PhD in Political Science

The Political Science Department's program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy requires a minimum of three years of full-time study beyond the baccalaureate or the equivalent over a longer period and the satisfactory completion of the University at Albany's residence requirement. (Students are required to have one full year in residence beyond the master's degree. She/he must be registered for a minimum of 24 credits taken in two regular sessions, or a regular and a summer session. However, registration does not have to occur in consecutive semesters).

In addition to required course work, set in the PhD Handbook, a doctoral candidate must demonstrate competence in a major field and a second field, and in one of the two research tool options. A dissertation accepted by the student's committee and conforming to University guidelines is required to complete the program. In general, the dissertation is expected to demonstrate that the candidate is capable of doing independent scholarly work and is able to formulate conclusions which may in some respects modify or enlarge what has previously been known.

Political Science Subfields

• American Politics
• Comparative Politics
• International Relations
• Political Theory
• Public Law
• Public Policy