Ph.D. Program
The Ph.D. in Political Science and International Affairs prepares students for careers in university teaching and research, or as international affairs researchers and specialists in policy analysis. The program combines the analytical skills of political science with political economy, institutional analysis, policy analysis (especially economic policy), and regional training.
Applicants interested in this program should review additional information from the UCSD Political Science Department.
We encourage you to submit your complete application as early as possible.
Before completing your application for the Joint Political Science Ph.D. program, please review the following admissions information carefully.
Admissions for the Joint Ph.D. Program with International Relations and Political Science
The Joint Ph.D. program is small and extremely selective. Last year we received 150 applications and offered admission to two candidates. Applicants not meeting the minimum qualifications will need to show substantial strengths in other areas to be considered for admission. Preference is given to students with prior academic records of distinction and to those who have a background in one of the fields of emphasis.
Admissions deadline
Application materials are due January 12 and all materials must be received in our office by that date. Apply early to ensure your materials arrive on time.
We request that you carefully evaluate your qualifications against these criteria before paying the application fee and submitting your application. It is highly unlikely that applicants will be offered admission if they do not meet these minimum criteria.
| GRE Test Verbal Scores Quantitative Scores Analytical Scores (GMAT scores are not accepted for Ph.D. applications) |
560 minimum 720 minimum 5.0 minimum |
| Undergraduate GPA Undergraduate GPA (For international applicants, US GPA equivalencies will be determined.) Preferential treatment will be given to applicants with strong quantitative coursework in their undergraduate degree. |
3.3 minimum (on a 4.0 scale) |
| TOEFL Exam (International applicants only) Paper based test score Computer based test score |
600 minimum 250 minimum |
Selected applicants not accepted to the Ph.D. program are invited to convert their application to be considered for the professional master's program. Many applicants take advantage of this opportunity while recognizing that the master's program does not lead into the Ph.D. programs and is not a feeder program for that degree.
The Ph.D. in Political Science and International Affairs
The Ph.D. curriculum in political science and international affairs provides students with basic training in the techniques of modern political science as well as applications to specific policy areas and countries or regions. This degree is offered jointly with the department of political science.
Sixteen courses are required prior to advancement to candidacy. The common core sequence consists of comparative public policy coursework, two courses in comparative politics, one course in international relations, and one course in research design. Each student must declare a primary field of either International Policy Analysis (IPA) or Comparative Policy Analysis (CPA), consisting of three specialized courses and a regional focus of five courses. Three additional courses must be taken from a set of electives.
Regional Requirement
The regional focus consists of a course in international relations of Asia-Pacific or international relations of the Americas, three additional courses in the student's primary region, and one course in another region offered by either IR/PS or the political science department. By petition, students may count a region other than one of the IR/PS offerings (currently China, East Asia, Japan, Latin America, or Southeast Asia) as their primary region.
Language Requirement
Before advancing to candidacy, students in the program must meet a high standard of proficiency in a foreign language linked to the student's regional focus. Proficiency is verified by examination.
Comprehensive Examinations
Each student must pass a comprehensive examination covering the two fields (international policy and comparative policy analysis) and a focus field, which may be either a substantive field of policy analysis (e.g. trade, environment, international finance) or the student's chosen primary region. Regardless of the focus field, that portion of the exam tests the student's knowledge of theoretical literature and ability to apply it to a policy issue of relevance to the region.
Dissertation
Candidates must present a dissertation prospectus to be examined by their dissertation committee, and, to receive the Ph.D. degree, must complete a dissertation that makes a substantial and original contribution to knowledge commensurate with the standards of the University of California. The dissertation committee consists of four faculty members chosen from the political science department and IR/PS, with at least one member from each unit. A fifth member must be from outside the political science department and IR/PS.
Oral Defense
Students defend their dissertation at a final oral examination that is open to the public.
Ph.D. Time Limit Policies
Students advance to candidacy by the end of four years. Total university support cannot exceed six years. Total registered time at UCSD cannot exceed seven years.
Candidates interested in International Relations should apply directly to the Ph.D. program in Economics. Information can be found at this link: Ph.D. in Economics Application Information.
