Political Science

The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at the University of California offers students a comprehensive education in the fundamental principles and practices of political systems, government institutions, and public policy. This program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of political behavior, international relations, comparative politics, and American politics, equipping them with critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced perspective on contemporary political issues. The curriculum includes core courses in political theory, research methods, and American government, complemented by specialized electives such as international security, environmental policy, human rights, and political philosophy. Students are encouraged to engage in research projects, internships, and study abroad opportunities to gain practical experience and a global outlook. The program aims to prepare graduates for diverse careers in public service, law, journalism, non-governmental organizations, international agencies, and further academic pursuits. Faculty members are experts in their fields, fostering an analytical and inclusive academic environment. Through rigorous coursework and active discourse, students develop the ability to analyze political phenomena, interpret policy debates, and participate effectively in civic life. The University of California's strong network of alumni and partnerships with governmental and non-governmental entities provides valuable professional development opportunities. Graduates emerge from the program well-equipped to understand the complexities of political systems, advocate for social justice, and contribute to democratic institutions. Whether students are interested in pursuing careers in politics, law, international relations, or academia, the Political Science program provides a solid foundation for lifelong learning and civic engagement.

The curriculum of the graduate program is divided into six general areas: American Politics, Comparative Politics, Formal Theory/Quantitative Methods, International Relations, Political Theory, and Race, Ethnicity & Politics. Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the field websites and the faculty pages to explore the variety of research programs underway in the Department. We encourage our students to be well-rounded in their study of politics: the Department requires study in two major and two minor fields. One result of this is a collegial atmosphere among our graduate cohort.

The boundaries between these general fields are intentionally permeable, as are the boundaries between our Department and other academic disciplines. Formal theory and methods, for example, offers training that supports research across most of the subfields. Political Economy, an area of marked departmental strength, overlaps Comparative Politics and International Relations, and also invites interdisciplinary work with the Department of Economics. Similarly, the subfield of Political Theory is linked, through cross-appointments and the various interdisciplinary centers on campus, with a variety of departments including history, public policy, philosophy, classics, sociology, and literary & cultural studies.

COURSEWORK

The program requires PS 292A and at least 16 graded courses, including four in each of two major fields, two in a minor field, and six electives. There is also a language/methods requirement which students satisfy by taking whichever is most appropriate to their plan of research. Taken together, the major and minor fields work in tandem to provide breadth of background and depth of focus for crafting sophisticated research projects. The elective courses permit students to tailor their studies to their individual needs and interests. Needless to say, most students pursue significantly more coursework beyond these minimum requirements. Many students take classes outside the department as well. Generally, students satisfy course requirements within the first two years of study. At the same time, they take their preliminary exam and prepare to write their field papers.

PRELIMINARY EXAMS AND FIELD PAPERS

Students must pass a preliminary exam in their first major field.  Preliminary exams are given at the end of Winter quarter and focus on the topics covered during the Fall and Winter field seminars.  Ideally students pass their preliminary exam in the first year of study; they must do so by the second year.

Students also are required to complete a field paper before advancing to candidacy. Field papers resemble articles published in professional journals, not only in structure and format, but by making original contributions to the scholarly literature on their chosen topic. These papers often emerge from seminars and frequently serve as preliminary explorations of dissertation research. They also commonly serve as prototypes for conference papers and many eventually find publication in refereed journals. In multiple respects, then, they assist students in defining and developing their own professional agendas. Both papers are typically submitted no later than the third year of enrollment, though earlier submission is both possible and encouraged.

Both the field papers and graduate seminars provide many opportunities for graduate students to develop mentoring relationships with members of the faculty. Such relationships expose students to the informal lore of our discipline and prepare them to become active participants in a professional community of teaching and research. Mentoring relationships can blossom into longstanding intellectual collaborations, at the dissertation level and beyond, and play a basic role in developing young scholars at UCLA.

DISSERTATION

Once the coursework and field papers are completed, students proceed to the dissertation stage. The first step is to delineate an original research project in a dissertation prospectus. Presented to a faculty examining committee, the prospectus provides the principal basis for discussion during the qualifying oral examination which advances the student to PhD. candidacy. Sometimes the dissertation emerges directly from earlier field papers; but students often extend themselves in unexpected directions as they open new avenues of discovery. Either way, we take it as our obligation to try to provide constructive guidance without usurping the student’s intellectual autonomy. In the usual course of things, we expect students to complete their graduate training in five to seven years.

Requirements

• The application fee is $90 for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, and $110 for all other applicants. The application and all supporting documents must be submitted by December 1, 2015. No extensions will be granted. 
• Statement of Purpose: 3-5 double-spaced pages, 12pt font. Only one statement of purpose is required.
• Writing Sample: 5-25 double-spaced pages, 12 font.  Only one writing sample is requried.
• Resume or CV.
• Upload transcripts
• Mail offical hard copy transcripts to department
• Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score report from the Education Testing Service.
  UCLA’s institution code for this exam is 4837, and the department code is 1902. All prospective students to the Department of Political Science should take the GRE exam by November 1st. If scores are not received by December 1st, your application will be considered incomplete. Please plan accordingly.
• Three letters of recommendation—done via online access.
  The website will lead you through the instructions. You will submit three names and respective email addresses of your recommenders. These individuals will then be notified by email and asked to complete the recommendation online. You will be able to ascertain via the Internet who has completed the recommendation and when. All recommendations must be submitted by the established deadline in order to be considered. Recommendations are completed and submitted online.
  DO NOT SEND HARD COPIES OF YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS.
• Applicants from abroad whose native language is not English must take either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam and have the results reported directly to the department. UCLA’s institution code is 4837 and the department code is 89. 

The University of California offers students a diverse range of financing options to support their studies in Political Science. Students are encouraged to explore multiple sources of funding to help offset tuition costs and related expenses. Federal financial aid programs are available, including grants such as the Pell Grant and federal student loans, which provide essential financial support for eligible students. Additionally, the university offers institutional aid, including need-based scholarships and merit-based awards, aimed at rewarding academic excellence and supporting students with demonstrated financial need. Students are advised to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to determine their eligibility for federal aid programs.

Apart from federal assistance, the University of California provides a variety of scholarships specific to Political Science majors. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership qualities, and other merit factors. Many departmental scholarships are available to undergraduate and graduate students, and students are encouraged to apply early each academic year. External funding options are also accessible, including private foundations and state-sponsored scholarships, which can significantly reduce the financial burden of higher education.

Work-study programs are another form of financing, allowing students to work part-time on or off-campus in positions related to their field of study. The university provides information and assistance to help students find suitable employment opportunities. Furthermore, financial planning resources such as workshops, counseling, and advising are accessible through the university’s financial aid office, helping students to manage their finances responsibly during their studies.

Graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in Political Science may also consider assistantship opportunities, including teaching assistantships and research assistantships, which offer stipends and tuition waivers. These roles provide valuable professional experience while helping to finance their education. Overall, the University of California is committed to making Political Science education accessible through its extensive range of financial aid options, emphasizing the importance of early application and thorough research to maximize available support.

The University of California offers a comprehensive program in Political Science designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of political systems, government structures, policy analysis, and international relations. The program aims to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of political behavior and institutions. Students have the opportunity to explore a diverse range of topics, including American government, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, public policy, and research methods. The curriculum combines core courses with specialized electives, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals.

The program emphasizes experiential learning through internships, research projects, and study abroad opportunities, enabling students to gain practical experience and a global perspective on political issues. Faculty members are noted for their research and expertise in various fields such as political theory, public administration, environmental policy, and global governance. The university supports students in developing their analytical and writing skills, preparing them for careers in government, law, journalism, international organizations, non-profits, or further academic study.

Students are encouraged to participate in student government, debate societies, and political clubs, fostering leadership and civic engagement. The program also offers seminars and workshops led by experts, providing additional insights into contemporary political challenges and policymaking processes. The University of California’s Political Science program is designed to be flexible and rigorous, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary for active participation and leadership in the political arena. Upon graduation, students are well-prepared to pursue careers in public service, policy analysis, diplomatic service, or graduate studies in political science, public administration, and related fields.