Overview

Education

The Political Science program at Northwestern University reflects an effort to address big questions in politics by combining multiple social science methodologies including quantitative, qualitative, experimental, interpretive methods.

Committed to excellence in research and teaching, methodological diversity, and interdisciplinary collaborations, the department offers a stimulating intellectual community that is committed to diversity and equality of opportunity for students and faculty of all backgrounds.

We offer field training in American politics, comparative politics, political theory, international relations, and methods. Our graduate training strengths include:

Race, Ethnicity and Politics

Conflict Studies

Law and Politics

Public Opinion, Political Communication and Political Participation

American Political Development

International Theory

Comparative Historical Analysis

Feminist and Gender Studies

Programme Structure

Research Paper Requirement: Scholarly paper in first or second year

Second Field Requirement: Five courses in a student's second field, or optional qualifying examination

Examination: One written qualifying examination in student's first field; optional examination in student's second field

Prospectus: Dissertation research design presented during the quarter after passing the qualifying examination

Final Evaluations: Oral defense of dissertation

Other: Teaching requirement begins in second year in an undergraduate course

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 60 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-15 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

18 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Evanston, United States

Disciplines

Political Science View 95 other PhDs in Political Science in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Admitted students must hold a U.S. bachelor’s degree — or an equivalent non-U.S. degree — from a regionally accredited institution.

TGS will accept applications from international students with 3-year bachelor's degrees.

You may be considered for admission before you finish your undergraduate degree, but you must complete that degree before you enroll at Northwestern.

In general, to apply to The Graduate School (TGS), you will be required to:

Submit an application online.

Pay an online application fee by credit card.

Submit your Statement of Purpose.

Upload your transcript or academic record.

Submit your test scores (if required by your admitting program).

Upload two to three Letters of Recommendation.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

9344 USD / year

≈ 9344 USD / year
Out-of-State

9344 USD / year

≈ 9344 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

9344 USD / year

≈ 9344 USD / year

Living costs

Evanston

United States

1100 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Political Science.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Education

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Evanston

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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