University of Arizona

What you'll study

The PhD curriculum combines advanced coursework, methodological training, supervised research, and a substantial original dissertation. Students typically take core seminars in major subfields—American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory—and advanced courses in political methodology and research design. Training emphasises both substantive theory and rigorous empirical methods; common module topics include:

• Research design and statistics – causal inference, regression, multilevel modelling, and experimental methods.
• Qualitative methods – case study design, process tracing, ethnography, and archival research.
• Substantive fields – advanced seminars in institutions, public policy, political behaviour, parties and elections, comparative institutions, conflict and cooperation, and political thought.
• Regional and substantive specialisations – areas such as US politics, Latin American and border studies, global governance, or security studies, supported by interdisciplinary electives.
• Teaching and professionalisation – opportunities to gain teaching experience as a graduate instructor and workshops on publishing, grant writing and academic career preparation.

Programme progression normally includes completion of required coursework, passing qualifying or comprehensive examinations, presenting and defending a dissertation proposal, and producing a doctoral dissertation that contributes original research to the field.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor's degree with strong academic performance; many successful candidates hold a master's degree in political science or a related discipline. Typical application components include:

• Academic transcripts demonstrating strong performance in relevant coursework.
• Statement of purpose outlining research interests, prior research experience, and proposed areas of study.
• Writing sample such as a seminar paper or master's thesis that demonstrates research and analytic abilities.
• Letters of recommendation (usually three) from faculty or professionals who can assess research potential.
• Curriculum vitae detailing academic background, publications, research, and professional experience.
• English language proficiency test scores for international applicants where required by the university.

Standardised test requirements (for example, the GRE) vary over time and by applicant; consult the department for current policy. Admission is selective and commonly takes into account prior research experience, fit with faculty expertise, and potential for successful completion of a doctoral programme.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD programme pursue a range of careers in academia, government, non-profit organisations and the private sector. Typical career destinations include:

• Academic positions – tenure-track faculty roles in political science and related departments, postdoctoral research appointments, and teaching positions.
• Public policy and government – policy analysis, legislative staff, public administration, and advisory roles at local, state, national or international levels.
• Think tanks and research institutes – research fellowships, program leadership, and policy research roles.
• International and non-governmental organisations – programme design, evaluation, and policy research on democracy, development, human rights or security.
• Private sector and consulting – data analysis, political risk assessment, public affairs, and quantitative modelling roles.

The programme’s strong methodological training also prepares graduates for roles that require advanced data-analysis skills in academic and non-academic settings.

Why study at University of Arizona

The University of Arizona offers a research-intensive environment with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across regional and thematic centres. Based in Tucson, the department benefits from proximity to the US–Mexico border region, which supports research in immigration, border politics and Latino studies. The department emphasises methodological training and provides access to advanced resources for quantitative and qualitative research.

Students can work with faculty who publish across a range of subfields and engage with affiliated centres, seminars and workshops that support dissertation development and professional training. A range of funding packages, including teaching assistantships and fellowships, are typically available to doctoral students, enabling concentrated research and teaching experience while enrolled in the programme.