PhD in Political Science - International Relations in Eugene United States | University of Oregon

The discipline of international relations examines the origins and effects of both conflict and collaboration in global politics. Our four specialized faculty members address diverse areas, including national security issues, global environmental policy, and international economic relations. Recent doctoral graduates from our department have explored varied subjects such as the development of security norms, the 2003 Iraq invasion, nuclear proliferation dynamics, global priority-setting processes, and gender influences in ethnic conflicts.

The PhD program in political science generally demands two years of intensive coursework. Students frequently engage in collaborative research with faculty and participate in cross-disciplinary projects spanning multiple subjects. Doctoral candidates in Political Science advance their education through specialized courses and seminars covering core areas like comparative government, theoretical approaches, global relations, policy analysis, political philosophy, and American government. Numerous professors and graduate researchers operate across these domains, often integrating insights from adjacent fields such as cultural studies, economic theory, historical analysis, legal frameworks, philosophical inquiry, and social sciences. The program structure enables qualified candidates to fulfill coursework obligations within two years of full-time enrollment. Second-year students produce a research paper, while third-year candidates undertake comprehensive exams before commencing dissertation work. Detailed program specifications, including degree completion criteria and specialization options, can be found on our departmental website.