PhD Politics at University of Virginia

Programme overview

PhD programme training students in the study of political life in the United States and worldwide, combining theoretical inquiry with empirical analysis, with partner centers including the Miller Center and Center for Politics.

Faculty: Graduate School of Arts & Sciences | Department: Politics | Study mode: full-time | Location: Charlottesville, VA, United States

What you will study

Concentrations in American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations and Political Theory; research areas include political methodology, democratic theory, political institutions and international security.

Career pathways

University or college professor, policy research fellow, government analyst, diplomat, public affairs specialist.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (all programmes): online application with a 500-1,000 word statement of purpose, unofficial transcripts of all postsecondary work, minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, two letters of recommendation (programmes may require more), and an $85 non-refundable application fee. International applicants whose undergraduate degree was not earned entirely in English submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test scores: TOEFL iBT 90 overall (22 speaking, 22 writing, 23 reading, 23 listening) for tests taken before 1/21/26, IELTS 7.0 in each section, Duolingo 130 overall; committees may still consider scores below these minimums. GRE is not required for this programme. PhD application deadline: December 15.

Requirements published at faculty level.

Application fees (2026-27): undergraduate $75; Graduate School of Arts & Sciences $85; Architecture $80; Batten graduate $75; Darden non-PhD $250, Darden PhD $100; Data Science $85; Education and Human Development $65; Law $85; McIntire graduate $85; Medicine $80; Nursing $88; SCPS $70; Graduate Engineering no fee.

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