POLSC-PHD - Political Science (PhD)

The principal goal of the PhD program in political science is the training of scholars. Most students who receive doctorates in the program do research and teach at colleges or universities. We offer courses and research opportunities in various disciplines, including American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, and Political Methodology. The program is built around small seminars that critically analyze the literature of a field or focus on a research problem. These courses prepare students for the PhD comprehensive exam requirement within two years and for work on the doctoral dissertation.

This program is full time, doctoral students in the political science PhD program are expected to maintain a significant physical presence on campus throughout their graduate studies. This ensures that students have access to advisors and mentors, libraries, and other resources that support timely progress towards completion of degree requirements. Additionally, being on campus ensures that students are part of the academic and campus community which supports continued professional development.

Information on how to apply for graduate study at Stanford is available on the university’s Graduate Admissions website. Application information specific to the PhD in political science can be found on the program's admissions webpage.