PhD in Government - International Relations in Washington United States | Georgetown University

The Government Department's Ph.D. program aims to equip students with advanced analytical capabilities and in-depth knowledge to conduct and assess political science research, preparing them for distinguished academic careers. Earning a Georgetown Ph.D. in Government demonstrates mastery of theoretical frameworks, research methodologies, and substantive political topics, along with exceptional scholarly communication abilities.

This prestigious degree signifies comprehensive expertise in at least two specialized areas, usually selected from political science's core subfields, though students may incorporate interdisciplinary fields like history, security studies, or public policy. Georgetown awards this doctorate only to candidates who prove capable of synthesizing complex information and critically analyzing competing theoretical perspectives. Recipients demonstrate advanced research design skills and the ability to produce groundbreaking scholarship, along with the communication proficiency to contribute meaningfully to academic discourse. Graduates are fully prepared to teach political science at all university levels, from introductory courses to advanced seminars.

Our international relations graduate program fosters successful academic careers through exposure to pioneering research and rigorous professional training. Faculty members regularly publish influential work in top-tier journals such as the American Political Science Review, Foreign Affairs, and International Organization, as well as with leading academic publishers including Cambridge and Princeton University Presses.

Our program's effectiveness is best demonstrated by our graduates' achievements. Recent alumni have secured faculty positions at prestigious institutions like Cornell University and McGill University, while others have earned competitive fellowships at Harvard and Princeton. We emphasize early publication success, with student research regularly appearing in flagship journals including International Security and International Studies Quarterly.