department’s application deadline is December 20. Applications received after this date may be considered only if space and funds are available. Decisions on admissions for applicants with applications completed by December 20 are announced not later than April 1, although some students may be placed on a second or “waitlist” status.
Applications from students nearing completion of or already holding either a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree are eligible to apply. Students need not hold a Master’s degree in order to apply to the doctoral program.
Contact Information
- Scott Cook, Chair, Graduate Admissions Committee and Associate Professor of Political Science: sjcook@tamu.edu
- Please contact Douglas Thornton with administrative questions about graduate admissions, such as the status of your application, and Scott Cook for other matters.
How to Apply to the Political Science PhD Program
- Upload the required application materials into the Texas A&M University | Applicant Login Page Section (liaisoncas.com).
Department-Level Admission Required documents:
- A completed Texas A&M graduate application in GRAD CAS;
- Official transcripts of previous academic work (must be submitted to the Admissions office);
- Three letters of recommendation that address academic potential;
- GRE test scores;
- Statement of academic purpose and interest;
- A sample of written academic work (no more than 50 pages).
International students are required to demonstrate ability in English by scoring at least 600 on the TOEFL examination. International students must also meet INS requirements for receipt of an F-1 visa.
Admission cycle 2025 does require GRE scores. You may upload the unofficial test score and if admitted you will need to submit the official test score.
Admissions decisions are based on careful evaluation by the Graduate Committee of all sources of information provided in the applicant’s file. In addition to grades, test scores, and letters of recommendation, the Committee will consider the fit of the student’s interests with the research interests of faculty members.
Students who are admitted may be invited to campus for a Graduate Student Recruitment Weekend, which generally occurs in late March or early April. Students who attend this weekend will be brought to the University at the Department’s expense to meet with current faculty members and graduate students and to receive an introduction to the Texas A&M program. Students admitted in the initial round of decisions must convey their acceptance of admission to the Department by April 15.
