PhD in Political Science - American Politics in Syracuse United States | Syracuse University

The Ph.D. is granted to candidates who fulfill all academic requirements, including coursework, qualifying exams, and dissertation defense. A minimum of 42 credit hours of classes plus 30 dissertation credits must be completed, maintaining a 3.0 GPA or better. Transfer of up to 21 credits from other institutions may be requested. Students must submit a Program of Study before attempting qualifying exams. Ph.D. candidates automatically qualify for an M.A. upon meeting those degree requirements.

Mastering American Politics involves completing core coursework supplemented by extensive independent study. Typically, majors should take four field-specific courses in their first four semesters, while minors need three. Qualifying Exams are generally administered in August after the second year. Any schedule adjustments must be approved by the Graduate Director.