PhD in Political Science and International Relations
What is Political Science and International Relations?
Political Science is focused on the study of governments at the local, state, national, and international levels, while International Relations focus on diplomacy, international policy-making, etc. Political Science and International relations deal with the integration of communities and governments on a global scale.
What are the career options after a PhD in Political Science and International Relations?
Political Science International Relations is a rewarding degree with many career options open after it. Here are a few professional careers one can take up after a PhD in Political Science International Relations:
- Law – With a background in political science, students are well-versed in political activities and behaviors and the workings of the Constitution.
- Policy Analyst – Policy analysts work with government organizations and/or international bodies and help them review, analyze, and evaluate policies. They analyze the effectiveness of policies, identify problems, and suggest tangible and economic suggestions within the framework of governmental laws and international relations.
- Political Consultant – Political consultants advise government bodies, international organizations, and businesses on international laws, frameworks, and issues.
- Civil Service – Having an in-depth understanding of the political framework at the national and/or international level, political science majors have the skills required to take up policy-making roles in government bodies and/or international organizations.
- Diplomat – Careers in diplomacy include working in the foreign ministry or embassy of your country, representing your country and negotiating with governments of other countries.
- International Organisations – Working in international organisations like the United Nations becomes possible with a background in Political Science and International relations.
- Professor – PhD in Political Science and International Relations students often continue their careers in academia by becoming professors in universities and colleges. Not only are teaching opportunities abundant but there are also a plethora of research opportunities.
- Research – How is a researcher different from a professor? As a researcher in the field of Political Science and International relations, you can work not only for universities but also for government bodies, international organizations, NGOs, and even businesses. Research topics can be anything related to Political Science and International Relations. As part of the research process, they study polls and surveys, create reports, and identify important points that are either for framing new policies, reviewing existing ones, or gaining any other insight required.
Educational Qualifications Required for Applying for a PhD in Political Science and International Relations in the USA:
A master’s degree in Political Science and/or International Relations is required for applying to a PhD program in Political Science and International Relations.
Certain universities might have additional requirements, such as prerequisite courses. If applicable, the details will always be available on the university’s website.
If you have never taken the required courses before, universities often have special programs that allow you to complete them once you are offered admission and enrolled. Information about these programs is also available on the university’s website.
Application Requirements Required for Applying for a PhD in Political Science and International Relations in the USA:
- Statement of Purpose
- A statement of Purpose is a compulsory application requirement while applying for any course at any university. It is also one of the most important components of your application. It holds the power to put up a strong point in front of the admission board in your favor.
- The subject for the statement of purpose or the points to be covered in it will usually be specified by the university. The topic for the statement of purpose, if specified, will be available on the applications requirements page of the course you are applying to on the university’s website.
- Topics usually covered in a statement of purpose include your motivation to pursue a PhD in Political Science and International Relations, your educational background, any previous work experience or research experience you have, your achievements and extracurriculars, etc.
- The word limit for the statement of purpose will also be specified by the university on its website, on the applications requirements page of the course you are applying to.
- To know more about Statement of Purpose and how to draft it, check out our blog on Statement of Purpose.
- Personal Statement
- A personal statement is a crucial application requirement when applying for any course at a university. It plays a significant role in presenting your narrative to the admissions committee. This component of your application allows you to showcase your personality, background, and the unique qualities that distinguish you from other candidates.
- The university will typically specify the content of your personal statement. The topics to be addressed in the personal statement can usually be found on the applications requirements page of the course you are applying to on the university’s website.
- Curriculum Vitae
- As a part of your application for a PhD in Political Science and International Relations, universities might ask for an updated or most recent curriculum vitae or resume. Hence, keep your CV/resume updated at all times and ready while applying.
- GRE Test Scores
- Standardized test scores, such as the GRE, are often mandatory to submit when applying for a PhD in Political Science and International Relations.
- Sometimes, universities might keep it optional for applicants to either submit their GRE test scores or not. In such a case, it is often suggested to submit your GRE test scores to get additional points on your application.
- Universities that require GRE test scores are required to publish the minimum GRE test score required for applying to a PhD in Political Science and International Relations on their websites under the applications requirements page.
- Letters of Recommendation / Reference Letters
- Letters of Recommendation can be written by professors from undergraduate or master’s institutions or by guides who have previously supervised the applicant in research work.
- The number of letters of recommendation required varies from one university to another. To find out the number of reference letters required by a particular university for PhD in Political Science and International Relations, check the application requirements page on the university’s website.
- Proof of English Proficiency
- Applicants who have previously studied in a country where the primary language is not English need to submit proof of English proficiency while applying for a PhD in Political Science and International Relations.
- The English proficiency requirement can be fulfilled by a minimum TOEFL or IELTS score or any other exam as specified by the university on its website for admission to its PhD program in Political Science and International Relations.
- Academic Records
- Your high school, undergraduate, and master’s report cards/transcripts from all years and semesters from all educational institutions you have studied at will be required at the time of application for a PhD in Political Science and International Relations.
- Transcripts/report cards are mostly required to be in English. If your original transcripts/report cards are not in English, they can be converted into English.
US Universities Offering PhD in Political Science and International Relations
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Frequently Asked Questions
Shortlisting universities before applying for a Ph.D. program is important to identify institutions that align with your research interests, offer strong faculty mentorship, and provide the necessary resources and funding. It helps to focus your efforts on applications that have a higher chance of success and ensures that you find a program that fits your academic and career goals.
Studying international relations in political science is essential for understanding the complex interactions between nations, the impact of global events on domestic policies, and the mechanisms of international cooperation and conflict. It provides insights into global power dynamics, international law, diplomacy, and the economic and cultural exchanges that shape the world.
With a degree in international relations and politics, you can pursue careers in diplomacy, international organizations (e.g., the United Nations), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government agencies, policy analysis, international business, journalism, and academia. Roles may include diplomat, policy advisor, intelligence analyst, foreign affairs specialist, and international development consultant.
Scholarships for a Ph.D. in international relations and political science in the USA include the Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA), Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA), Fulbright Program, Rotary Peace Fellowships, Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships, university-specific fellowships, and external grants from organizations such as the Social Science Research Council (SSRC) and the American Political Science Association (APSA).
Pursuing a Ph.D. in international relations and politics in the USA typically takes 5 to 7 years. This period includes coursework, comprehensive exams, research, and the completion and defense of a dissertation.
The highest-paying jobs in international relations and politics are often in international finance and consulting roles, such as international financial analysts or consultants for multinational corporations. High-level diplomatic positions and senior roles in international organizations, such as ambassadors or executive directors, also command substantial salaries.
The “father of international relations” is often considered to be Hans Morgenthau. Morgenthau was a pioneering figure in the field, particularly known for his work in developing the realist theory of international relations. His seminal book, “Politics Among Nations,” published in 1948, laid the foundation for realist thought by emphasizing the role of power politics, national interest, and the inherently competitive nature of international relations. Morgenthau’s ideas have had a lasting impact on the study and practice of international relations.