How to Apply

As a globally ranked university, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is an excellent choice for any student pursuing a doctorate in political science. The metropolitan area offers you a vibrant, culturally diverse community, while the department offers world-renowned faculty with global connections who specialize in a variety of areas. You will find that it is well worth the time and energy it takes to apply to the graduate program in political science.

The Department of Political Science admits to the PhD program. We do not admit to a terminal master's degree; however, students in the PhD program may earn a master's degree on the way to their doctorate.

All admitted students receive full funding for five years and one semester; no additional application is required.

We admit students to the PhD program for the fall semester only. The deadline to apply is December 15th.  A master's degree is not a requirement for admission to the PhD. Political Science is a highly competitive program. We notify applicants about decisions in early February.

To apply to the PhD program, upload all materials to the online application. For other information about the admissions process see the graduate admissions home page. 

The program is able to provide application fee waivers to students who meet the criteria below:

• McNair Scholars may request an application fee waiver from the Graduate School's Diversity Office.

Required Application Materials

• Unofficial transcripts
• Description of Research
  • Please provide a statement outlining your immediate educational and long-range career objectives in relation to your chosen field, and a description of your research. If there is a particular faculty member with whom you wish to study, please give that person's name and explain why you want to study with that person. You may also wish to include other information, such as any undergraduate research experience, internships, or other experiences you may have had to document your preparation for advanced study in your chosen field. (unlimited word count)
• Diversity Statement
  • Diversity of views and experiences is fundamental to the University's mission, and the University's faculty, staff, and students share responsibility for the collective achievement of this goal. Please describe the distinctive perspectives or life experiences, such as successfully overwhelming obstacles or hardships, that you would bring to your graduate program. Describe how these perspectives or life experiences could contribute to the education and enhanced perspective of fellow students at the University of Minnesota. (Not to exceed one page)
• Writing sample (unlimited word count).
• Three letters of recommendation (if using Interfolio, just enter the dedicated email address for each letter. Interfolio and Slate "talk" to each other and the letter appears in the application in Slate).
• Proof of English Language Proficiency: See Graduate School's website for exam options, relevant scores and post-secondary coursework allowances. Please note that official English test scores are only required after applicants are admitted to graduate programs. Self-reported unofficial scores are accepted for the review process.
• Curriculum vitae or resume.
• The GRE is not required for admission decisions.

Admissions statistics for the past several years are available for viewing.