Indiana University Bloomington

What you'll study

The PhD programme combines advanced coursework, comprehensive examinations, supervised research and a doctoral dissertation. Students typically complete core training in political theory and contemporary research methods (including qualitative techniques and contemporary quantitative methods such as statistical modelling and causal inference), followed by specialised seminars in one or more substantive fields: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political behaviour/public opinion, public policy, or political theory.

Early coursework emphasises research design, statistics and formal or computational methods where appropriate, plus substantive seminars that build towards a coherent field of expertise. Later stages focus on generating original scholarship: preparing a dissertation proposal, conducting fieldwork or archival research if required, and writing the dissertation under the guidance of a faculty committee. Doctoral students normally gain teaching experience through supervised teaching assistantships or instructor-of-record opportunities and may participate in collaborative faculty research projects.

Typical modules and seminar topics include:

• Research Design and Methods: Causal inference, regression and multivariate analysis, survey methods, experimental design, qualitative methods.
• Advanced Field Seminars: Contemporary issues in American politics, comparative political institutions, political economy, international security, diplomacy, political development, and political theory.
• Professional Development: Academic publishing, grant-writing, pedagogy and ethics in research.
• Dissertation Workshop/Colloquium: Presentation and critique of dissertation chapters; feedback from faculty and peers.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a strong undergraduate degree; many admitted students also have a relevant master’s degree or substantial graduate-level coursework. Admissions committees look for evidence of academic preparation for intensive research: strong grades in political science or related social sciences, prior coursework in statistics or research methods, and a demonstrated capacity for independent scholarship.

Application materials typically include:

• Official academic transcripts
• A research-focused personal statement outlining academic interests and proposed areas of study
• A writing sample (such as a term paper or master’s thesis) that demonstrates analytical and research skills
• Curriculum vitae
• Letters of recommendation (usually three) from academic referees
• Evidence of quantitative preparation or willingness to undertake preparatory coursework

Some applicants may be asked to demonstrate foreign language competence for certain comparative or historical projects. Standardised tests are considered according to departmental policy at the time of application; prospective students should consult the department’s admissions page for current test requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD programme pursue a range of professional paths. Many enter tenure-track academic positions in political science or related social science departments. Others go into high-level research roles in government agencies, international organisations, think tanks and non-governmental organisations where advanced research and policy-analysis skills are valued.

Additional career destinations include public policy analysis, legislative and campaign research, consulting firms focused on public affairs, and leadership roles in civic organisations. Training in quantitative methods, experimental and survey research, and qualitative fieldwork also prepares graduates for data-driven positions in the private sector and for roles that bridge academia and policy.

Why study at Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington offers a research-intensive environment with a politically engaged department and a diverse faculty whose expertise spans the major subfields of political science. The department emphasises methodological training alongside substantive specialisation, providing doctoral students with both the technical tools and the theoretical foundations needed for rigorous scholarship.

Students benefit from a broad campus ecosystem that supports interdisciplinary research, opportunities for funded research assistantships and teaching experience, and access to university-wide resources for data services, computing and libraries. The department’s placement record and active seminar series create regular opportunities for professional development, networking and presenting ongoing research to faculty and peers.

Overall, the programme is well-suited to applicants seeking a balance of strong methodological training, substantive depth and mentorship toward a research career in academia, government, policy or research institutions.