University of California, Santa Barbara campus

Arts & Humanities

PhD Political Science at University of California, Santa Barbara

University of California, Santa Barbara, United States

Programme overview

The Department of Political Science offers a program of advanced study of politics and political phenomena. In addition to the four traditional subfields (American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory), we offer qualification in two focus areas that span multiple subfields: Environmental Politics and the Politics of Identity. We provide advanced training in statistical and qualitative methods depending on the area of study.

Faculty: College of Letters and Science  |  Department: Department of Political Science  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Location: Santa Barbara, CA, United States

What you will study

Emphases offered: International Relations, Technology & Society, Women's Studies.

Career pathways

Graduate and professional pathways include Academia; Polling and data analysis; Government. Top employers include University (ranging from research universities to community colleges)--about 80% of graduates, Private sector employment, Government.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

University-level graduate application (applies to all UCSB graduate programmes): online application through the Graduate Division with transcripts from all post-secondary institutions, statement of purpose, personal history statement, résumé/CV, three letters of recommendation, TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo English Test scores where applicable, and GRE scores only if the programme requires them; deadlines and any programme-specific requirements are set by the department.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,722 a year (2026-27). Resident (California) graduate tuition for the year (4,574 per quarter x 3 quarters as listed in the yearly column), stated for UCSB graduate students generally; excludes Student Service Fee, campus-based fees, tech fee and student health insurance. Nonre Source

Graduate applicants apply through the UCSB online graduate application; the deadline is set by each department. Application fee: $135 for US citizens and permanent residents, $155 for all others, payable by credit card, check or money order. GRE required only by some programmes.

Apply through the official page: https://www.graddiv.ucsb.edu/admissions

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities

BA Anthropology

University of California, Santa Barbara, United States

Degree
Bachelor's
Next intake
Entry term: fall. First-year and transfer applicants apply for fall 2027 through the UC Application.

Arts & Humanities

BA Art

University of California, Santa Barbara, United States

Degree
Bachelor's
Next intake
Entry term: fall. First-year and transfer applicants apply for fall 2027 through the UC Application.

Arts & Humanities

BA Asian American Studies

University of California, Santa Barbara, United States

Degree
Bachelor's
Next intake
Entry term: fall. First-year and transfer applicants apply for fall 2027 through the UC Application.

Arts & Humanities

BA Black Studies

University of California, Santa Barbara, United States

Degree
Bachelor's
Next intake
Entry term: fall. First-year and transfer applicants apply for fall 2027 through the UC Application.

Arts & Humanities

BA Chicana and Chicano Studies

University of California, Santa Barbara, United States

Degree
Bachelor's
Next intake
Entry term: fall. First-year and transfer applicants apply for fall 2027 through the UC Application.

Arts & Humanities

BA Classics

University of California, Santa Barbara, United States

Degree
Bachelor's
Next intake
Entry term: fall. First-year and transfer applicants apply for fall 2027 through the UC Application.

Arts & Humanities

BA Communication

University of California, Santa Barbara, United States

Degree
Bachelor's
Next intake
Entry term: fall. First-year and transfer applicants apply for fall 2027 through the UC Application.

View all study programmes →

Ready to start your study abroad journey?

Book a free consultation with our expert counsellors and take the first step towards your dream university.

Copyrights © 2026 StudyMapped. All rights reserved.