University of Cincinnati

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced coursework, methodological training, comprehensive examinations and an original doctoral dissertation. Core graduate seminars cover political theory, research design, statistics and formal models, and specialised fields including American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political behaviour, public policy and public administration.

Typical components include:

• Foundational coursework: directed readings and seminars in political theory and research methods to establish a broad theoretical and methodological grounding.
• Methods sequence: graduate-level training in quantitative analysis, qualitative methods, causal inference, and computational approaches to political data.
• Field specialisation: advanced seminars and directed readings in one or more substantive fields (for example, legislative politics, campaigns and elections, comparative authoritarianism, international security, human rights, or public policy analysis).
• Comprehensive/field examinations: written and/or oral exams that assess mastery of chosen fields and readiness to proceed to dissertation research.
• Doctoral dissertation: an original research project supervised by a faculty advisor, resulting in a dissertation that contributes new knowledge to the discipline.
• Teaching and professional development: opportunities to serve as a teaching assistant or instructor of record, plus workshops on grantwriting, pedagogy and public scholarship.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant undergraduate degree; many admitted students also hold a master’s degree in political science or a related social science. Selection is based on academic preparation and research potential rather than a single metric.

• Academic transcripts: evidence of strong performance in prior university-level study, especially coursework in political science and quantitative methods where applicable.
• Letters of recommendation: typically three academic references that can speak to your research ability and potential for doctoral-level work.
• Statement of purpose: a clear description of your research interests, relevant background, and proposed fit with the department’s faculty and strengths.
• Writing sample: an academic paper or chapter that demonstrates research and writing ability.
• Test scores and English language: GRE requirements vary by programme and may not be required for all applicants; international applicants must provide evidence of English proficiency through recognised tests unless otherwise exempt.
• Research experience: prior research or relevant professional experience is advantageous but not mandatory.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD programme pursue careers in academia as tenure-track faculty at research and teaching institutions. Many go on to roles in research centres, think tanks and policy institutes, where they conduct policy analysis and produce evidence-based research.

Other common career paths include:

• Research positions in government agencies and international organisations.
• Policy analysis and advisory roles in non-governmental organisations and advocacy groups.
• Consulting roles that require expertise in research design, statistical analysis and public policy.
• Positions in data science, public opinion research and polling firms that value training in quantitative methods.

Why study at University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati’s Department of Political Science offers a balance of rigorous methodological training and substantive specialisation, supported by faculty with active research programmes across a wide range of subfields. Students benefit from close mentorship, small seminar sizes and opportunities to collaborate on faculty-led projects.

Being located in a metropolitan region, the university provides access to practical internship and research partnerships with local and state government bodies, non-profit organisations and policy centres. The department emphasises professional development—preparing students for teaching, grantwriting and public engagement—and offers funded opportunities such as graduate assistantships and fellowships to support dissertation research and early-career traineeships.