Northern Arizona University

What you'll study

The PhD programme combines advanced coursework, methodological training, and original dissertation research. Core training covers research design and quantitative and qualitative methods, while students take specialised seminars in fields such as American politics and public policy, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, environmental and natural resources politics, and Indigenous governance.

Structure

• Coursework: Advanced seminars and methods courses build a foundation for independent research and prepare students for comprehensive examinations.
• Comprehensive examinations: Students demonstrate mastery of their major and minor fields through written and/or oral exams before advancing to candidacy.
• Dissertation: Original research under the supervision of a faculty adviser, culminating in a written dissertation and public defence.
• Teaching and research experience: Opportunities to serve as teaching or research assistants provide practical experience in teaching college-level courses and conducting funded research.

Typical topics and modules

• Advanced Research Design and Statistics
• Qualitative Methods and Field Research
• Seminars in American Politics and Public Policy
• Comparative Politics and Research in Democratization
• International Relations Theory and Practice
• Political Theory and Normative Inquiry
• Environmental Politics and Policy, especially relating to natural resources and regional governance
• Indigenous Governance and Tribal-State Relations (where available)

Entry requirements

Admission is selective and typically requires a strong academic background in political science or a closely related discipline. Typical application materials include:

• A completed online application to the graduate school and departmental application materials.
• A master's degree in political science or a related field is preferred; exceptionally well-prepared applicants with a strong bachelor's record may be considered.
• Official academic transcripts demonstrating a record of high academic performance.
• A statement of purpose outlining research interests, career goals, and fit with the department's faculty expertise.
• A writing sample that demonstrates analytical and research skills, such as a term paper or master's thesis chapter.
• Letters of recommendation (typically three) from academic or professional referees familiar with the applicant's scholarly potential.
• A current curriculum vitae or résumé and any relevant test scores or professional experience.
• Proof of English language proficiency for international applicants, as required by the university.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD programme pursue a range of careers in academia, public service, and the private sector. Common pathways include:

• Tenure-track and non-tenure-track faculty positions at universities and colleges.
• Research and policy analyst roles in federal, state, and local government agencies.
• Positions in think tanks, research institutes, and non-governmental organisations focusing on governance, public policy, and international affairs.
• Consulting and strategic advisory roles for public interest organisations and private-sector firms.
• Opportunities in law, public administration, and advocacy where advanced analytical and research skills are valued.

Why study at Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University offers a doctoral environment with relatively small cohorts, enabling close mentorship from faculty with diverse research expertise across American politics, public policy, international relations, comparative politics, political theory, environmental politics and Indigenous governance. The department emphasises rigorous methodological training, interdisciplinary collaboration, and applied research relevant to regional and national policy challenges.

Students benefit from opportunities to gain teaching experience, participate in funded research projects, and engage with the campus and regional communities. NAU's location provides strengths for research on natural resources, environmental policy, and Indigenous governance, and the university supports graduate professional development, conference travel, and grant-seeking activities to prepare graduates for academic and applied careers.