Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science at Texas A&M University

Programme overview

Emphasises theoretical and methodological rigour and trains applied social scientists for research careers. Requires a common core of applied formal theory and statistical modelling plus substantive requirements, with major fields in American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory and Public Administration/Public Policy.

Faculty: Bush School of Government and Public Service | Department: Political Science, Bush School of Government and Public Service | Duration: 60 semester credit hours with a master's degree (or US DDS/DMD, DVM, MD); 90 semester credit hours with a bachelor's degree only | Study mode: full-time | Location: College Station, TX, United States

What you will study

Core in applied formal theory and statistical modelling, general substantive requirements and a major field, then a dissertation.

Career pathways

research professorships, public and private sector careers

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Texas A&M graduate admission (applies to all graduate programmes): accredited baccalaureate of at least three years; record over at least the last two years of full-time study showing ability to do graduate-level work (no numeric minimum GPA stated); GRE/GMAT only where the programme requires it; letters of recommendation and CV/resume considered, with portfolio or interview for some programmes. International applicants: TOEFL iBT at least 80 (taken before 21 Jan 2026) or at least 4.5 overall with 4.0 per section (taken on or after 21 Jan 2026), TOEFL Essentials 8.5, or IELTS Academic 6.0 overall; waived for a US baccalaureate or higher, GRE Verbal 146+, or GMAT Verbal 77+. Application fee $65 (US citizens/permanent residents) or $90 (international); deadlines are set by each programme. Doctoral milestones: advisory committee of at least four members including one external member, degree plan, preliminary examination (GPA of at least 3.00), approved research proposal, admission to candidacy, final examination and dissertation; residence of one academic year (master's entrants) or one year plus one semester (bachelor's entrants); all requirements within 10 years.

Requirements published at program group level.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

The graduate application processing fee is $65, in addition to the centralized application service fee. Deadlines and required documents are set by each department.

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