University of Mississippi

What you'll study

The PhD programme combines advanced coursework, methodological training, comprehensive examinations and original dissertation research. Students normally complete core seminars in political theory, American politics, comparative politics, international relations, public law, and research methods (both qualitative and quantitative). Elective seminars allow specialisation in areas such as Southern politics, race and ethnicity, public policy, political behaviour, political economy, institutions, and advanced statistical techniques.

Typical programme elements include:

• Core coursework: advanced seminars in major subfields of political science and foundational methods courses.
• Research methods: training in quantitative analysis, formal modelling, qualitative methods, and research design.
• Comprehensive/qualifying examinations: written and/or oral exams that assess breadth and readiness to undertake dissertation research.
• Dissertation: original, supervised research that contributes to scholarly debates and culminates in a defended document.
• Teaching and professional development: opportunities to serve as graduate instructors or research assistants, plus training in pedagogy, grant-writing and conference presentation.

Students work closely with a faculty advisor and typically form a supervisory committee that guides dissertation work. Interdisciplinary collaboration and use of university research centres and libraries are encouraged to support empirical and theoretical projects.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelors degree with strong preparation in political science, or a masters degree in a related discipline. Competitive candidates typically have a record of high academic achievement, prior coursework in political science and research methods, and clear evidence of research potential.

Required application materials generally include:

• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
• A curriculum vitae or résumé outlining academic and research experience
• A statement of purpose describing research interests and fit with departmental strengths
• Letters of recommendation from academic referees who can speak to research potential
• A writing sample that demonstrates analytical and research skills
• Proof of English language proficiency for international applicants (such as TOEFL or IELTS) where applicable

Admission is selective and may favour applicants with prior research experience, coursework in statistics or methods, and a strong alignment with faculty expertise. Funding decisions and assistantship offers are typically made at admission or shortly thereafter.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD programme pursue careers in several sectors, including:

• Academia: tenure-track faculty positions at universities and colleges, postdoctoral research appointments.
• Government and public service: policy analysis, legislative staff roles, public administration and advisory positions at local, state and federal levels.
• Think tanks and research institutes: applied research, program management and policy evaluation.
• International organisations and NGOs: human rights, development, diplomacy and programme design roles.
• Private sector and consulting: political risk analysis, public affairs, data analysis and strategic consulting.
• Law and media: some graduates move into legal studies or public-facing roles in journalism and communications that require strong analytical and research skills.

The programmes emphasis on research methods and substantive expertise prepares graduates for roles that demand rigorous analysis, complex problem-solving and effective communication of results.

Why study at University of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi offers a PhD environment with close faculty mentorship, small cohort sizes and a range of research strengths in American politics, Southern politics, race and public law as well as quantitative methods. The departments faculty are active scholars who publish in leading journals and supervise doctoral research across multiple subfields.

Doctoral students benefit from campus research centres, library collections, and interdisciplinary collaborations across social science departments and the law school. Teaching and research assistantships provide professional development and practical experience in the classroom and in funded research projects. The universitys location and regional networks also offer opportunities for empirical fieldwork and engagement with state and local policymaking contexts.

Overall, the programme is suited to students who want rigorous methodological training, substantive expertise, and preparation for careers in scholarship, policy and public service.