PhD Political Science at Arizona State University

Programme overview

The Doctor of Philosophy program in political science develops you to be a scholar who demonstrates a high level of excellence in teaching and research as a professional political scientist. The program offers a variety of areas of specialization within and between the four main subfields of political science: American politics, comparative politics, international relations and political theory.

What you will study

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation Required Core (3 credit hours) POS 503 Empirical Political Inquiry (3) Electives and Research (69 credit hours) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) POS 799 Dissertation (12) Additional Curriculum Information A maximum of 12 credit hours of approved coursework outside the department but within ASU may count toward the required 84 credit hours.

Career pathways

Program graduates have a strong track record of obtaining positions in academic, public and private sectors. The program works closely with students so they have the opportunity and tools needed to achieve their career goals. Career examples: campaign consultant, campaign strategist, data analyst, lobbyist, research specialist, tenure-track or instructional faculty in political science.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: graduate admission application and application fee official transcripts personal statement writing sample GRE scores three letters of recommendation list of political science courses taken proof of English proficiency Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. ASU does not accept the GRE® General Test at home edition.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,327 a year (2026-27). Arizona resident tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads Source

International applicants: USD 24,780 a year (2026-27). International tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads ar Source

Entry terms: Fall, Spring and Summer; the terms available for each programme are listed in Degree Search.

Graduate application deadlines are set by each programme office and listed in Degree Search. The nonrefundable application fee is $75 for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA and international online students outside the U.S., and $120 for international students on a nonimmigrant visa studying in the U.S.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.asu.edu/apply/graduate/admission

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