Political Science PhD

Conduct original scholarly research 和 form advanced pedagogical skills with the Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science at Temple University’s College of Liberal 艺术. Students in this 46-credit doctoral program critically examine topics such as global politics, political behavior, political thought 和 the role of the state in the economy in preparation for careers in academia 和 research.

The Political Science Department's faculty members are nationally recognized in their fields 和 integrate their current 和 published research with PhD coursework. 教师 research 和 expertise focus on American politics, comparative politics, international relations 和 political theory, which also serve as primary subject matters in the curriculum. 

PhD students are an integral part of the learning 和 teaching experience across the Political Science Department. They conduct research, teach courses 和 work closely with various faculty members 和 students throughout the department. Learn more about current Political Science PhD students 和 their research. 

Students are prepared to pass qualifying examinations in two of the four main political science subject areas. 

Program Format & 课程

Students have seven years to complete the Political Science PhD program on a full- or part-time basis, with classes offered after 3:00 p.m. The 46-credit curriculum includes core, methods 和 research courses along with six electives taken in areas related to the comprehensive exams. 

Core courses include 

• Introduction to Political Theory 和
• Teaching Methods.

Methods courses include

• Political Statistics I 和 II, 
• Topics in 研究 Design,
• Qualitative 研究 Methods. 

研究 courses include

• Preliminary Examination Preparation,
• Pre-Dissertation 研究 和 
• Dissertation 研究.

Culminating events for the Political Science PhD include a qualifying examination, which comprises oral 和 written sections, as well as a dissertation 和 defense. 

Learn more about the Political Science PhD curriculum.