PhD Government and Politics at University of Maryland, College Park

Entry requirements

Graduate admission requirements: Statement of Purpose Transcript(s) TOEFL/IELTS/PTE ( international graduate students ) For best consideration for our program, applicants should have a minimum score of 24* or higher on the Speaking sub-section of the TOEFL, or a score of 7.5 or higher on the Speaking sub-section of the IELTS, or a score of 80 or higher on the Speaking sub-section of the PTE. (*5 or higher on the Speaking sub-section of the TOEFL as of January 26, 2026) | Programme-specific: Letters of Recommendation (3) Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) (optional) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (optional) GRE Subject (optional) Supplementary Applications (up to two optional, contact dept. for details) CV/Resume Writing Sample (one required, up to one more optional) The department recruits highly qualified students and admits only a limited number of the strongest applicants. The Admissions Committee rarely grants provisional or conditional admission to the graduate program. The department does not admit M.A. applicants. Only students whose ultimate objective is the Ph.D. should apply for direct admission to the program. Admission is granted only for the fall semester.