PhD in Political Science in United States
There are 8 phd Political Science programmes for international students across 8 universities in United States. Tuition is about €26k. Browse the full list below, compare entry requirements, and explore scholarships to fund your studies.
Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy
Cornell University offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Policy designed to train the next generation of research scholars. The program focuses on critical national and international public policy issues, providing advanced training in empirical methods, a chosen disciplinary area, and interdisciplinary approaches. Students benefit from the resources of a world-renowned Ivy League institution within a close-knit and supportive community. Graduates gain the skills necessary to shape and evaluate policy in diverse settings, including academic positions and leadership roles in public and private sectors.
Doctor of Public Administration
The University of La Verne's Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) program is designed for experienced professionals seeking to become leaders in public service. It equips graduates to contribute thoughtfully to public sector organizations, nonprofits, municipal governments, and quasi-governmental agencies. The program focuses on developing critical thinking, policy assessment, research, program evaluation, and ethical decision-making skills, enabling students to tackle complex organizational and business challenges with a global perspective.
Joint PhD in Public Policy with Economics, Political Science, or Sociology
This joint doctoral program offers a unique interdisciplinary approach to public policy, combining rigorous disciplinary training in Economics, Political Science, or Sociology with a deep focus on public policy research. Students become full members of their chosen social science department while also engaging with the Ford School's vibrant public policy community. The program is designed for individuals seeking research careers who are committed to using advanced social science tools to address critical policy questions.
Ph.D. in Political Science
Duke University's Political Science department offers a top-ten ranked Ph.D. program designed for students passionate about advanced research in the field. The program emphasizes rigorous coursework in the initial two years, combined with early engagement in faculty research to foster an understanding of innovative scholarship. Graduates are well-prepared for academic careers, with a strong placement record in tenure-track positions, as well as leadership roles in public, private, and non-profit sectors.
Ph.D. in Public Affairs
The Ph.D. in Public Affairs at Princeton University's School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) prepares students to address complex public policy challenges through evidence-based analysis and innovative approaches. The program is offered within two distinct research clusters: Security Studies and Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy (STEP). Graduates are well-prepared for careers in academia, government, think tanks, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.
PhD in Political Science
The PhD program in Political Science at Boston University offers a rigorous and supportive academic environment for doctoral candidates. This highly selective program admits an average of six students annually, all of whom receive full funding. The program focuses on training students in advanced research and teaching methodologies, preparing them for careers in academia, research institutions, and government agencies. Students benefit from a diverse faculty community across various departments and access to extensive resources within the Boston area.
PhD in Public Administration
NYU Wagner's PhD in Public Administration program equips students with theoretical and methodological training to generate insights for effective and equitable public and nonprofit programs and policies. The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to leverage expertise from fields such as economics, political science, sociology, psychology, and organization studies. It is designed to be flexible, enabling students to create a personalized plan of study by utilizing courses across NYU Wagner and other graduate schools. Students are encouraged to pursue their research interests with faculty guidance to maximize their impact. The program places a strong emphasis on research and teaching experience, offering numerous opportunities to collaborate on research projects with faculty and affiliated research centers, and to gain teaching experience as teaching colleagues and instructors. The program prepares graduates for academic positions, research roles in think tanks and firms, and leadership positions within research units of public, quasi-public, and private organizations.
Public Administration, DPA (Online)
The online Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) program at California Baptist University is designed for working professionals in public and non-profit organizations who aim to enhance their leadership skills and maximize their impact. This program focuses on integrating theory with practice, with all faculty bringing extensive practitioner experience to the classroom. Students will explore complex issues relevant to federal, state, and local levels across various sectors, including planning, criminal justice, governance, policy, health management, and social services.
Frequently asked questions
How many Political Science programmes are there in United States?
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8 across 8 universities, listed on this page.
Can international students apply?
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Yes — these programmes admit international students; check each programme's entry requirements and language of instruction.