PhD in Political Science - International Relations in Washington, D.C. United States | George Washington University

Within the social and behavioral sciences department of the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, the political science PhD program explores political systems at both domestic and global levels, focusing particularly on U.S. government, cross-national political analysis, and global affairs. This highly regarded program enables graduate students to collaborate with distinguished academics across diverse specialties while leveraging the unique resources available in Washington, D.C.

The curriculum provides comprehensive training with special attention to developing proficiency in multiple research approaches. Participants have earned distinguished honors for their doctoral research and post-doctoral work while engaging fully in professional activities. The program structure allows candidates to design their academic path by selecting primary and secondary concentrations. The principal focus areas include U.S. government systems, global affairs, and comparative government. Students can pair any of these primary concentrations with secondary specializations in public administration, political philosophy, or analytical methods. Furthermore, a joint degree option exists through collaboration between the Trachtenberg School and the Political Science Department, offering combined MPP and PhD qualifications.

Alumni have obtained faculty positions at institutions including William & Mary, DePaul University, Indiana University, University of Toronto, Colorado State University, Occidental College, SOAS/University of London, and University of Oregon. Those pursuing non-academic careers have secured roles at organizations such as the Congressional Research Service, World Bank, and Federal Bureau of Investigation.