University of Virginia

What you'll study

The PhD programme focuses on developing original research and methodological mastery across the core subfields of political science: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and political methodology. Early years emphasise coursework in substantive theory and research methods, while later years concentrate on dissertation research and professional development.

• Core coursework: doctoral seminars in political theory, formal and empirical methods, advanced statistics, research design, and substantive seminars in one or more subfields.
• Methods training: intensive training in quantitative techniques (e.g. regression, causal inference, panel and time-series methods), qualitative methods (e.g. case study design, process tracing, field methods), and computational approaches when relevant to the student’s project.
• Field seminars and electives: topic-focused seminars such as parties and elections, public policy, political behaviour, conflict and security, comparative institutions, democratic theory, courts and judicial behaviour, and international political economy.
• Teaching and professional development: supervised teaching practicum, seminars on academic publishing and grant-writing, presentation practice, and preparation for the academic job market.
• Comprehensive examinations and dissertation: students complete comprehensive/qualifying exams to demonstrate breadth and mastery, followed by an individually supervised doctoral dissertation that contributes original scholarship to the field.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities: students may take courses or pursue collaborations across related units, including public policy, economics, sociology, law, and data-science resources available at the university.

Entry requirements

Admission is competitive and intended for applicants with demonstrated research potential. Typical requirements include:

• Academic qualifications: a completed bachelor’s degree in political science or a related discipline; applicants holding a master’s degree with substantial research experience are also welcome. Strong preparation in quantitative methods is advantageous for many projects.
• Research preparation: prior coursework or experience in research methods, statistics, or substantive political science topics; evidence of original research (e.g. thesis, research assistantship, publications) strengthens an application.
• Application materials: a statement of purpose outlining research interests and fit with departmental faculty, a writing sample that demonstrates analytic and expository skills, an academic CV, and at least three academic letters of recommendation.
• English language proficiency: applicants whose first language is not English will generally need to provide recognised test scores (such as TOEFL or IELTS) unless exempted by the university’s policies.
• Standardised tests: the programme evaluates applications holistically; check the department’s guidance regarding the optional or required status of standardised tests such as the GRE.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Political Science and Government pursue a range of careers that draw on advanced research abilities and substantive expertise.

• Academic careers: tenure-track positions in political science and related disciplines at universities and liberal arts colleges, as well as postdoctoral research appointments.
• Research institutions and think tanks: research fellowships and staff roles at policy institutes, public affairs organisations and international research centres.
• Government and public service: analytic and advisory roles in domestic and international public agencies, legislative bodies, and diplomatic services.
• Non-profit and advocacy organisations: programme evaluation, policy analysis, and research management roles.
• Private sector and consulting: research, data analysis, public affairs consulting, and positions in organisations that value advanced quantitative and qualitative analytic skills.

Why study at University of Virginia

The University of Virginia’s Department of Politics offers a collegial environment with faculty active across the main subfields of political science and strong methodological expertise. Doctoral students benefit from close mentorship, a cohort model that fosters collaboration, and a tradition of rigorous theoretical and empirical work.

• Research centres and resources: students have access to specialised research centres and archives, opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, and extensive library and data resources to support dissertation research.
• Professional development: structured support for teaching development, conference participation, grant applications and the academic job market, as well as mentoring for careers beyond academia.
• Strategic location and networks: proximity to public-policy hubs and strong alumni networks provide opportunities for internships, partnerships and policy engagement.
• Funding and support: admitted PhD students typically receive multi-year funding packages that combine fellowships, research assistantships and teaching assistantships to allow focus on research and training.