PhD in Political Science
Apply to the doctoral program in political science at the Bush SchoolAdmissions information for the PhD in Political Science in College Station. The program admits for fall entry, and a master's degree is not required to apply.
Applying to the Doctoral Program
A few things that set the doctoral application apart.No master’s required
You may apply directly from a bachelor’s degree
GRE required
Test scores are part of every application
50 pages
Maximum length of your academic writing sample
Who Can Apply
You may apply if you are nearing completion of, or already hold, a bachelor’s or master’s degree. A master’s degree is not required to apply to the doctoral program.
Application Materials
Apply through the Texas A&M GradCAS application and submit the materials below. Submit official transcripts to the Admissions office.Apply through the Texas A&M GradCAS application and submit the materials below. Submit official transcripts to the Admissions office.
Required Texas A&M Graduate Application Submitted through GradCAS
Complete and submit the Texas A&M graduate application in GradCAS.
Required Official Transcripts From all prior academic work, sent to the Admissions office
Unofficial transcripts are sufficient for application purposes, however, official transcripts will be required for successful applicants to be admitted to the program. Official transcripts of previous academic work, submitted to the Texas A&M Admissions office. See the How to Submit Official Transcripts page for methods and addresses.
Required (3) Letters of Recommendation Three letters addressing your academic potential
Three recommendations are required and collected via GradCAS.
Required GRE Test Scores GRE scores are required for every applicant
Submit GRE test scores as part of your application in GradCAS.
Required Statement of Academic Purpose
Upload your personal statement to the Program Materials quadrant → Documents tab of your application in GradCAS.
Required Academic Writing Sample A sample of academic work, 50 pages maximum
A sample of written academic work, no more than 50 pages.
Required Proof of English Language Proficiency TOEFL 600 minimum, plus F-1 visa requirements
A sample of written academic work, no more than 50 pages.
If required (international) Proof of English Language Proficiency TOEFL 600 minimum, plus F-1 visa requirements
International applicants must demonstrate English ability with a TOEFL score of at least 600 and meet federal requirements for an F-1 visa.
How We Review Applications
Admissions decisions are made by the Graduate Committee, which evaluates the whole application file. Beyond grades, test scores, and letters, the Committee weighs how well your interests fit the research interests of the faculty.
Application Deadlines
The program admits for fall entry only. Apply as early as possible in the year before you intend to begin.
| Deadline | Date | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Department Application Deadline | December 22 | Full consideration for fall entry |
After Submitting Your Application
Applications are evaluated starting in early January.Decisions for applications completed by December 22 are announced no later than April 1, though some applicants may be placed in a second-round or waitlist status. If admitted in the initial round, you must convey your acceptance to the Department by April 15.
Cost & Funding
Information on funding and financial assistance for the PhD in Political Science.
Cost & FundingConnect with Admissions
Please contact Melinda Jensen with administrative questions about graduate admissions, such as the status of your application, and Matthew Fuhrmann for questions about the program and admissions decisions.
Melinda Jensen
Administrative Coordinator II, Political Science
Paul Kellstedt
Director of Graduate Studies, Acting Director of Graduate Admissions, and Professor of Political Science, Political ScienceBush School Graduate Admissions Office:
- (979) 862-3476
- bushschooladmissions@tamu.edu