Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science (Ph.D.)
Rigorous research training for a career as a political science scholarThe PhD in Political Science trains applied social scientists for careers in research. Built on theoretical and methodological rigor, the program gives you a firm command of the discipline, deep methodological foundations, and expertise in the fields you choose, while a research-active faculty mentors you toward asking, and answering, novel questions.
Program at a Glance
- Credential
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Political Science
- Duration
usually 5 years
- Format
In residence, College Station
- Structure
Common methods core, one major field, two minor fields, and a dissertation
- Funding
Funding is available for admitted PhD students
- Prior Degree
A master’s is not required to apply
About the Program
The PhD in Political Science emphasizes theoretical and methodological rigor and prepares graduates for careers as research scholars at universities and research institutions. Every student completes a common core of applied formal theory and statistical modeling alongside substantive field training, building three things: a firm grasp of political science as a whole, a sophisticated command of the discipline’s theoretical and methodological foundations, and deep familiarity with the literature and problems of their chosen fields.
The department’s defining belief is that the most fruitful research crosses traditional subfield and disciplinary lines, so rather than training students to answer particular questions, the program trains them to ask interesting and novel ones. Organized research programs across the department encourage collaboration and dialogue among fields, and the hallmark of a Texas A&M political science PhD is adaptability and the capacity for continuous learning.
Curriculum & Requirements
The PhD combines a shared methodological core with field specialization and original research. All students complete the applied formal theory and statistical modeling core, then build expertise across one major and two minor fields before advancing to the dissertation. The path to the degree moves from coursework through the preliminary examination, the dissertation proposal, and original dissertation research, to the final defense, guided throughout by a faculty advisory committee. Full program requirements are maintained by Texas A&M.
Methods Core
A required common sequence in applied formal theory and statistical modeling that grounds every student.
Major Field
A primary field of specialization from the five fields below.
Minor Fields
Two additional fields, drawn from the major-field list or from Advanced Research Methodology or Race, Ethnic, and Gender Politics.
Dissertation
Original research developed with a faculty advisory committee, culminating in the dissertation and final defense.
Research Fields
Students select one major field and two minor fields. The five major fields mirror the discipline, and the department’s cross-field culture encourages research that bridges them.
Field of Study American Politics Institutions, behavior, and governance in the United States.
The study of American national institutions, political behavior, and subnational politics, including the presidency, Congress, the courts, and their interactions; constitutional, statutory, and administrative law; and parties and other extra-constitutional institutions.
Field of Study Comparative Politics Political systems and behavior across nations.
The systematic comparison of political experience across nation-states, spanning the cross-national approach (large-N, quantitative) and the area-studies approach.
Field of Study International Relations Politics, security, and cooperation among states.
The study of politics and strategic interaction among states and across borders, including security, cooperation, and conflict.
Field of Study Political Theory The ideas, ethics, and philosophy of political life.
The rational scrutiny and moral assessment of political life across perspectives, with faculty strengths in global and comparative theory, the history of political thought, democratic and feminist theory, the philosophy of social science, and the theory of tolerance.
Field of Study Public Policy / Public Administration How institutions make, implement, and evaluate policy.
The scientific study of the politics of institutions and organizations, the analysis of government and non-government responses to public problems, and the behavior of administrative agencies, cutting across American and comparative politics.
Faculty & Research
A PhD is a close apprenticeship, so faculty research fit matters more than anything. Texas A&M political science faculty are active researchers across all five fields and lead organized research programs that bring students into collaboration early. Explore faculty by their fields and current work to find where your interests align.
Funding
Doctoral study at the Bush School is supported. Admitted PhD students are considered for funding that supports them through their training. See the Cost & Funding overview and the PhD funding details for specifics.
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Careers & Outcomes
The PhD prepares graduates for research and faculty positions at universities and research institutions. For placement history and where our doctoral graduates work, see Careers & Outcomes.
Explore PhD Careers & OutcomesReady to Apply?
The PhD admits for fall entry only, with a December application deadline. See requirements and instructions on the admissions page.
How to Apply