Rice University

What you'll study

The PhD is structured around advanced coursework, methodological training, examinations and a sustained original research dissertation. Early years emphasise core methods and theory, with students typically completing a sequence in quantitative methods and formal or qualitative methods alongside substantive seminars in their chosen field.

• Core areas: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory and political methodology.
• Methodology training: advanced statistics and econometrics, causal inference, research design, computational methods and, where relevant, qualitative methods such as fieldwork, case-study techniques and interpretive approaches.
• Seminars and electives: topical seminars on topics such as political behaviour, institutions, public policy, conflict and cooperation, political economy, human rights, and democratic theory.
• Examinations and milestones: typical milestones include qualifying or comprehensive examinations to demonstrate breadth and depth, field exams or papers, and a dissertation prospectus followed by the dissertation itself.
• Teaching and professional development: doctoral students gain classroom teaching experience and opportunities for professional development in grant writing, publishing, conference presentation and collaborative research.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree; many successful applicants also hold a master’s degree in political science or a related discipline. A strong academic record, evidence of research potential and preparation in quantitative and/or qualitative methods are important.

• Application materials: academic transcripts, curriculum vitae, a statement of purpose outlining research interests, a writing sample demonstrating scholarly ability, and at least three letters of recommendation.
• Preparation: demonstrated competence in research methods and statistics is beneficial, especially for applicants interested in methodology or comparative/empirical fields. Relevant coursework, research experience, or a prior thesis strengthens an application.
• English language: applicants for whom English is not a first language will need to demonstrate proficiency according to the university’s requirements.
• Notes on standardised tests: policies on standardised tests such as the GRE can change; applicants should consult the department admissions page for current guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a range of careers that capitalise on rigorous research, analytic and communication skills developed in the programme.

• Academic careers: tenure-track faculty positions at research universities and liberal arts colleges, postdoctoral research fellowships and academic research positions.
• Research and policy: roles in think tanks, research institutes, the Baker Institute for Public Policy and international organisations conducting policy analysis and applied research.
• Government and public sector: policy advising, legislative analysis, public administration and electoral research for governmental agencies.
• Private sector and NGOs: consulting, data science, market research, strategic analysis for NGOs, foundations and private firms that value causal inference and policy expertise.

Why study at Rice University

Rice offers doctoral students close mentorship within a relatively small department, enabling sustained faculty-student collaboration and personalised training. The university emphasises rigorous methodological training alongside substantive inquiry, preparing students to produce high-impact research.

• Interdisciplinary opportunities: students can collaborate with centres and institutes across campus, including the Baker Institute for Public Policy and interdisciplinary data or area studies programmes.
• Research resources: access to strong library collections, research computing support and opportunities for funded research and conference travel.
• Location advantages: being in Houston provides proximity to a diverse policy environment, international organisations, energy and health sectors, and numerous research partners for empirical work.
• Professional development: structured teaching experience, mentoring for publishing and placement support help prepare graduates for both academic and non-academic careers.