Ph.D. Political Science and International Affairs

Advance Knowledge. Influence Policy. Lead with Impact.

Our Ph.D. program builds on the considerable strengths that both GPS and the Department of Political Science possess, and it offers a unique focus within the context of the Pacific region. You’ll be prepared for a career in university teaching and research, or as an international affairs researcher and specialist in policy analysis.

Program Overview

The Ph.D. in Political Science and International Affairs is a joint program with the UC San Diego Department of Political Science.

The program has a required first-year curriculum in which students focus on coursework in politics and research methods.

During the second year, students begin to focus their coursework on their chosen area of research, completing the 18 required courses for advancement to candidacy.

In addition, candidates are expected to finish a seminar paper and sit for their general comprehensive exam.

Details on the curriculum can be found here.