Political Science

The Political Science program at the University of Pittsburgh offers students an in-depth understanding of political systems, governmental structures, policy processes, and international relations. Designed for those interested in exploring the complexities of politics and governance, the program combines theoretical foundations with practical application to prepare students for diverse careers in government, public policy, law, journalism, international organizations, and academia. Students can choose from a wide array of courses covering American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and public administration, allowing for a tailored educational experience that aligns with their interests and career goals. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and effective communication, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to analyze political issues, develop innovative solutions, and participate actively in civic life. Opportunities for research, internships, and engagement with faculty experts provide hands-on experience and a real-world understanding of political dynamics. The program also encourages interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from economics, history, sociology, and law to deepen students' understanding of the political landscape. With a distinguished faculty renowned for their research and teaching, the Political Science department fosters a vibrant academic community committed to academic excellence and societal impact. Whether pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies, students are supported by comprehensive advising and resources to succeed academically and professionally. Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in various sectors, contributing to policy development, political analysis, diplomatic service, and more. The University of Pittsburgh’s Political Science program is dedicated to developing informed, engaged citizens who are capable of analyzing and addressing the political challenges of today and tomorrow.

Credit Requirement: A minimum of 72 credit hours, including the master’s degree, earned from any suitable combination of formal course work, independent study, research, teaching, or dissertation work as detailed elsewhere in this bulletin.

Students in the PhD program must choose two fields from the six departmental fields: American politics, comparative politics, world politics, political methodology, mass political behavior, and normative theory. Students are required to complete at least four graduate seminars from each of their two subfields (three courses for the political methodology subfield). Students must also complete the core course sequence (PS 2000, PS 2010, PS 2020, PS 2030, and PS 2040), as well as three "elective" courses, which can be courses from any subfield or (with permission) courses from outside the department of political science.

Comprehensive Examination: Students take a comprehensive examination at the end of their coursework to qualify for Ph.D. candidacy, consisting of a written exam in each of their two fields of study. When the faculty is unsure whether or not the written comprehensive exam demonstrates sufficient mastery of the material, the student may be asked to sit for an oral comprehensive examination.

Dissertation Overview: Following successful completion of the comprehensive examination, the student files an application for admission to candidacy for the Doctor of Philosophy degree. At this stage the student presents a proposed topic for doctoral research and a research design for its execution to be reviewed by the dissertation committee.

Dissertation Defense: The final oral examination in defense of the doctoral dissertation is conducted by the doctoral committee and is open to the University community.

Supervised Teaching Experience: Supervised teaching experience is an integral part of the doctoral program. Normally, teaching experience is gained first by conducting recitation sections of an introductory course or by assisting a faculty member in an undergraduate course, followed by the teaching of one’s own course, in the 4th or 5th year of study.

Courses

Introductory

• PS 2000 - The Profession of Political Science
• PS 2010 - Foundations of Quantitative Methods                               
• PS 2020 - Empirical Methods of Research
• PS 2030 - Political Research and Analysis
• PS 2040 - Core Political Theory

American Politics

• PS 2200 - American Government and Politics
• PS 2211 - American Legislative Process
• PS 2212 - The American Presidency
• PS 2213 - Judicial Process
• PS 2230 - Mass Politics
• PS 2235 - American Electoral Behavior

Comparative Politics

• PS 2301 - Theory and Concepts of Comparative Politics
• PS 2310 - Politics of the European Union
• PS 2311 - Western European Government and Politics
• PS 2313 - Comparative Political Behavior
• PS 2321 - Latin American Politics
• PS 2337 - Topics in Chinese Politics
• PS 2341 - Government and Politics of USSR and Russian Federation
• PS 2374 - Political Economy of Development
• PS 2381 - Seminar in Political Institutions
• PS 2384 - Topics in Comparative Politics (Political Economy)
• PS 2385 - Comparative Legislatures
• PS 2116 - Comparative Public Administration

International Relations/World Politics

• PS 2501 - Theory of International Relations
• PS 2502 - International Organizations
• PS 2534 - Civil Wars
• PS 2540 - International Political Economy
• PS 2563 - Peacemaking and Peacekeeping
• PS 2621 - Conflict Theory

Political Behavior

• PS 2230 - Mass Politics
• PS 2235 - American Electoral Behavior
• PS 2313 - Comparative Political Behavior
• PS 2323 - Experimental Research in Political Behavior

Political Theory

• PS 2607 - Democratic Theory and Democratization
• PS 2620 - Topics in Political Theory

Research Methods

• PS 2701 - Longitudinal and Panel Analysis
• PS 2702 - Causal Inference
• PS 2703 - Formal Theory I
• PS 2704 - Formal Theory II
• PS 2730 - Maximum Likelihood
• PS 2740 - Time Series

Independent Studies

• PS 2900 - Comprehensive Exam Preparation
• PS 2901 - Qualifying Paper Preparation
• PS 2902 - Directed Reading
• PS 2903 - Directed Research
• PS 2904 - Dissertation Overview Preparation
• PS 2905 - Teaching and Research in Political Science
• PS 2990 - Independent Study

Requirements

• An application form (which must be submitted to the School of Arts & Sciences online using this link); application fee of $50 (non-refundable);
• A brief career statement (approximately 500 words) that outlines your intellectual and professional interests in political science. In addition to explaining your research interests, please address and—where possible—provide evidence from your scholarly and professional life of your perseverance, work ethic, and ability to work independently. If you are presently enrolled in an MA or PhD program at another institution, explain your reasons for wanting to change programs.
• Three (3) letters of recommendation intended to provide independent evaluation of each applicant's potential; reference writers will submit these forms and letters independently from the application using a link embedded in an e-mail they receive from the "apply online" process. (The department views submission of letters written by applicants as a form of cheating. Any applications containing letters written by applicants will be downgraded or disqualified.);
• Unofficial copy of transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions you have attended. If non-US citizens, please submit transcripts in the native language accompanied by notarized English translations. Note: official transcripts will need to be sent if admitted into the program;
• A writing sample is optional.  If you choose to submit one, please upload it with the online application;
• An official report of your performance on the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) sent directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). COPIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
• All non-US citizens applying to the graduate program - except those who have received degrees from a US institution - must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as part of their application packet to demonstrate a sufficient command of English to meet the requirements of their field. The minimum scores are 90 for TOEFL (with at least a score of 22 in all of the four sections of speaking, listening, reading, and writing) and 7.0 for IELTS (with at least 6.5 in each of its four sections).

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The University of Pittsburgh offers a variety of financing options for students enrolled in its Political Science degree programs. Tuition fees vary depending on whether students are residents of Pennsylvania or out-of-state, with in-state students benefiting from lower tuition rates. The university provides detailed information regarding tuition and fees on its official website, allowing prospective students to plan their finances accordingly. To support students financially, the university provides several types of financial aid, including merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and work-study opportunities. Scholarships such as the Chancellor's Undergraduate Research Scholarship and departmental awards are available for outstanding students demonstrating academic excellence and research potential in Political Science.

In addition to scholarships, students can apply for federal and state financial aid programs, including Pell Grants and state grants, which can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket expenses. The university's Office of Financial Aid offers counseling and assistance to help students understand their eligibility and navigate the application processes for these aid programs. Student loans are also a common financing method, with options such as federal Direct Loans available to eligible students, allowing them to finance their education with manageable repayment plans after graduation.

The university encourages students to explore external funding sources, including private scholarships from organizations related to political science, public policy, and international affairs. Many students also opt for part-time employment on or near campus to supplement their income during their studies. The university's commitment to affordable education is reflected in its efforts to keep costs transparent and provide ample financial resources to support students throughout their academic journey.

Overall, financing a Political Science program at the University of Pittsburgh involves a combination of institutional resources, external funding opportunities, and personal financial planning. Prospective students are advised to thoroughly review the financial aid options and consult the university's financial aid office for personalized assistance, ensuring they can manage their educational expenses effectively while pursuing their academic and career goals in political science.

The Political Science program at the University of Pittsburgh offers students an in-depth exploration of government systems, political behavior, policy processes, and the fundamental principles that underpin political activity both in the United States and internationally. The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of political theories, institutions, and practices, preparing graduates for careers in public service, law, journalism, international organizations, and academia. Students have the opportunity to study a variety of subfields including American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and public policy, allowing for specialization aligned with their interests and career goals.

The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and research capabilities, often involving students in active research projects and internships to gain practical experience. Faculty members are distinguished scholars and experienced practitioners dedicated to mentoring students and fostering an engaging academic environment. The department also offers various seminars, workshops, and colloquia to connect students with contemporary political issues and debates, encouraging them to develop well-informed perspectives.

Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in government agencies, political consulting, international NGOs, journalism, and higher education. The program often collaborates with other departments such as the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs to enrich the academic experience and provide interdisciplinary learning opportunities. Students can choose to pursue a Bachelor of Arts or other undergraduate degrees with a focus on political science, and many participate in study abroad programs to enhance their global understanding of political systems.

The university’s resources include access to extensive research libraries, political databases, and communication technology that support rigorous academic work. Quality internships and networking opportunities are facilitated through partnerships with local, national, and international organizations, giving students a competitive edge in the job market. Overall, the political science program at the University of Pittsburgh combines rigorous academic training, practical experience, and a vibrant campus community to prepare students for meaningful careers in politics, policy, and beyond.