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Ph.D. Program

Reading room in Suzzallo library
The reading room in Suzzallo Library

As the major research institution in the Northwest, the University of Washington affords an expansive learning environment for the approximately eight thousand students who are working toward advanced degrees in the University's graduate and professional schools. The Department of Political Science, one of the largest social science disciplines, offers a graduate program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree. Graduate students working towards the Ph.D. will also complete a Masters of Arts degree as a part of the overall requirements of the program.

Visit the pages below for details about application procedures, program requirements, and departmental resources:

Questions? Contact polsgrad@uw.edu

More About Our Graduate Program

As a discipline, political science concentrates on the theory and practice of government and politics. At the graduate level, study of political science involves in-depth investigation into a broad range of political phenomena in areas as diverse as regional specializations in comparative politics, international peace and conflict resolution, feminist political theory, and American voting behavior. The breadth of the discipline, which is exemplified by the theoretical and research interests of the political science faculty at the University of Washington, in addition to the supportive philosophy of the faculty, gives students the freedom to shape an individualized program of study to meet their personal interests and career goals.

Located in Gowen Hall, at the center of campus, the Department of Political Science maintains a graduate program of about 50 students in residence, with approximately twelve to fifteen new students entering the program each year, and a full-time and adjunct faculty of fifty members. The program remains small enough to offer students a strongly supportive environment for study and research. In addition, an active student association, which sponsors both academic and social events, fosters a collegial spirit among the graduate students.

Graduate courses, which average from eight to fifteen students, are conducted in a seminar setting where student inquiry and interaction are encouraged. Upon entering the program, each student meets with the Graduate Program Coordinator to outline the first year's course work. However, by the third quarter of residence, each student selects a faculty supervisory committee to advise the student about a program of study that meets individual needs and interests.

The University of Washington provides equal opportunity in education without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran in accordance with University of Washington policy and applicable federal and state statutes and regulations.

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