Georgetown University

What you'll study

The programme combines intensive coursework, methodological training, comprehensive examinations and an original doctoral dissertation. Early graduate years emphasise core training in political theory, comparative politics, international relations and American politics, together with formal methods courses covering quantitative analysis, qualitative methods and research design.

Typical components include:

• Core seminars in major subfields of political science that deepen substantive knowledge and develop scholarly reading and writing.
• Methods and statistics sequences that cover probability and inference, causal inference, statistics, advanced regression, and qualitative methods such as process tracing and fieldwork design.
• Research workshops where students present work-in-progress and receive feedback from faculty and peers.
• Elective seminars allowing concentration in areas such as American politics and public policy, comparative politics, international security and diplomacy, political economy, political behaviour, public law, or political theory.
• Comprehensive examinations (or equivalent qualifying assessments) that certify readiness for independent research.
• Doctoral dissertation involving original research under faculty supervision; many students pursue fieldwork, archival research or large-N empirical studies depending on their topic.

Students have opportunities to cross-register with related units, participate in workshops and centres, and take courses in allied disciplines such as economics, sociology, history or public policy to support interdisciplinary projects.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a strong undergraduate degree; many successful applicants also have a master’s degree in political science or a closely related field. Admissions committees look for evidence of academic preparation and potential for research, demonstrated by a record of rigorous coursework, strong grades, and substantive research experience where available.

Typical application materials include:

• Academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• Research writing sample (for example, a thesis chapter or seminar paper) that demonstrates analytical ability and familiarity with scholarly literature.
• Statement of purpose outlining research interests, fit with the department, and long-term goals.
• Letters of recommendation from academic referees who can speak to research potential and preparation for doctoral study.
• Evidence of methodological preparation such as coursework in statistics or research methods; applicants whose backgrounds lack formal methods training are encouraged to explain how they will address this gap.

Standardised tests and language proficiency requirements may apply depending on institutional policies and applicants’ academic backgrounds; applicants whose first language is not English should consult the programme for acceptable evidence of English proficiency. Financial support for admitted students is commonly available in the form of teaching or research assistantships and fellowships; applicants should review the department’s admissions information for details on funding and conditions.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD programme pursue a range of careers. Many aim for tenure-track academic positions in political science or related departments and engage in teaching and research. Others move into research roles at think tanks, policy institutes, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, or the public sector where advanced research skills and subject-matter expertise are valued.

Additional career paths include:

• Policy analysis and advisory roles in government agencies and legislative bodies.
• Research and data science positions in consulting firms and private-sector research units.
• Leadership positions in non-profit organisations, advocacy groups, and international institutions.
• Public-facing roles as subject-matter experts, commentators and authors contributing to public debates.

Doctoral training also provides transferable skills—advanced research design, quantitative and qualitative analysis, academic writing, and teaching experience—that are applicable across sectors.

Why study at Georgetown University

Georgetown’s location in Washington, DC, offers distinctive advantages for political science doctoral students, including proximity to national and international policy institutions, opportunities for engagement with policymakers, and access to archives and research organisations. The department’s faculty have strengths across the core subfields of political science, enabling supervision in areas ranging from American politics and public law to comparative politics and international relations.

Doctoral students benefit from a vibrant intellectual environment with seminars, research workshops and interdisciplinary centres that foster collaboration across public policy, international affairs and law. The university’s networks and connections in the capital facilitate internships, visiting speakers, and practical research partnerships, helping students bridge academic research and policy impact.

Finally, the programme emphasises mentorship, rigorous methodological training and professional development—preparing graduates for competitive careers in academia and beyond.