Florida State University

What you'll study

The PhD curriculum balances advanced coursework, methodological training, comprehensive examinations and original dissertation research. Students typically take core courses in political theory, American politics, comparative politics and international relations alongside advanced seminars in specialised areas. A strong emphasis is placed on research design and quantitative and qualitative methods; students pursue applied training in statistics, causal inference, survey research, and computational methods, and may take coursework in qualitative methods, fieldwork techniques or formal theory depending on their focus.

Students craft a programme of study with faculty advisors and often select one or more substantive concentrations, such as:

• American politics and public policy
• Comparative politics and area studies
• International relations and security studies
• Political theory and normative inquiry
• Political methodology and data science

Progression through the degree typically includes completing required and elective coursework, passing written and/or oral qualifying or comprehensive examinations, defending a dissertation proposal, conducting original research, and defending the dissertation. Many students also teach undergraduate courses and participate in departmental research workshops, journal clubs and interdisciplinary centres.

Typical modules and seminars

• Advanced Political Theory
• Topics in American Government and Public Policy
• Comparative Politics: Institutions and Processes
• International Security and Foreign Policy Analysis
• Research Design and Quantitative Methods
• Survey Research and Data Collection
• Qualitative Methods and Field Research
• Seminar in Political Methodology

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree with strong academic performance; many applicants hold a relevant master’s degree, though a master’s is not strictly required. Typical application materials include official transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining research interests and fit with the department, a curriculum vitae, a writing sample that demonstrates analytical and research skills, and three letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees familiar with the applicant’s potential for doctoral study.

International applicants must demonstrate English-language proficiency according to university regulations. The department considers prior coursework in political science, mathematics or statistics, and substantive research experience as advantages. Admissions decisions also take into account the match between an applicant’s research interests and available faculty advisors.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a range of careers in academia, public policy and the broader public and private sectors. Common pathways include tenure-track faculty positions in political science and related disciplines, research and analyst roles at government agencies, policy research positions in think tanks and non‑profits, positions in international organisations, and applied research roles in consulting and the private sector. Training in advanced methods also prepares graduates for data‑intensive roles in research organisations and industry.

Doctoral students frequently build professional experience through conference presentations, publishing working papers, teaching undergraduate courses, and engaging in collaborative research projects with faculty and research centres.

Why study at Florida State University

Florida State University’s Department of Political Science offers a supportive research environment with faculty expertise across core subfields and strong methodological training. Students benefit from close faculty mentoring, departmental research seminars, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with neighbouring units such as public administration, law, criminology, and area studies programmes.

Located in Tallahassee, the state capital, the university provides unique access to state government, policymaking institutions and public-interest organisations, which facilitates applied research and practicum opportunities. The department also connects students with research centres and institutes that support dissertation research and professional development.

Doctoral students at FSU commonly receive financial support through fellowships and graduate assistantships that include tuition benefits and teaching or research responsibilities, and they have access to computing resources, statistical consulting and professional development workshops to support their progression to independent scholarship and careers beyond the degree.