Cost & earnings at University of Colorado Boulder What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
Political Science graduates earn a median $33,993 Across 1,130 US programmes, two years after finishing
See the degree grade →The PhD in Political Science and Government at the University of Colorado Boulder is a research-focused doctoral programme that prepares students for advanced scholarship and professional leadership in political science. It suits candidates who want rigorous training in theory, substantive fields (such as American politics, comparative politics and international relations) and research methods, culminating in an original doctoral dissertation.
The PhD programme combines intensive coursework, methodological training, teaching experience and original research. In the early years students complete core seminars in political theory, comparative politics, American politics, international relations and political methodology, along with elective seminars that reflect the department's substantive strengths. Typical topics covered include electoral behaviour, public policy, institutions, political economy, parties and campaigns, conflict and cooperation in world politics, and advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods.
Students undertake training in research design, statistics and computational methods, and may take specialised courses in topics such as survey research, causal inference, field experiments, formal modelling, text analysis and network analysis. The programme culminates in comprehensive examinations (written and/or oral) and the completion of a doctoral dissertation based on sustained original research under faculty supervision.
Applicants are normally expected to hold a strong undergraduate degree in political science or a closely related discipline; many successful applicants also hold a master's degree with substantial research or quantitative training. Typical admissions materials include academic transcripts, a curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests, a substantive writing sample, and letters of recommendation from academic referees. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency in line with university policy.
The department looks for evidence of preparation for doctoral-level research: strong grades in relevant coursework, quantitative or methodological competence where appropriate to the applicant's proposed field, and a clear research agenda that aligns with faculty expertise. Specific preparatory coursework or experience (for example, in statistics or research methods) is often required for students intending to specialise in methodological or empirical subfields.
Graduates of the PhD programme pursue a range of careers in academia, teaching and research at universities and colleges worldwide. Many find roles as tenure-track faculty, postdoctoral researchers or instructors. Outside academia, graduates work in government agencies, public policy institutions, think tanks, international organisations, non-governmental organisations and advocacy groups where advanced analytical and research skills are valued.
Doctoral training in political science also prepares graduates for careers in data-driven roles such as policy analysis, public opinion research, political consulting, quantitative analysis and research management. Some alumni move into law, journalism, or private-sector positions that require expertise in public affairs, institutional analysis and complex research methods.
The University of Colorado Boulder offers a PhD environment with strong interdisciplinary collaboration and active faculty research across core subfields of political science. Students benefit from access to methodological training and research resources, opportunities to work with faculty on funded projects, and a supportive doctoral community that emphasises mentorship and professional development.
Boulder's location near a dynamic policy and civic environment provides practical advantages for fieldwork, applied research and professional networking. The department encourages cross-college collaboration with related units such as public affairs, law, environmental studies and computer science, enabling students to shape distinctive interdisciplinary research programmes. Teaching and research assistantships are available to support doctoral study and offer experience in undergraduate instruction and grant-funded research.
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