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This advanced degree program delivers rigorous training in both political science content and research methods, fostering close mentorship between professors and students. The curriculum offers five specialization areas: American government, comparative political systems, global affairs, political philosophy, and quantitative methods. Participants can also design a customized concentration incorporating courses from related disciplines. With intentionally small cohort sizes, the Ph.D. program emphasizes faculty-student partnerships in both scholarly projects and instructional activities, equipping graduates for academic professions in political science and beyond. Alumni have secured positions at prestigious research institutions, undergraduate-focused colleges, government agencies, and policy advisory firms. The program actively supports student-led research initiatives through generous funding opportunities and collaborative projects.
The Political Science graduate program at UC Davis cultivates an intellectually cooperative atmosphere where faculty guide students in developing the expertise needed for impactful careers as political science researchers and educators.
Undergraduate grade point average (and prior graduate grade point average if applicable): the university requires a minimum grade point average of 3.0; typically the grade point average of admitted students is substantially higher.
TOEFL iBT - Minimum Score: 80
IELTS - Minimum Score: 7.0 on a 9-point scale
Duolingo English Test - Minimum Score: 115
Admission Deadlines
General: Dec 15
Space Available: Feb 1