Case Western Reserve University

What you'll study

The programme combines core training in research design and quantitative methods with disciplinary electives and advanced seminars. Students typically take courses in research methods and statistics for political science, seminars in American politics, comparative politics, international relations and political theory, and specialised modules in public policy, political behaviour, institutions and public law.

• Research methods and statistics: research design, data analysis, causal inference and applied quantitative techniques used in contemporary political science.
• American politics: congressional and presidential politics, state and local government, public policy processes and judicial politics.
• Comparative politics: political regimes and institutions, democratisation, political economy and comparative public policy.
• International relations: international security, international political economy, diplomacy and global governance.
• Political theory: contemporary and classical political thought, normative theory and debates about justice, rights and democracy.
• Capstone or thesis: students may complete a research thesis under faculty supervision or a capstone research project synthesising coursework and original analysis.

Students are encouraged to pursue interdisciplinary electives and practicum experiences, drawing on neighbouring units such as the School of Law, public policy centres and regional public-sector partners. Small seminar sizes provide opportunities for close mentoring and collaboration with faculty on research projects.

Entry requirements

• Academic background: a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in political science or a related social science is normally expected. Applicants with strong quantitative or social-science preparation from other disciplines may also be considered.
• Transcripts: official undergraduate transcripts demonstrating strong academic achievement.
• Letters of recommendation: two or three academic or professional references who can speak to the applicant’s research potential and readiness for graduate study.
• Statement of purpose: a clear statement outlining academic interests, relevant experience, reasons for pursuing the degree and career goals.
• Writing sample: a piece of academic writing such as a research paper or extended essay evidencing analytical ability and writing skills.
• Standardised tests and English language: some applicants may submit GRE scores where available; international applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English proficiency (e.g. TOEFL or IELTS) unless otherwise exempted.
• Relevant experience: internships, research assistantships, public-sector or NGO work can strengthen an application but are not always required.

Career prospects

Graduates from the programme move into a wide range of roles in the public, private and non-profit sectors or continue to doctoral study. Typical career paths include:

• Policy analyst or researcher in government agencies, think tanks and NGOs.
• Legislative staff, public affairs and advocacy roles at local, state or national levels.
• Research positions in polling firms, market research and public opinion organisations.
• Analyst or consultant roles in management consulting firms and international organisations.
• Further academic study leading to a PhD in political science or related fields; many graduates also use the degree as preparation for law school or professional programmes.

Why study at Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University offers access to faculty who are active scholars across subfields of political science and who often collaborate on interdisciplinary research. The department’s location in Cleveland provides practical advantages for internships and applied work with municipal government, regional nonprofits and research organisations.

Students benefit from robust research resources, including university libraries, data services and opportunities to work as research assistants. Cross-registration and collaboration with other schools and centres at the university broaden training options in law, public policy, economics and data science, helping graduates acquire versatile skills for academic and professional careers.

Small cohort sizes and emphasis on mentorship mean closer faculty supervision for thesis work and career advising, while the university’s career services and alumni network support job placement and professional development in the wider public-policy and research community.