political science phd without gre

Political Science PhD Programs That Don’t Require GRE

Last Updated on July 31, 2023 by Oluwajuwon Alvina

These are the top-ranked PhD programs in politics. Most do not require the GRE or GMAT for admission, although several do. We think you will find these to be better options than a PhD program that requires an additional undergraduate degree and can require GRE or GMAT scores for admission.

The PhD in Political Science route is a perfect choice if you’re a recent high school graduate and want to get a Ph.D. without the GRE requirement. Many of these schools require some sort of internship, but most will accept university coursework, which you could transfer into your dissertation at the end. If you need a little more guidance, make sure to talk with your undergraduate advisor about your options!

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Graduate Schools Waiving GRE 2021

1. stanford university.

Actual time depends on students’ progress, research and travel requirements, and fields of study.

• GRE Quantitative : 163
• GRE Verbal : 166
• GRE Analytical : 5
• TOEFL : –

2. Pennsylvania State University

Main Campus: The department offers programs leading to the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees. Graduate Record Examinations scores. There are no language requirements for the degree. Credits earned at other institutions but not used to earn a degree may be applied toward the requirements for a graduate degree, subject to restrictions outlined in GCAC-309 Transfer Credit. Political Science doctoral students who have research and educational interests in comparative policy analyses, environmental change and livelihood systems, socio-economic and political change, and other aspects of African Studies may dual-title doctoral degree program in Political Science and African Studies. The dual-title doctoral degree program provides interested Political Science doctoral students with a multidisciplinary approach that enhances their analytical capabilities for addressing key issues in African development and adds value to their Political Science degree by increasing their competitiveness in the job market. Applicants interested in the dual-title degree program may make their interest in the program known clearly on their applications to Political Science and include remarks in their statement of purpose that address the ways in which their research and professional goals in political science reflect an interest in African Studies-related research.

3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The general GRE is required.

• GRE Quantitative : –
• GRE Verbal : –
• GRE Analytical : –
• TOEFL : 600

4. Marquette University

Because average GPA scores vary greatly from one university to the next, however, their GRE scores will be particularly considered. International students who did not receive a Bachelor’s degree from an American college or university are required to take the TOEFL exam.

5. University of California-Irvine

The GRE General Test is required of all applicants for PhD admission.

6. Temple University

Some M.A. students use the degree to establish or strengthen credentials in teaching or for private public sector positions a few M.A. students want to strengthen their backgrounds for applications to other professional degree programs. Non-Matriculated Student Policy: Prior to applying for admission, students sometimes want to take courses as non-degree students. NOTE: Students ultimately interested in earning a doctoral degree in Political Science at Temple University should directly to the Ph.D. program. Such certification must be granted before the degree is awarded.

6. University of Chicago

In the university admissions process, the department considers the entire application: the letters of recommendation, academic background, GRE scores, writing sample, any work experience, and the fit of the candidate with the strengths of the program.

• GRE Quantitative : 162

University of California-Los Angeles: Applicants pursing an advanced degree must take the GRE General Test, offered by the Educational Testing ServiceThe university highly selective graduate program is devoted only to persons who seek the Ph.D. degree.

• No Minimum GRE for Admission to graduate programs in Political Science and Government

Masters programs in Political Science and Government which do not require GRE

For admissions to masters degree program in Political Science and Government at Best Universities, GRE, GPA requirements are

yale political science phD

Yale university, ranked 3 in best national university..

Political Science Yale University

College description: Fields include political theory, international relations, comparative politics, American politics, political economy, quantitative empirical methods, qualitative and archival methods, and formal theory. The High Pass average must also be met for graduate courses listed in the Political Science department. The department regularly offers sixty term courses for graduate students each year. Four of the courses required for the degree may be in departments other than Political Science. Alternatively, the language requirement can be satisfied by successfully completing two terms of formal theory or two terms of statistical methods at the graduate level. Courses are offered in five substantive fields—political theory, international relations, comparative politics, American politics, and political economy—and three methods fields: quantitative empirical methods, qualitative and archival methods, and formal theory. Students who successfully complete the Ph.D. in Political Science will often join the faculties of colleges and universities. For that reason, learning what is involved in teaching and gaining teaching experience are also essential components of graduate education. Students in Political Science typically teach in their third and fourth years. During each year in residence, graduate students are expected to participate actively and regularly in one or of the many research workshops run by the department. At least five of these courses must be graduate courses in Political Science. Students must have received a grade of Honors in at least two Political Science courses and maintained an overall High Pass average. The department requires that scores from the GRE General Test and a writing sample accompany an application. To remain in good standing throughout their time in the Ph.D. program, students are expected to actively participate in classes and workshops, produce high-quality written work, and demonstrate regular progress toward completion of the dissertation. Four of the courses required for the degree may be in departments other than Political Science. At the discretion of the DGS, students who fail an exam may be granted a one-term extension for obtaining certification. Degree are the same as for the Ph.D. degree except for the completion of the prospectus and dissertation. Language requirements are the same as for the Ph.D. degree. Students enrolled in the Ph.D. program in Political Science may qualify for the M.A. degree in History, rather than an M.A. in Political Science, upon completion of a minimum of six graduate term courses in History at Yale, of which two must have earned Honors grades and the other four courses must average High Pass overall. Topics include foundations of probability theory, statistical inference from random samples, estimation theory, linear regression, maximum likelihood estimation, and nonparametric identification. HTBA. Prerequisite: any introductory statistics course that covers regression at any level of detail. HTBA. Data science is used to inform where campaigns compete, which messages they use, how they deliver them, and among which voters. The course provides students with an introduction to political campaigns, an introduction to data science tools necessary for studying politics, and opportunities to practice the data science skills presented in S DS 523.This course, the first in the yearlong introduction to the study of comparative politics for Ph.D. students in political science, examines the purpose and methodology of comparative inquiry. Topics include alternatives to institutions, agenda-setting models, influences on bureaucratic decisions, the size of government and state building, congressional organization, the presidency, policy feedback and path dependence, and interest groups. It provides a venue to develop ideas, polish work in progress, or showcase completed projects.

Social Sciences and Studies graduate programs at Yale University

Stanford phd political science gre, stanford university, ranked 4 in best national university..

Prospective Ph.D. Students

College description: Courses in the major are designed to help students gain competency in the study of political science to introduce students to a variety of research methodologies and analytical frameworks and to develop students’ written and oral communication skills. An understanding of core knowledge within the discipline of Political Science. The ability to evaluate theory and critique research within the discipline of Political Science. The Ph.D. is conferred upon candidates who have demonstrated substantial scholarship and the ability to conduct independent research and analysis in Political Science. Through completion of advanced course work and rigorous skills training, the doctoral program prepares students to make original contributions to the knowledge of Political Science and to interpret and present the results of such research. Pursued in combination with a doctoral degree, the master program furthers students’ knowledge and skills in Political Science. Students majoring in Political Science must complete a minimum of 70 units.5 units in the introductory course, POLISCI 1 The Science of Politics, preferably taken in freshman or sopho year. Demonstrate a capacity for sustained research and writing in the discipline by taking at least one Political Science Writing in the Major course. This course may count toward the units taken to satisfy the Primary Track, Secondary Track, or Additional Coursework requirements. POLISCI 299A only fulfills the WIM requirement for students who are writing an honors thesis in Political Science. Students may count up to 25 units of coursework from outside the Political Science Department toward the Political Science major. One pre-approved course may count toward the methods course requirement. Actual time depends on students’ progress, research and travel requirements, and fields of study. The minimum residence requirement for the Ph.D. degree is 135 units of completed coursework, which takes approximately four years. Doctoral candidates form a Dissertation Reading Committee in the fourth year and take the University Oral Examination after they have made substantial progress on their dissertations. Students must finish all requirements and file a thesis to receive their Ph.D. degree. The Department provides five years of support for Ph.D. students who are making sufficient progress towards degree. It is not necessary or possible to secure an advisor before admission to the program. On the other hand, the department does expect that prospective students have had sufficient exposure to the field for them to develop a clear statement of purpose for attending the university graduate program. A master’s degree is not required for admission, although roughly one-third of the university applicants have completed a graduate degree prior to application to the PhD program. The Department rarely accepts the transfer of previous graduate work toward fulfilling degree requirements. However, students with previous graduate work may be able to count some of their previous course credits toward the university residency requirement, thus reducing the time required for the Ph.D. degree. The selection of PhD students admitted to the Political Science is based on an individualized, holistic review of each application, including the applicant’s academic record, the letters of recommendation, the scores on the General GRE , the statement of purpose, and the writing sample. These students are chosen on the basis of a strong academic background as evidenced by previous study, test results, writing sample, and letters of recommendation. Although Stanford University has no official score requirement, admitted students typically have GRE scores of 166 verbal, 163 quantitative, and a score of 5.5 in the analytical section. Admitted students typically have a GPA of at least 3.8 in their previous studies. Admitted students typically have very high GRE scores. Letters of recommendation: The Application Activity Status page will update automatically when letters of recommendation are received. The Statement of Purpose should describe succinctly their reasons for applying to the proposed program at Stanford, their preparation for this field of study, research interests, future career plans, and other aspects of their background and interests which may aid the admissions committee in evaluating their aptitude and motivation for graduate study. The Statement of Purpose should not exceed two single spaced pages. General GRE scores are required of all applicants. The Stanford University does not require scores from any GRE subject tests. There are no exceptions to the GRE requirement. No other exams are accepted in lieu of the GRE. All applicants must submit GRE scores, even if they have completed an advanced degree. It will take two weeks from the date applicant application to Stanford for GRE and TOEFL scores to merge with their application and appear as Official on their application status page.If applicant submitted their application than two weeks ago and their GRE or TOEFL scores are still unofficial, please check that the name applicant took the test under and the name applicant applied to Stanford under are exactly the same.It takes approximately 5 weeks from the date applicant take the computer based GRE and TOEFL for ETS to send their scores to Stanford and for them to merge with their official application. Therefore, the university recommend that applicants take the GRE and TOEFL no later than early November to ensure that their scores are received before the Admissions Committee begins making admissions decisions. GRE scores are valid for approximately five years from the date taken. TOEFL scores submitted to Stanford must be from a test taken within the last 18 months. Please ask their letter writers to upload their letters no later than December 15th. While recommenders may upload outstanding letters after December 15th, there no guarantee they will be read as the committee will have already begun its work. Applicants to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program should ask their recommenders to upload their letters no later than November 12th.Letters of recommendation must be submitted through the application system. If applicant’d like to make changes before their letter writer has accepted the letter of recommendation request, applicant may do so from their Application Status Activity Page. If their letter of recommendation writer has already accepted the letter of recommendation request, applicant are no longer able to make changes. The department expects to see three letters of recommendation per application. Applicants may enter up to six recommenders and all letters of recommendation submitted by the December 15th deadline will be considered in the review process. However, there is no automatic advantage or disadvantage to submitting than three letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation will be evaluated solely on what they say an applicant’s academic potential for graduate work, not on how many are submitted. TOEFL scores are required of all applicants whose first language is not English. Applicants must score at least 100 on the Internet-based TOEFL in order to be eligible for admission, though admitted applicants typically score at least 115. Exemptions are granted to applicants who have earned a the students.S. bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association in the United States, or the international equivalent degree from a university of recognized standing in a country in which all instruction is provided in English. Therefore, applicants with degrees from the the students. S., Australia, Canada , New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom are exempt from taking the TOEFL and do not need to submit the TOEFL Waiver Request form. Their GPA will be calculated from their transcripts. To be eligible for admission to graduate programs at Stanford, applicants must complete an international degree that is equivalent to a the students.S. bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing. The Department does not offer a master’s degree for external applicants. Applicants interested in a master’s degree should look into the Ford Dorsey Masters in International Policy.

Universities That Dont Require GRE For PhD

Social sciences and studies graduate programs at stanford university, university of chicago.

Political Science

College description: History, Philosophy, and Social Studies of Science and Medicine.Political science is the study of governments, public policies, political processes, political behavior, and ideas government and politics. Political scientists use both humanistic and scientific perspectives and a variety of methodological approaches to examine the political dynamics of all countries and regions of the world, both ancient and modern. Political science contributes to a liberal education by introducing students to concepts, methods, and knowledge that help them understand and judge politics within and among nations. The university graduates have gone into all those areas in recent years.The Political Science major requires twelve political science courses and a substantial paper. All students must take three out of the four courses that introduce the fields of political science.Each course will be offered every year, introducing students to the four principal areas of study in political science. The introductory courses must be taken for quality grades.Courses outside Political Science may be considered for the major only by petition.Students who are majoring in political science must write at least one substantial paper.Written for a Political Science instructor after a course is completed.The deadline for submitting the approval form and the paper is 4 p.m. on Friday of the second week of the quarter in which the student expects to graduate.The deadline for submitting two copies of a BA Thesis to the departmental office is 4 p.m. on Friday of the fourth week of the quarter in which the student expects to graduate.A few students each year study abroad in the Spring Quarter of third year or in the Autumn Quarter of the fourth year and also intend to complete the Political Science major by writing a BA Thesis.At least five must be courses in Political Science.At least three must be courses in Political Science.A student is eligible for honors if the GPA in the major is 3.6 or higher and the overall GPA is 3.0 or higher at the beginning of the quarter in which the student intends to graduate.In the university admissions process, the department considers the entire application: the letters of recommendation, academic background, GRE scores, writing sample, any work experience, and the fit of the candidate with the strengths of the program. In addition to the University of Chicago standard application form, all applicants must submit scores from the Graduate Record Exam LSAT or GMAT scores are not acceptable. The GRE score is only one of a number of criteria that the department considers when evaluating applicants the University of Chicago does not use strict score cutoffs in the university evaluation. The average GRE scores for those admitted last year were 166 Verbal, 162 Quantitative, and 5.1 Analytic. The average GPA is 3.8Students complete all requirements for both degrees. The Division of the Social Sciences does not grant credit for work done toward the Law Degree.This will keep their file available and current, allowing applicant to supplement it for the next admissions cycle with a new candidate statement and any other new supporting materials applicant care to .

Social Sciences and Studies graduate programs at University of Chicago

Massachusetts institute of technology, ranked 7 in best national university..

MIT Political Science

College description: Special Graduate Topic in Political Science: Political Behavior.This graduate seminar provides an examination of mass and elite political behavior in the United States, with an emphasis on political participation, political inequality, elections, voting behavior, and political organizations.The general GRE is required. The university recommend the GRE be taken as soon as possible to allow time for the scores to reach us.All applicants whose first language is not English are required to take the TOEFL, including students who have received degrees from English speaking institutions. In a limited number of cases a TOEFL waiver may be granted. Applicants must separately for a TOEFL waiver.There is no minimum score for the GRE, but admission is very competitive and low GRE scores may weaken an application. The minimum score for the TOEFL is 600 paper based 100 internet based. If an applicant has not met the TOEFL IELTS requirement the application will not be reviewed.Although the Massachusetts Institute of Technology does not have a minimum GPA requirement the applicant pool is academically strong and very competitive.Please submit two other documents, both in .pdf format: a copy of their resume and a writing sample.

Social Sciences and Studies graduate programs at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Duke university, ranked 8 in best national university..

College description: The graduate program in Political Science is designed primarily to prepare students for research and teaching. Major fields of specialization are: Political Institutions Political Economy Security, Peace and Conflict Political Behavior and Identity Political Methodology and Normative Political Theory and Political Philosophy. Typically, 10-13 new graduate students enter each year. Resources for study include the Social Science Research Institute Duke Initiative on Survey Methodology Political Institutions and Public Choice Program in Asia Security Studies Social Science Workshop for Chinese Scholars Triangle Institute for Security Studies and Empirical Implications of Theoretical Models Political Science: PhD Time to Degree Statistics

Social Sciences and Studies graduate programs at Duke University

Northwestern university, ranked 13 in best national university..

College description: The Political Science PhD Program is designed for students whose primary concern is a mastery of theories, methods of research, and substantive literature of the discipline of political science.The program reflects an effort to address big questions in politics by combining multiple social science methodologies including quantitative, qualitative, experimental, interpretive methods.The university offer field training in American politics, comparative politics, political theory, international relations, and methods.See Political Science Degree Requirements for specific classes and procedures needed to complete this program.Students required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language must achieve a score of at least 600 on the paper test or 250 on the computer-based test to be eligible for .

Social Sciences and Studies graduate programs at Northwestern University

University of notre dame, ranked 16 in best national university..

College description: The Ph.D. program in the University of Notre Dame’s Political Science offers students outstanding opportunities for intellectual growth, professional development, and success in their careers.A joint Ph.D. program in Political Science and Peace Studies in partnership with the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies.An outstanding track record of graduate student success in fellowships and grants, publishing, and job placement.TOEFL or IELTS for non-native speakers of English. 

Vanderbilt University

The Graduate Program

College description: The Vanderbilt PhD program in Political Science ranks among the top programs of its kind.The Political Science does not offer a terminal Master degree. Students seeking a master degree in Political Science should not for the university program.Students who have received degrees from English-speaking institutions are exempt from this requirement.Recent GRE scores, for the verbal, mathematical, and written portions of the exam 3. Three letters of recommendation from people who are familiar with the applicant academic record 3. A statement of purpose indicating the student interests and career goals 4. The Graduate Committee reviews several aspects of an applicant file: the personal statement, academic record, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and writing sample. Successful applicants must be able to use the personal statement to articulate clearly their interest in pursuing a doctorate in political science. Successful applicants general have an overall GPA of at least 3.3, and a GPA of 3.5 in their major field. There is no minimum score for the GRE, but the average quantitative GRE score of admitted applicants was 700 and the average verbal GRE score for admitted applicants was 600.

Social Sciences and Studies graduate programs at Vanderbilt University

University of california-berkeley, ranked 20 in best national university..

Political Science University of California, Berkeley

College description: The department admits graduate students for the doctoral degree only.A bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution .If the applicant comes from a country or political entity where English is not the official language, adequate proficiency in English to do graduate work, as evidenced by a TOEFL score of at least 90 on the iBT test, 570 on the paper-and-pencil test, or an IELTS Band score of at least 7 on a 9-point scale and.The Graduate Council views academic degrees not as vocational training certificates, but as evidence of broad training in research methods, independent study, and articulation of learning. Therefore, applicants who already have academic graduate degrees should be able to pursue new subject matter at an advanced level without need to enroll in a related or similar graduate program.Programs may consider students for an additional academic master’s or professional master’s degree only if the additional degree is in a distinctly different field.Applicants admitted to a doctoral program that requires a master’s degree to be earned at Berkeley as a prerequisite will be permitted to undertake the second master’s degree, despite the overlap in field.Applicants with doctoral degrees may be admitted for an additional doctoral degree only if that degree program is in a general area of knowledge distinctly different from the field in which they earned their original degree.The department admits graduate students for the doctoral degree only.If the applicant comes from a country or political entity where English is not the official language, adequate proficiency in English to do graduate work, as evidenced by a TOEFL score of at least 90 on the iBT test, 570 on the paper-and-pencil test, or an IELTS Band score of at least 7 on a 9-point scale and.Applicants may only to one single degree program or one concurrent degree program per admission cycle.Letters of recommendation: Applicants may request online letters of recommendation through the online application system. Hard copies of recommendation letters must be sent directly to the program, not the Graduate Division.Official TOEFL score reports must be sent directly from Educational Test Services TOEFL and IELTS score reports are only valid for two years.The Political Science department at UC Berkeley admits students for the doctoral degree only.Students must achieve a combined GPA of 3.5 in these courses.This overall evaluation will include GPA and successful completion of all 24 required units. In exceptional cases, a student may decide not to continue in the PhD program or may be asked to leave after the first year in this event, students may either be awarded an MA degree or will leave the program without an MA degree.During the second year, students must complete an advanced topical research essay.Although the actual studies of these matters may occur within a particular geographical or institutional context and data are most often drawn from the American experience, the purpose is to generalize to a class of political phenomena or behavior beyond specific countries or specific institutions.Covers observational studies with and without ignorable treatment assignment, randomized experiments with and without noncompliance, instrumental variables, regression discontinuity, sensitivity analysis, and random inference.Covers observational studies with and without ignorable treatment assignment, randomized experiments with and without noncompliance, instrumental variables, regression discontinuity, sensitivity analysis and randomization inference.The purpose of the course is to provide graduate students with a basis for undertaking their own original research on questions relating to ethnic politics.To receive two units of credit, a student must make at least one presentation of work in progress and serve as a discussant for another student presentation. Appropriate works in progress include a paper in preparation for submission to a journal, a dissertation prospectus , a dissertation chapter, or a job market paper.To receive credit for the course, the student will make at least one presentation of work in progress per semester and to serve as a discussant for another student work. Appropriate works-in progress include a paper in preparation for submission to a journal a dissertation prospectus , dissertation chapter, or a job market paper.Presentations can be of the student own work-in-progress or of work by other scholarsTo receive credit for the course, the students will make at least one presentation of work-in-progress per semester and to serve as a discussant for another student work. Appropriate works-in-progress include a paper in preparation for submission to a journal a dissertation prospectus , dissertation chapter, or a job market paper.Appropriate works-in-progress include a paper in preparation for submission to a journal, a dissertation prospectus , a dissertation chapter, or a job market paper.

Social Sciences and Studies graduate programs at University of California-Berkeley

University of california-berkeley gre score for social sciences and studies graduate program, university of california-los angeles, ranked 23 in best national university..

UCLA Political Science

College description: Esther is the department’s Senior Graduate Advisor: Esther counsels graduate students on University and departmental requirements for the Ph.D. program.Applicants pursing an advanced degree must take the GRE General Test, offered by the Educational Testing ServiceSuch applicants must submit scores received on the Test of English as a Foreign Language or on the International English Language Testing System as part of their application.But note that quantity does not substitute for quality and that three letters will suffice.The university will calculate their GPA when the university receive their transcripts.The university highly selective graduate program is devoted only to persons who seek the Ph.D. degree. The master’s degree is earned as part of the process of completing the requirements for the Ph.D.The university students must complete the M.A. as part of the requirements for the Ph.D. If applicant have an M.A. degree in Political Science from another institution, please read the next item.

Social Sciences and Studies graduate programs at University of California-Los Angeles

University of michigan-ann arbor, ranked 29 in best national university..

U-M LSA Political Science

College description: Advisory pre-requisite: Two courses in Political Science, including POLSCI 111 or its equivalent.Required pre-requisite: ECON 401 or GraduateAdvisory pre-requisite: Graduate standing concurrent election of POLSCI 514 is strongly recommended.Advisory pre-requisite: Graduate standing or permission of instructor.Advisory pre-requisite: Graduate standing and permission of instructor.Advisory pre-requisite: Graduate standingAdvisory pre-requisite: A Graduate course in American Government and Graduate standing.Required pre-requisite: POLSCI 611 Advisory pre-requisite: Graduate standingAdvisory pre-requisite: POLSCI 660 or permission of instructor and Graduate standing.Advisory pre-requisite: POLSCI 599 or equivalent and Graduate standing.Advisory pre-requisite: POLSCI 613 or permission of instructor and Graduate standing.Advisory pre-requisite: POLSCI 623 or equivalent and Graduate standing.Advisory pre-requisite: Graduate standing and enrollment in Public Policy or permission of instructor.Advisory pre-requisite: Graduate standing, POLSCI 641Advisory pre-requisite: Previous study of Japanese politics at the Graduate level.Advisory pre-requisite: POLSCI 598 and Graduate standing.Advisory pre-requisite: POLSCI 787 and Graduate standing.Advisory pre-requisite: POLSCI 699 or equivalent and graduate standingAdvisory pre-requisite: POLSCI 699 or equivalent and Graduate standing.Graduate standing and permission of instructor.Advisory pre-requisite: Election for dissertation work by doctoral student not yet admitted as a Candidate.As a result, the Political Science has no strict cutoffs for either GPA or GRE scores.The university program employs a holistic approach to application review so an applicant’s essays, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, transcripts and application are all important to the admissions committee.

Social Sciences and Studies graduate programs at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

University of north carolina at chapel hill, ranked 30 in best national university..

Political Science University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

College description: The political science graduate program is small and very selective. Most graduate students pursue the doctor of philosophy in political science. However, the department also offers courses of study leading to the master of arts in political science, the master of arts in political science with a certificate in Latin American studies, and a master of arts in political science through the TransAtlantic Masters program.The general prerequisite for admission to graduate study is a bachelor of arts degree or equivalent.All applicants for admission to graduate study must take the Graduate Record ExaminationCES has close ties to the TransAtlantic Masters program, which offers an M.A. in political science and includes study at UNC and at one or partner universities in Europe.As a the students.S. Education Title VI Center, CSEEES awards Foreign Language and Area Studies fellowships to a few graduate students each academic year and summer to help them acquire the language skills and area expertise necessary for advanced study and field research in this part of the world.Harris surveys cover many topics, including national morale, the arts, energy policy, women roles, political candidates, violence, health, and housing.Departmental programs of graduate study are intended to train professional political scientists.The general prerequisite for admission to graduate study is a bachelor of arts degree or equivalent.All applicants for admission to graduate study must take the Graduate Record Examination Applicants are also required to submit a writing sample and a personal statement.As a the students.S. Education Title VI Center, CSEEES awards Foreign Language and Area Studies fellowships to a few graduate students each academic year and summer to help them acquire the language skills and area expertise necessary for advanced study and field research in this part of the world.Although the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill does not grant an interdisciplinary postgraduate degree in Latin American studies, graduate students seeking to document their area expertise are encouraged to earn a certificate in Latin American studies in conjunction with any advanced degree in any University graduate program.This course focuses on the application of statistical analysis to quantitative data in order to study theoretically and substantively interesting questions politics and policy.Grading status: Letter grade.Topics covered include normal form games, extensive-form games, and games of incomplete information.Grading status: Letter grade.Topics covered will include rules and regulations, resources available through student services, emergency procedures, classroom management, stimulate discussion and keep up participation, and develop supplementary syllabi.Grading status: Letter grade.

PhD Programs That Don’t Require GRE

Today, it’s easy to earn the highest degree in your field without having to take the GRE exam, with more PhD no GRE programs appearing every year.

PhD Without GRE

This increase comes from the fact that modern PhD programs that don’t require GRE scores might admit students on the merit of their work experience. That’s great news if you have been out of school and on-the-job.

Both online and traditional universities offer PhD No GRE programs. Here is a list of 19 of our partner grad schools that don’t require GRE scores for their doctoral programs. Lists are organic, so use this one as a guideline. These partner universities may have several PhD programs without GRE or GMAT requirements and might inspire you to apply soon.

• Walden University
• A.T. Still University of Health Sciences
• Purdue University Global
• Sacred Heart University
• St. John’s University
• The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TSCPP)
• Duquesne University
• California Southern University (CalSouthern)
• Lynn University
• Northcentral University (NCU)
• Uniformed Services University
• Colorado Technical University (CTU)
• South University
• Saint Leo University
• Nova Southeastern University (NSU)
• Westcliff University
• Liberty University
• Argosy University

These grad schools may have many options for doctoral degrees that don’t require the GRE, including fields such as:

Plus, because the PhD is focused on developing you as an expert in a specific field, there are many subfields or concentrations available. This includes an Early Childhood Education PhD or an Industrial / Organizational PhD.

Online No GRE PhD Programs

A PhD is the academic equivalent of a marathon, with a broad array of courses that focus on research methods and analytic writing, and usually include regular meetings with mentors to discuss progress on your thesis.

An online PhD program typically allows at-work students to complete their courses on their own schedule. This takes away the hassle of relocation or the sacrifice to career and life’s other responsibilities. A no GRE PhD program offers fewer barriers to impede the finish line.

Many of the schools listed above offer online no GRE PhD programs. Sometimes there are built-in residencies, but these are usually pre-scheduled and brief. They typically add an element of interaction between students and faculty.

Whether a PhD program requires the GRE (or GMAT) depends on the university, the discipline, and the specific department. Below are a few examples of PHD no GRE programs in different areas of study.

However, application requirements are always changing, so be sure to check out each school’s requirements before applying.

No GRE Business PhD Programs

Business PhD programs encompass the executive-focused Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and classic scholarly research-based PhD. Each of these terminal degrees could be earned in highly focused fields such as:

• Healthcare management

Check out sponsored PhD Programs with no GRE below.

• The Walden University Self-Designed Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree online is built for experienced professionals who want a deeper point of view and to stay current with modern applied managerial theories. Walden offers a variety of DBA concentrations, including International Business and Global Supply Chain Management.
• Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers an online PhD in Organizational Leadership with no GRE. Participants analyze research in strategic management as they analyze and assess complex problems in organizations to study how new paradigms that apply creative solutions and positive organizational change
• Colorado Technical University offers an online Doctor of Management (DM) in Project Management and a DM in Higher Education Teaching and Learning. Coursework includes examining how to think, act, and lead with integrity, strategize and use solid decision skills in these and other concentrations.
• California Southern University offers a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) designed to provide working professionals advanced business knowledge and practical skills needed by senior leadership in today’s complex, global economy.

No GRE PhD in Counseling/Psychology Programs

Some professionals in psychology and counseling are interested in careers in research and academia, but many just want to help people directly. When presented with options, the PhD is the degree usually associated with research, whereas ‘Doctor of’ usually connotes a practice-focused doctorate. Check out sponsored programs below that don’t require GRE.

List of No GRE PhD in Counseling, Psychology, and Social Work Programs

• Applicants to Smith College’s PhD in Social Work program don’t need the GRE though you are required to have some post-Masters professional experience. Coursework analyzes how to refine leadership skills as you work to develop new insights about clinical social work practice.
• Cal Southern’s School of Behavioral Sciences offers a PsyD degree with no GRE requirements. Students complete a doctoral project after taking a range of courses such as advanced theories in personality theory and psych-pharmacology. Upon earning your degree, graduates may be ready to pursue licensure as a clinical psychologist is the state of California.
• At Argosy University there is an APA-accredited PsyD in Clinical Psychology that involves supervised out-of-class contact with a clinical population in the Los Angeles area. The school offers concentrations in Child & Adolescent Psychology and Forensic Psychology.
• For those whose preference is testing hypotheses, Walden University offers an online PhD in Clinical Psychology in addition to a variety of concentrations you can choose from in line with career goals. One example is their PhD in Health Psychology which combines courses in research methods with topics like bio-psychology and psychoneuroimmunology (PNI).
• Nova Southeastern University’s PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy is accredited by Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). It covers courses in lifespan, family systems theories, and counseling techniques for groups and individuals. There is also a teaching practicum and clinical practice on top of plenty of research.

No GRE PhD in Criminal Justice Programs

PhD in Criminal Justice programs meld managerial theories with an in-depth look at crime causation, law enforcement, juvenile justice, and beyond. Check out sponsored programs below that don’t require GRE.

List of PhD in Criminal Justice Programs with No GRE

• Saint Leo University offers an online Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ) in Homeland Security where students analyze techniques to fine tune their ability to think and lead strategically. In addition, the school offers an educational track for aspiring teacher-leaders.
• Northcentral University’s online DCJ in White Collar Crime aims to teach students how to identify and expose white collar economic crimes. Curriculum is designed to expose students to fraud examination techniques, prosecuting and sentencing, and to advanced accounting and forensic accounting theories and practices.
• Colorado Technical University offers an online Doctor of Management (DM) in Homeland Security which highlights managerial leadership, strategy and decision skills. Students could refine their expertise in tactical analysis and thinking as it relates to homeland security and policy leadership. CTU also offers a DM in Criminal Justice.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs with No GRE

An alternative to the research-focused PhD in Nursing is the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP),

which aims to ready nurses as systems-level thinkers and leaders who are able to navigate key issues.

Patient safety, public health, health policy, performance improvement, and quality of care are some of these critical concerns. DNP students could also learn how to integrate nursing science with organizational leadership and ethics.

Instead of the GRE, applicants may need a masters degree with an advanced nursing practice and current U.S. RN license and certification in an advanced nursing practice role, if applicable. Many schools also perform background checks as part of the application process. Check out sponsored programs below that don’t require GRE.

List of No GRE DNP Programs

Many nursing graduate schools have DNP programs – in fact these come in online, campus and sometimes blended (hybrid) formats. Accredited DNP programs may be approved by an agency such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Below is a list of 3 grad schools which offer DNP programs but don’t ask for GRE scores.

• Georgetown University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is designed to prepare registered nurses (RNs) as health care leaders with a holistic understanding of health.
• Andrews University offers three tracks for their DNP bridge programs, which allows students with an RN license but only an undergraduate degree to pursue a DNP. These programs include the BSN – DNP, MSN – DNP, and APRN – DNP tracks.
• Sacred Heart University offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) designed to prepare you to transform practice, lead and engage in practical, clinically focused scholarship and research.

graduate schools waiving gRE 2021

A GRE waiver is like a pass – it often trades in test scores for professional work experience to help determine how ready a candidate is for the academic rigors of a PhD.

GRE scores expire in five years from the time you take the test. So, if you took it some years ago, you may not want the added hurdle of a retake. Your years of hands-on practice – especially in the same field as the PhD – may be sufficient for a school to consider you for admission.

Applicants who require a waiver of the GRE generally need to consult the appropriate departmental Graduate Program Director to review specific program and university criteria. Check out sponsored programs below that don’t require GRE.

PhD Programs That May Waive the GRE

Partner school Temple University may waive the GRE for eligible doctoral students. To earn their degree, those who enter with a Master’s degree typically need to complete 15 credits of PhD-level core coursework and 15 credits of PhD exams and dissertation research, for a total of 30 credits.

Some of the available PhD programs with GRE waivers at Temple include:

• PhD in Bioengineering: students conduct research at the crossroads of translational medicine and engineering. Innovate and explore areas such as neuro-engineering, stem and cancer cell engineering, tissue regeneration and more.
• PhD in Mechanical Engineering: students examine manufacturing mechanical systems, such as car airbag sensors or electric propulsion systems for space travel. Areas of potential research include material science, mechanics and robotics.

Sponsored Listings

Tip for Applying Review application requirements! You might find what you are looking for – a PhD with no GRE requirement – via a waiver.

4 Reasons to Consider PhD Without GRE Programs

Finding a no GRE PhD program may be well worth the search for a lot of students. Here are four reasons to factor into your decision process.

1. The GRE’s Predictive Powers Are Limited

In recent years, the GRE has lost some of its control over the admissions process. In part, researchers have found the scores don’t predict how a student might fare as the program progresses because it wasn’t measure things such as finely-tuned instincts or how well a student collaborates with a lab partner. i

2. Accredited Universities Offer PhD Programs No GRE Required

It’s a fair question to wonder whether grad schools with PhD No GRE programs are accredited or set lower standards than those who ask for GRE test scores. You may want to do some digging – compare programs, find out what alumni report, and verify success rates.

Also, regional and professional accreditors require the school to undergo a periodic review, so they usually maintain a data base with this information.

3. Universities Use Other Admissions Requirements

Universities that offer PhD programs without GRE requirements might use alternative proof of thinking measures used to weed out applicants. Here are a few sample documents that applicants may need to tack onto a completed form and deposit.

• Masters or first professional degree (from a regionally accredited college/university)
• Minimum overall GPA – set by university
• Current letters of recommendation (3 – 5)
• Goals (why and how this specific PhD program lines up with your goals)
• Professional Resume
• Lab/term paper, writing sample – where applicable
• Personal or skype interview with faculty
• English proficiency
• Certification and/or licensure (e.g. teacher license, RN etc.)

Tip for Applying Contact an admissions advisor directly to ask questions about your situation and to apply to those programs that interest you. Usually, schools offer online chats, email, and phone numbers to make it as easy as possible for you.

4. A Masters Degree Might Suffice

Several PhD programs across the sciences, arts, and engineering require GRE scores of applicants with a bachelor’s degree or for those who did not complete a research thesis for their masters degree.

The GRE tests knowledge of math, critical thinking, and literacy, as well as an ability to reason. While these are viewed as skills that could indicate whether a student has the aptitude for analysis necessary in a PhD program, persons with a master’s degree and professional experience may be able to show they have these skills without need for GRE scores.

As an example, the  University of Fairfax  requires applicants to the  Doctorate of Information Assurance (DIA)  program to have Masters and five years of relevant experience.

DID YOU KNOW? Per the American Psychology Association (APA), GRE scores are less reliable when it comes to predicting whether a student will eventually complete a psychology program. i

List of PhD Programs Programs That Don’t Require GRE

Search for graduate schools with phd no gre programs.

Click any of the links on this page to explore the spectrum of PhD no GRE programs. Use the form we provide to contact schools directly. You could be one step away from the perfect PhD for you – GRE free!

Or, continue reading about grad schools with no GRE requirements and other graduate schools that accept low GRE scores.

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Department of Political Science

The Political Science Ph.D.

The Vanderbilt Ph.D. program in political science ranks among the top programs of its kind, both overall and by subfield (American Politics, Comparative Politics, with International Relations on the rise).

Our faculty and students study many varied subjects using a diverse slate of methodologies. Vanderbilt’s political science department is known for its deep expertise in several areas of excellence that cross subfield boundaries, including bureaucracies, political violence and conflict, the politics of gender, democracy in middle-to-low-income countries, mass political behavior, survey methodology, and formal theory.

Our graduate program offers intensive training in three fields of political science: American Politics, Comparative Politics, and International Relations. We admit between eight and twelve doctoral students per year and prepare them for successful careers in academia, government, international organizations, or research-centered jobs.

While we admit a small percentage of applicants for our program, we aim to bring the most diverse, talented, and innovative students in the world to Nashville to study political science. As a student in our program, you are joining a supportive intellectual and social community.

Some of the key benefits of Vanderbilt’s political science Ph.D. program are:

• A top-ranked faculty with deep expertise in substantive political science and the methodologies needed to answer important questions about our political world
• Access to research-supporting resources like the Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions , the Latin American Public Opinion Project Lab, the Research on Conflict and Collective Action Lab, and the Research on Individuals, Politics, and Society Lab
• A nearly 1:1 student: faculty ratio, allowing for close mentoring and support
• A rigorous program of coursework and research milestones that pair deep substantive knowledge with cutting-edge methodological and data science skills
• Membership in a community of smart, hardworking, and supportive doctoral candidates who prioritize collaboration and discovery
• Residence in Nashville, a fast-growing mid-size city with a high quality of life and wide array of entertainment and recreational offerings

Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Like Vanderbilt University, the Department of Political Science defines diversity broadly to include experiences, perspectives, backgrounds, and identities. We believe such diversity among our faculty and students enhances the intellectual experience and achievements of this academic community. As such, we are committed to principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action, and we encourage individuals from diverse, under-represented, and traditionally excluded populations to apply to our program.

Our graduate program seeks to:

• Continually strengthen the climate for current students and faculty from traditionally excluded groups and foster a welcoming and vibrant community of scholars.
• Recruit more graduate students from underrepresented and traditionally excluded groups to the department and discipline.
• Give all students and faculty the tools to succeed and support one another in a diverse discipline.

Applying to the Program

The application deadline for the Ph.D. program is December 15 for the coming fall semester. We welcome applicants from all institutions, backgrounds, and experiences with a passion for research in political science. The application fee is $95.00.

When you apply, you are applying to the program as a whole and the faculty decides together who would be the best fit. Individual faculty members do not review and accept individual doctoral students they want to advise. There is no need to secure a faculty mentor ahead of your application .

Please direct all Ph.D. admission inquiries to Director of Graduate Studies, Sharece Thrower .

Qualifications

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in any major and show evidence of a passion for research in political science. The most successful applicants demonstrate mathematical or statistical proficiency and experience in original research. There is no minimum score for the GRE, TOEFL, or minimum required GPA. It is optional for applicants to submit their GRE scores. Strong letters of recommendation (generally from faculty members) are essential. Finally, but most importantly, we look for a fit between the student's intellectual interests and our faculty's scholarly expertise.

Information to Submit

The Graduate Studies Committee reviews all aspects of an applicant's file. We try to get a sense of an applicant’s many facets, skills, and experiences across the different materials:

• Statement of purpose (see details below)
• Official transcripts from each college or university attended
• 3-5 letters of recommendation speaking to academic abilities
• Writing sample of 15-25 pages (preferably a paper from a course that illustrates the candidate's ability to write and to conduct research)
• Unofficial or official GRE scores are optional
• Students from non-English-speaking countries should also submit a recent TOEFL score; students graduating with a degree from a four-year English-speaking institution are exempt from this requirement.

Statement of Purpose

Successful applicants should use the personal statement to clearly articulate their interest in pursuing a doctorate in political science and their research objectives. There are no required elements, but some questions that can help guide the statement include:

• What questions or puzzles in political science fascinate you?
• What approaches do you think will help you answer those puzzles?
• Why do you want to earn a Ph.D., and why in political science?
• How have your studies and experiences prepared you for a challenging Ph.D. program?
• Why do you think the Vanderbilt program and its faculty are the best place for you to study your questions of interest and develop needed skills?

Visiting Campus

We hold a recruitment visit in March for all applicants who receive offers of admission to the program. Visits consist of meals with current graduate students and faculty, group meetings to learn about program requirements and benefits, and one-on-one meetings with those faculty members and students you are most likely to work with.

Financial Aid                         Plan Your Ph.D.                          Apply Now

Graduate Program

Pushing the Scholarly Frontier

PhD in Political Science

Our doctoral students are advancing political science as a discipline. They explore the empirical phenomena that produce new scholarly insights—insights that improve the way governments and societies function. As a result, MIT Political Science graduates are sought after for top teaching and research positions in the U.S. and abroad. Read where program alumni are working around the world.

How the PhD program works

The MIT PhD in Political Science requires preparation in two of these major fields:

• American Politics
• Comparative Politics
• International Relations
• Models and Methods
• Political Economy
• Security Studies

We recommend that you take a broad array of courses across your two major fields. In some cases, a single course may overlap across the subject matter of both fields. You may not use more than one such course to "double count" for the course distribution requirement. Keep in mind that specific fields may have additional requirements.

You are free to take subjects in other departments across the Institute. Cross-registration arrangements also permit enrollment in subjects taught in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University and in some of Harvard's other graduate schools.

Requirements

1. number of subjects.

You will need two full academic years of work to prepare for the general examinations and to meet other pre-dissertation requirements. Typically, a minimum of eight graduate subjects are required for a PhD.

2. Scope and Methods

This required one-semester seminar for first-year students introduces principles of empirical and theoretical analysis in political science.

3. Statistics

You must successfully complete at least one class in statistics.

You must successfully complete at least one class in empirical research methods.

5. Philosophy

You must successfully complete at least one class in political philosophy.

6. Foreign language or advanced statistics

You must demonstrate reading proficiency in one language other than English by successfully completing two semesters of intermediate-level coursework or an exam in that language, or you must demonstrate your knowledge of advanced statistics by successfully completing three semesters of coursework in advanced statistics. International students whose native language is not English are not subject to the language requirement.

7. Field research

We encourage you to conduct field research and to develop close working ties with faculty members engaged in major research activities.

8. Second Year Paper/workshop

You must complete an article-length research paper and related workshop in the spring semester of the second year. The second-year paper often develops into a dissertation project.

9. Two examinations

In each of your two elected fields, you must take a general written and oral examination. To prepare for these examinations, you should take at least three courses in each of the two fields, including the field seminar.

10. Doctoral thesis

As a rule, the doctoral thesis requires at least one year of original research and data collection. Writing the dissertation usually takes a substantially longer time. The thesis process includes a first and second colloquium and an oral defense. Be sure to consult the MIT Specifications for Thesis Preparation as well as the MIT Political Science Thesis Guidelines . Consult the MIT academic calendar to learn the due date for final submission of your defended, signed thesis.

Questions? Consult the MIT Political Science Departmental Handbook or a member of the staff in the MIT Political Science Graduate Office .

90 Best Graduate Schools That Don’t Require GRE Scores [2024-2025]

A growing number of graduate schools don’t require GRE scores for admission as mounting evidence shows the exam’s inability to predict grad school success.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Don’t waste time studying for the GRE. A number of universities offer masters degree without GRE programs, while others often waive GRE requirements if you have a good undergraduate GPA.

List of 90 Grad Schools that Don’t Require GRE Scores

Here is a list of 90 schools that don’t require GRE scores for admission:

American Public University

American university, anna maria college, antioch university, arizona state university, arkansas state university, ball state university, baylor university, belhaven university, benedictine university, boston university, brenau university, briar cliff university, california state university – dominguez hills, california state university – northridge, capella university, claremont lincoln university, colorado state university, colorado technical university, concordia university – montreal, drexel university, emory university, emporia state university, excelsior college, fitchburg state university, florida atlantic university, fort hays state university, franklin university, frostburg state university, george washington university, georgetown university, gonzaga university, graceland university, johns hopkins university, kent state university, lamar university, liberty university, louisiana state university, minnesota state university – moorhead, minot state university, missouri state university, national university, new york tech, north carolina state university, northeastern university, northern illinois university, norwich university, nova southeastern university, new york university – school of social work, ohio university, post university, purdue university global, queens university, regis university, rochester institute of technology, rutgers university, saint mary’s university, simmons college, southeastern oklahoma state university, southern new hampshire university, st. bonaventure university, texas a&m university, texas tech university, thomas edison state university, trident university, troy state university, university of arizona, university of arkansas, university of cincinnati, university of florida, university of illinois – urbana-champaign, university of iowa, university of kansas, university of nebraska, university of new england, university of north carolina – wilmington, university of north georgia, university of saint mary, university of san diego, university of scranton, university of southern california, university of vermont, university of wisconsin, utica college, webster university, west texas a&m university, western carolina university, western governors university, wilmington university.

Many well-known graduate schools do not consider the GRE to be a reliable predictor of success.

Online Master’s Programs without GRE Requirements

A growing number of grad schools now offer online programs without GRE requirements. Accelerated 8-week online classes available. GRE is NOT required.

• Business (MBA Programs)
• Communications
• Computer Science & Technology
• Counseling & Therapy
• Criminal Justice
• Healthcare Administration
• Human Resources
• Human Services
• Information Technology
• Liberal Arts & Fine Arts
• Political Science & International Relations
• Public Administration & Policy
• Public Health
• Social Work
• Sports Management
• Theology & Divinity

In addition to no GRE masters programs, a number of doctorate programs don’t require the GRE or offer GRE waivers.

Master’s in Accounting (MA, MS, or MBA)

A master’s in accounting will enable you to understand and develop the practical skills necessary to use some of the latest financial tools. Often, these financial tools are essential for the growth of any organization.

You will also get an in-depth knowledge of international accounting reports and business stats.

Business Graduate Programs

Master’s in Business Administration (MBA)

A master’s degree in business administration will allow you to work on a managerial level that involves careers as managers and consultants in the private sector, research institutes, and government planning sector.

This degree program offers students a chance to analyze, manage, and research study areas such as finance, administration, and marketing. MBA’s are one of the most popular masters programs that don’t require GRE scores for admission.

Master’s in Finance (MA or MS)

A master’s in finance will allow you to learn how to use financial analysis models and techniques. At the end of the study period, students will be able to solve critical investment problems.

The aim of the course is to enable students to add value to organizations by creating financial strategies within a complex business environment.

Master’s in Marketing (MA, MS, or MBA)

A master’s in marketing allows students to study marketing techniques that can provide them a competitive advantage over their rivals. By identifying potential markets and segments, you will understand consumer purchasing processes.

The degree program also studies methods that provide an overview of consumer buying patterns in different markets.

Master’s in Organizational Leadership (MA, MS, or MBA)

A master’s degree in organizational leadership focuses on leadership qualities to manage the “human aspect” of corporations. As a student, you are likely to gain detailed knowledge of various disciplines such as humanities and social sciences.

After graduating, you can help your organization get maximum productivity from its workforce.

Master’s in Management (MA, MS, or MBA)

This degree program allows students to gain a solid knowledge of changes that are shaping our corporate environment. You will get in-depth knowledge regarding the objectives of a modern organization that wants to add value to society.

Entrepreneurship, IT, and creativity are some of the core topics of this degree program.

Master’s in Human Resource Management (MA, MS, or MBA)

A master’s in human resources focuses on the basic concepts linked to the supervision and management of people in the 21st century. You will learn how to deal with corporate employees in a fast paced environment of a large company.

The degree program also allows students to study different tools that are useful in managing workers, efficiently.

Computer Science & Technology Grad Programs

Master’s in Computer Science (MS)

Getting a master’s in computer science allows you to analyze and design new computer systems. You can also study advanced design techniques associated with artificial intelligence and robotics.

Different types of degree programs in the field also offer extensive industry-experience enabling students to write complex applications related to computers, the Internet, and gaming.

Master’s in Information Technology (MA, MS, or MBA)

A Master’s in IT allows you to gain a broad knowledge of all ICT areas related to information technology. You will get insight into constantly evolving technology that is the basis of current research and innovation.

While studying, graduates conceive, plan, and manage the development of complex computer applications. You will also study IT systems from the business and institutional context related to the latest gadgets in the market.

Master’s in Cybersecurity or Information Assurance (MS)

A master’s in cybersecurity or information assurance covers legal and ethical aspects of security in the computing world.

As you study detailed topics, you will notice that most topics are tailored around security in computers.

Accordingly, students learn about various forensic issues that cover sources of a data hack. During the study, you will also uncover aspects of communication systems that are prone to cyber-attacks.

Counseling & Therapy Graduate Programs

Master’s in Counseling (MA or MS)

A master’s in counseling is mainly focused on pursuing a license in the fields of mental health counseling and school counseling. Enrolling in this program will enable you to learn modern techniques of individual and group counseling sessions.

During the course of study, graduate students interact with psychologically disturbed individuals who require effective communication to solve their social issues.

Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy (MA or MS)

The master’s degree in marriage and family counseling is designed to prepare highly qualified, entry-level therapists with specialized knowledge in the treatment of couples and families. You are trained to recognize individuals, couples and families from the perspective of our social system.

Students build strong conceptual, assessment, treatment planning, and intervention skills based on the main models of couple and family therapy.

Criminal Justice Grad Programs

Master’s in Criminal Justice (MA or MS)

A master’s in criminal justice degree program offers students a chance to learn about prevailing criminal laws. You will learn about criminal phenomena of our time such as corruption, organized crime, corporate crime, and new technologies.

Upon graduation, students are well prepared for careers in a range of fields that includes a job as FBI agent, Air Marshall, Corrections Officer, and Parole Officer.

Education Graduate Programs

Master’s in Education (M.Ed)

Master’s in education students get a broad overview of the educational challenges facing the modern world. You will develop and design educational projects that are vital to a progressive society.

Graduates also learn pedagogical and psychological foundations that make up the educational process.

Master’s in Teaching (MAT)

A master’s in teaching will assist you in creating proposals that support the use of modern technologies. The course promotes learning in the classroom.

Unlike a master’s in education, which provides a broader view of the educational environment, this degree is based on techniques used inside a school environment.

Healthcare Administration Grad Programs

Master’s in Healthcare Administration

A Master’s in healthcare administration will allow you to study subjects necessary for the development of leaders in the field of healthcare management.

While studying, you will have a chance to learn different aspects of management related to hospitals, healthcare organizations, and public health infrastructure.

Human Services Graduate Programs

Master’s in Human Services (MA)

A master’s in human services will teach you how you can plan and manage services such as discounted healthcare programs, psychological counseling projects, drug rehabilitation services, and child services.

Mostly, courses are related to administering a wide range of public incentives and community-outreach initiatives.

Liberal Arts & Fine Arts Graduate Programs

Master’s in Fine Arts (MFA)

The Master of Fine Arts degree program will allow you to focus on such diverse fields as visual arts, video, film, dance, theater, performing arts, and literary creation, among others.

Graduate students mostly specialize in engraving, photography, conceptual art, textile art, illustration, comics, and calligraphy.

Masters in Communication (MA)

A master’s degree program in communication prepare students for a wide range of careers ranging from local news agencies to handling international projects in international companies and government organizations.

Your specialization options usually include organizational communication and marketing communication. Also, remember that this program is designed for entry to mid-level managers working in the corporate sector.

Nursing Graduate Programs

Master’s in Nursing (MSN) and MSN / Nurse Practitioner

A Master of Nursing degree program aims to train professionals to handle a variety of medical issues. As a student, you will develop useful skills required in the hospital environment. Students also learn cutting-edge technology that is assisting future nurses to provide specialized care in an ethical manner to their patients.

The main objective of a Master of Nursing Practice is to provide expert training to students helping them acquire first-hand knowledge of clinical skills. By the end of the Master’s degree, you will acquire the necessary expertise required to work and manage patients using traditional and scientific techniques.

Political Science & International Relations Graduate Programs

Master’s in Political Science (MS)

A master’s degree in political science covers topics related to the structure and function of governments, and how they influence people and societies. You will also evaluate the political, social and economic aspects of policies.

Different lines of investigation include government policies, institutional behavior, political culture, civil society, and intentional geopolitical security.

Master’s in International Relations (MA)

A master’s degree in international relations combines Political Science to define modern aspects related to globalization, terrorism, ecological sustainability, and international financial issues.

Your curriculum will focus on complex relationships between nations and states. Students also study the relationship from historical, economic, political, legal and sociocultural perspectives to understand the impact of these diverse elements on a global scale.

Psychology Graduate Programs

The two primary psychology graduate programs that don’t require the GRE are the master’s in psychology and master’s in forensic psychology.

Master’s in Psychology (MA or MS)

The master’s in psychology is usually aimed at professionals in social science, health science, and education science. After graduating, you are able to demonstrate a solid background in various types of research methods used in psychology.

During your studies, you will also develop solid skills needed to execute projects related to psychology, and create group intervention programs.

Master’s in Forensic Psychology (MA or MS)

The master’s in forensic psychology provides fundamental skills for the practice of the profession of a forensic psychologist in an expert role. As an expert adviser, you will learn to prepare reports for the jury in legal proceedings.

You will also acquire the tools and knowledge necessary to prepare the forensic report in different jurisdictions and learn various methods to present such reports before Courts and Tribunals.

Public Administration & Public Policy Grad Programs

Master’s in Public Policy & Administration (MA or MS)

A master’s in public policy will allow you to study how laws, rules, and regulations are created by governmental organizations. The degree program could include the study of municipalities, regional governments, national organizations, and political and non-governmental organizations.

Students also use statistical data to analyze and diagnose the social needs of the population.

Students enrolled in a master’s in public administration learn about a number of administrative and management tasks common to nonprofit agencies and government organizations.

Master’s in Public Health (MPH)

A master’s in public health will train you to address public health measures from various perspectives. Students learn different intervention methods allowing them to deal with the health problems of a specific population. You will learn techniques such as advocacy intervention, protection, and restoration of community health programs.

A number of accredited universities offer an online MPH without GRE scores .

Social Work Graduate Programs

Master of Social Work (MSW)

A Master of Social Work is usually designed to improve the quality of life of a particular individual or community. You will likely combine research, crisis intervention, community organization, and strategy to achieve community-oriented results.

After graduation, students can work directly with hospitals, NGOs, and various government institutions.

Sports Management & Exercise Science Graduate Programs

Master’s in Sports Management (MS)

A master’s in sports management will allow you to apply tools for success in the sports industry. Topics of study include psychology, management, marketing, policymaking, and communications.

After graduating, you can find a large number of opportunities in management and training positions within sports organizations.

Master’s in Exercise Science (MS)

The master’s in exercise science degree is designed for professionals who already have a college degree in exercise science, kinesiology, physical education or a related subject. Through this program, you will gain strategic and critical thinking skills needed to understand body dynamics.

Knowledge about diet and nutrition that you gain from this program is immediately transferable to the current job market.

Theology & Divinity Graduate Programs

Master’s in Divinity (M.Div)

The Master of Divinity is mainly designed for students who wish to serve the people of God through the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ in the local church. As a student, you gain comprehensive skills to recognize and understand the different views of our world and to know how the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ impacts each person in their individual context.

Master’s in Theology & Religion

As a master’s in theology student, you will learn the nature of divinity by reviewing a variety of religious and philosophical beliefs. It is often, but not always, studied to enhance existing knowledge in a specific religion. Your program will cover comparative religion, philosophy, and spiritual writing as well as the effects of religion on history, economics, and politics.

What types of graduate school waivers for the GRE are available?

It depends on the university, but the most common graduate programs that don’t require the GRE (or offer a GRE waiver) look at the following criteria for admissions consideration.

1. Previously Earned Graduate Degree

If you have already earned a graduate degree in a related field, some universities will often waive GRE requirements based on previous experience. Doctor of Nursing Practice is an example of such a degree.

2. Work Experience

Many reputable universities without GRE requirements may substitute the exam for work experience. This is particularly true for research-intensive programs where experience is more necessary than previous academic qualifications.

Admission directors of various programs, such as healthcare, public policy, medical science, and business administration, encourage applications from experienced students because these students can positively apply theory to practice.

A number of these schools also have PhD programs that don’t require GRE scores.

3. Undergraduate GPA Range

You will be happy to know that a number of graduate schools do not require GRE from students if their GPA falls in a particular range. It means that you can increase your chances of GRE exemption with a better GPA. The average undergraduate GPA range for most grad programs is between 2.8 and 3.0.

GMAT vs. GRE

Some programs, particularly degree programs related to business, allow students to provide GMAT scores instead of GRE. If you have already taken GMAT, talk to the admission counselor to waive GRE requirements.

No GRE Policy

Many graduate programs don’t require the GRE from their applicants. This policy is usually followed by graduate schools that put greater emphasis on your research work and past experience. In fact, you can always find a school that has a “no GRE” policy.

Should I Send GRE Scores to Grad Schools if they are optional?

If you’re looking at schools that do not require the GRE, you can still send your scores if they are good enough to be noticed. Even if GRE is optional, there are a lot of schools that encourage students to send GRE. On the other hand, it’s a bad idea to include low GRE scores, particularly when the school doesn’t ask you to send one.

Are Grad Schools that Don’t Require GRE Scores Reputable?

If your school doesn’t require GRE, it doesn’t mean that its reputation is at stake. In reality, “no GRE” is just a part of their admission policy. If you want to verify the accreditation of a grad school with no GRE requirement, you can visit the U.S. Department of Education accreditation page.

Same level of academic quality and excellence

You may not know that all graduate schools are accredited by the same educational body. It means that higher educational institutes in the United States have to follow and submit to quality guidelines that are also similar to other institutes.

GRE scores do not determine future academic success

An increasing number of graduate schools are putting less focus on GRE because recent research indicates that GRE scores do not correlate with future success. A recent publication in Science Magazine provides significant evidence related to the phenomenon. Therefore, you should not worry about taking GRE.

GRE scores are often misused by admissions committees

Research evidence also suggests that GRE scores are often misinterpreted by the admission committee of schools that rely too heavily on these scores. It is yet another reason why many schools don’t require the GRE.

Which entry exams may be required by graduate schools in the U.S.?

GRE: It is the most common admission test for graduate schools in the United States. You will take exams in basic algebra, arithmetic, geometry, and data analysis. Written material and problems solving skills are also used to compare candidates.

GMAT: The GMAT exam is the most preferred admission test for admission into business schools. You will be assessed in analytical writing assessment, integrated reasoning, quantitative, and verbal sections.

Miller Analogies Test: The test is required for admission to specific degree programs. It is a high analytics test comprising of 120 questions in the form of an analogy.

TOEFL: This admission test is mandatory for international students whose native language is not English. It tests students for their ability to read, listen, write, and speak in the English language.

What is the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)?

The GRE will test you in three content areas, which include the analytical writing section, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. The score ranges from 130 and 170, where the top 10% of all test takers score an average of 164.

GRE vs. GMAT: What’s the difference?

There are three key differences between the two tests. While GMAT is preferred by business schools, GRE is the choice for admission into most other U.S. grad programs.

Experts also believe that quantitative sections on GMAT are more difficult than GRE. In contrast, GRE can be difficult for non-native speakers as its verbal section contains more obscure words compared to GMAT.

Did you know that GRE candidates are allowed to return to their questions? In contrast, the GMAT format doesn’t allow candidates to go back to previous sections. This difference in format can increase your test anxiety when taking GMAT.

Are there grad schools that don’t require GRE scores?

There are plenty of grad programs administered by reputable schools that don’t require the GRE. Your GRE scores can also be waived depending on experience, GPA, and GMAT scores .

Can you apply to grad school without GRE scores?

Yes, you can apply to graduate schools without a GRE score depending on the admission policy of each school. There are quite a few online masters programs that don’t require the GRE (and neither do the doctoral programs at those schools).

Should I apply to a graduate school without GRE requirements?

You should not hesitate to apply to graduate schools without a formal GRE requirement. A number of reputable schools in the United States do not regard GRE as a prominent factor in their admission policy. For example, there are quite a few schools with online EdD programs no GRE scores required, or a waiver may be offered.

In addition, you can also find a number of colleges that have no dissertation for doctoral programs.

Is the GRE required for adult online students?

Most accredited online programs offer similar quality of education compared to class-based programs. Accordingly, a number of online programs do not require the GRE test, while others may provide test waivers, if applicable.

Is the GRE Test Required for Graduate School?

No, the GRE exam is not required by all graduate schools. In the United States, there are over 90 reputable universities that do not require the GRE exam as a part of their admission process.

GRE requirements vary from school to school. Here’s a list of the universities that do not require GRE scores for admission.

Can you get a GRE waiver?

It doesn’t hurt to ask the graduate school for the GRE test waiver. Many schools will waive the admission test if you have many years of relevant experience. A good GPA may also qualify you for the test waiver. Similarly, if you have already taken GMAT, GRE may not be required.

Does applying to a no GRE graduate program save time?

Yes, it is more practical to apply to a no GRE graduate program if you’re short of time. Remember, GRE takes several months to prepare properly. The preparation means that you can delay your application to graduate school by 6 months to one year. If time to completion is a major consideration, check out our article on Accelerated PhD Programs .

Hopefully, this information will be able to bust the myth that every reputable graduate school requires GRE. If you don’t have the time to take the test, don’t wait for another semester to get admission. Instead, start looking for a program that encourages your skills and experience rather than your test-taking abilities.

Department of Political Science

Graduate Program

Yale’s Ph.D. program has a strong historical record of producing leading scholars in the field of Political Science. (Please note: The department does not offer a stand-alone MA in Political Science. Information about the Jackson Institute MPP in Global Affairs .) Many Yale graduates have also had successful careers in government, politics, non-profit organizations, and the private sector. This historical strength is matched by a strong faculty deeply engaged in training current graduate students to succeed in contemporary Political Science.

One of the Department’s strengths is substantive and methodological pluralism—there is no single “Yale way,” and our students and faculty are motivated by a range of questions in and across the subfields of Political Science. At the same time as we acknowledge this diversity of interests, the Department’s curriculum is designed to ensure students have adequate opportunities to master the core tools of contemporary social science research, including a four-course sequence in quantitative methodology and research design (statistics), a two course sequence in formal theory, courses on experimental design, implementation, and analysis, and a training program in qualitative and archival methodology.

The Department also offers training in five substantive subfields: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Economy, and Political Theory. In each of these subfields, faculty regularly teach courses that expose students to both the foundational work in these areas and current active research topics. In many subfields, this training takes the form of formal or informal “sequences,” for example Comparative Politics I and II are taught each year. These classes are supplemented by topical seminars on selected and advanced topics.

In addition to regular courses, the Department and affiliated institutions (in particular, the MacMillan Center and the Institution for Social and Policy Studies) host a variety of (near-)weekly workshops in which outside speakers and Yale affiliates present and discuss work. These workshops provide a unique opportunity for students to observe the work of leading scholars, as well as to develop their own research in conjunction with faculty and student review. Information about these workshops is available here.

Students will also take two courses as a cohort. The first, Introduction to Politics, is for all Ph.D. students in their first semester. The second, Research and Writing, spans the second year and is centered on students producing a publishable quality research paper prior to embarking on the dissertation. Students in Research and Writing present their final paper in the Department’s mini-APSA conference in April.

About eighteen students enter the Ph.D. program each year. The total number of students in residence at any one time, including students working on their dissertations, is approximately 100, of whom about 40 are taking courses.

The Director of Graduate Studies for the Political Science Department is Hélène Landemore . Professor Landemore’s DGS office is located in Room 234  in Rosenkranz Hall, 115 Prospect Street. To contact Professor Landemore or sign up for DGS office hours, email her at dgs.polisci@yale.edu .

The Graduate program registrar is Colleen Amaro.  Her office is located in Room 230 in Rosenkranz Hall, 115 Prospect Street. She can be contacted by email at colleen.amaro@yale.edu .

Graduate Program

Phd requirements.

The Political Science department at UC Berkeley admits students only for the Ph.D. degree. The Ph.D. program has two major phases: coursework and examinations, and dissertation research and writing. The two phases typically take approximately five or six years (three years to candidacy and two or three for dissertation research and writing).

The coursework and examination phase requires 40 units (typically 10 classes) of graduate-level coursework and competence in three of nine  Subfields . Subfield competence is demonstrated through written exams offered each semester. The Field Exams are typically taken in the student's second and third years of the program. All students must pass one exam in a major subfield (Comparative, American, International Relations, or History of Political Theory). Competency in a second and third subfield may be demonstrated by taking a prescribed series of courses in that field with a combined GPA of 3.5.

The particular sequence of courses that a student takes in preparation for the comprehensive exams is not prescribed. Rather, the faculty assist students with selection of courses that best meet their intellectual and academic interests. There are no formal foreign language or statistics requirements although many students will find that their program of study and dissertation research will require the engagement of particular foreign language or methodology coursework.

When the coursework and examination requirements have been met, the student prepares a prospectus for dissertation research. The student convenes a committee known as the Qualifying Exam (QE) committee. The Qualifying Exam committee advises on the prospectus and examines the student on specific research plans. Berkeley is highly committed to interdisciplinary scholarly engagement and this is codified in the requirement that both the Qualifying Exam committee and the dissertation committee include a faculty member from another department at Berkeley. Engagement with members of the faculty from other departments should commence during the coursework stage so that the advisement and input of the "outside member" is represented in the prospectus.

When sufficient preparation for the proposed research has been demonstrated to the Qualifying Exam committee, the student is advanced to doctoral candidacy. It is expected (and for most funding packages, required) that students advance to doctoral candidacy by the end of their third year.

Doctoral candidacy initiates the second phase of the program during which the student normally devotes full attention to the research and writing of the dissertation. The student's dissertation committee is typically comprised of the members of the Qualifying Exam committee although there are sometimes changes in committee membership as the research evolves. The doctorate is awarded when the student submits a satisfactory dissertation to the dissertation committee. A reasonable estimate of the research and writing phase of the program is approximately two to three years although students whose dissertations require more extensive research may take longer to earn their degree.

• Second year
• Sixth year and beyond

The second year is used to further narrow down one's interests and to continue exploring ideas and potential advisors for a dissertation topic. Coursework continues as students prepare for the M.A./Second Year Paper and Field Exam.

Students who plan to continue in the Ph.D. program are expected to engage in advanced topical research leading to a research paper to be completed by the end of the second year, together with any additional coursework appropriate to their topical focus. Three faculty members (one of whom is selected by the student and serves as principal advisor for the paper) will review this paper. This paper, which continuing students will submit at the end of their second year, also serves as the M.A. project.

Completion of a yearlong graduate seminar (Research & Writing 290A and 290B) during the second year is strongly recommended.  Each student taking this course is advised by a faculty advisor external to the course (who will also serve as one reviewer of the second-year paper) as well as the two co-instructors of the seminar. The goal of the seminar is to assist students in preparing a high-quality research paper, which will serve as the M.A./Second-year paper as mentioned above.

All students are reviewed at the end of the second year of study on their continued overall academic performance. This overall evaluation will include GPA, successful completion of all required units, and successful completion of the M.A./Second-year paper. The Graduate Studies Committee will take these factors as well as the rigor of the academic program and the number of incompletes into consideration when determining whether to invite the student to continue in the PhD program.

Students in their second year also usually serve as a Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs), which are 20-hour per week positions

During the third year, most students continue to teach as GSIs and complete their coursework in addition to taking their Field Exam. Political Science graduate students must show competency in three Subfield specialties to be eligible to sit for the oral prospectus defense (known formally as the Qualifying Exam). Instead of sitting for three Field Exams, students have the option to "course out" of two field specialties by taking a prescribed set of three-four courses in the Subfield.

Students may sit for the Field Exam as early as the beginning of the second year, but if desired, students may sit for an exam in their second year or in the third year. Field Exams are offered at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters. All students are expected to have completed their Field Exam, to have “coursed out” of a two fields, and to have written and defended their dissertation prospectus (passed their Qualifying Exam) by the end of the third year. It is highly recommended (and essential to most funding packages) that students advance to Doctoral Candidacy by the end of the third year. The third year is also when students should begin to apply for extramural fellowships to support their dissertation research.

Political Science

Graduate admission.

• Graduate Program

Learn about about admission to the Doctoral program in Political Science at Brown University.

Degree and Financial Support

The department accepts applications only for full time study for the Ph.D. in Political Science. All admitted students receive five years of funding, including tuition, health insurance, and a generous stipend. Those in their sixth year and in good standing will receive similar financial support. 

Ph.D. Program Requirements

Application Materials

The admissions application deadline is December 18th each year for admission the following fall. Late applications are not accepted. 

All applicants for the Ph.D. in Political Science are required to submit GRE General Exam test scores, a writing sample, a personal statement, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. We do not rank applicants by GRE scores, and no minimum score is required to apply. We use a holistic admission process in which we review the entirety of each applicant's application, looking for evidence that the applicant is a good fit for our program. We strongly encourage you to review our website, our faculty, and their research areas before applying.

Personal Statement

We ask that prospective students provide us with a personal statement of 1000-1500 words which includes the following: reasons for deciding to do graduate work in the major field you have chosen (i.e., American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, or Political Theory); a statement concerning your past work (study and research) in your chosen field; your plans for study at Brown including issues and problems you want to address; and the faculty member(s) with whom you are interested in working. 

Writing Sample

We also ask that prospective students provide us with a sample of written work, in English. This is usually a thesis chapter and/or a longer essay. We strongly recommend that students select one piece of work that best represents their writing style. Your sample should be no more than 30 pages. It is strongly encouraged (but not obligatory) to choose work roughly in the subject area in which you plan to do research.

TOEFL/IELTS

Additionally, the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Test System)   is required of all applicants whose native language is not English. For specific details, please see consult the  Graduate School website .

The Department of Political Science

• PhD Requirements
• Graduate Courses
• PhDs on the Job Market
• Alumni Job Placement
• Honors & Fellowships

The Department of Political Science admits approximately 7-9 new graduate students each year, selected from approximately 200 applications.

The deadline for application for admission to graduate study and the award of financial assistance is December 15 (most years). Decisions are made in late February or early March and announced by March 15.

A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) is required for application. Inclusion of a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score is optional. Each applicant must have three letters of recommendation. Students whose native language is not English must take the TOEFL examinations or provide other evidence of fluency in English (such as a degree from an institution in which the language of instruction is English). A broad background in the liberal arts and sciences is preferred.

More information on applying can be found on the Krieger Graduate Admissions and Enrollment site .

All applications should be submitted online.

We recognize that it can be financially burdensome to relocate to a new city to attend a Ph.D. program. Students who are accepted to Ph.D. programs at JHU can apply to receive a $1,500 need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to JHU. These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their Ph.D. program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need.

Financial Support

The department ordinarily provides financial aid to all students admitted to the graduate program unless they hold fellowships from sources outside the university. Departmental fellowships cover full tuition and an annual stipend. Assuming satisfactory progress toward the PhD, students can normally expect to receive funding for five years. All students receiving financial aid are expected to serve as teaching assistants for one semester of each academic year beginning their second year at the university.

Graduate School

Political science (ph.d.), political science (ph.d.) | graduate.

The study of political science at Howard transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries found at most other institutions. We train students in the empirical analysis of political processes, systems, and behavior, and center the study of African American and Black Diaspora politics from the study of global liberation movements to an examination of Black political sphere.

The Ph.D. in Political Science at Howard’s Graduate School prepares students for careers in academia, public affairs, policy, law, and foreign affairs as well as for senior-level research and consulting positions. You will benefit from Howard's premier location at the nexus of American politics and policymaking in Washington, D.C., and have access to a network of top-ranked and nationally recognized research institutions, consulting firms, think tanks, and government agencies. As a doctoral student in the Political Science program, you may choose from four distinct fields of specialization: American politics, Black politics, comparative politics, and international relations. You will have the opportunity to shape your course of study in two major subfields and one minor subfield and pursue significant original research tailored to your individualized program of study. The Department of Political Science aims to retain and expand its position as a major source of political scientists concerned with issues impacting the lives of people of African descent. Our graduate students benefit from the close mentorship of graduate faculty notable for its political commentary across major media outlets and for its wide-ranging research, including empirically grounded comparative analysis of state and non-state political phenomena; the study of electoral politics within Black communities; and the examination of political change, nationalist ideology, and global liberation movements.

Program Snapshot

      ❱  72 credit hours        ❱  Full-time       ❱  On-campus format       ❱  Degree: Ph.D.

Application Deadlines

Spring 2024 entry:         ❱  No spring entry

Fall 2024 entry:         ❱  Dec. 1, 2023  (early deadline)       ❱  Feb. 15, 2024  (priority deadline)       ❱  Apr. 15, 2024  (final deadline)

Applicants should submit their applications as early as possible for earlier consideration of departmental funding opportunities. Applicants have until the final deadline to apply. However, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the admissions cycle. 

Transfer credits accepted (reviewed by committee)

Dr. Robinson Woodward-Burns

Dr. daryl harris, shamaria bell, program details.

• Degree Classification: Graduate
• Related Degrees: Ph.D.

Admission Requirements

Application for admission.

• Online GradCAS application
• Statement of purpose/ Statement of academic interest ( 500-1,000 words )
• GRE scores not required 
• Official transcripts sent to GradCAS
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or the international equivalent
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Autobiographical statement ( 500-750 words )
• Critical writing sample of academic research on a political or public policy topic

GRE Required?

Gre preferred minimums.

• GRE Verbal Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Quantitative Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Analytical Writing: N/A

GPA Required Minimums

• Overall GPA minimum: 3.5
• Undergrad GPA minimum: 3.5

Reference Requirements

Evaluator type accepted:

• Professor (Required)
• Supervisor/Manager
• Other 

Evaluator type not accepted:

• Family Member

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Social sciences menu, social sciences.

Graduate Admissions

The Department of Political Science admits five to ten PhD students each year, with approximately 40 students in the program at any one time.

How to Apply

Admissions for Fall 2024 is now closed. The application for Fall 2025 will open in September 2024 and be due on January 10, 2025.

Required Application Materials

• UO online Graduate Application . The application fee is $70 ($90 international) and is payable by credit card or check. In some circumstances the fee can be waived .
• Unofficial transcripts (all applicants). Upload unofficial transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended as part of the online application. Unofficial transcripts should show all coursework taken to date and, if applicable, the title of the degree earned and the date the degree was conferred.
• Official transcripts (admitted applicants who accept offer). If you accept an admissions offer and matriculate, you must submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities where you received a bachelor’s degree or higher. Detailed information about submitting official transcripts is available here .
• Statement of purpose. In 2-3 pages, outline your interest in political science and your career plans, and the academic or non-academic experiences that most significantly contribute to the development of these interests and plans.
• Writing sample. A short writing sample (a thesis chapter, a published article, a course research paper, or some other academic writing, etc.) that shows your research ability and writing skills.
• At least three letters of recommendation from former professors who are in a position to evaluate your potential for successful completion of the degree. It is preferable if recommenders are instructors from whom courses have been taken, however, non-instructor recommendations will be considered.
• English language proficiency. All applicants for whom English is not a native/primary language must satisfy one of the following English Language Proficiency criteria in order to be eligible for admission.

Optional Application Material for Fall 2024 Admission

• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test scores sent from the testing center. The UO’s institution code is 4846; Political Science Department code is 1902.
• CV, resume, or other supporting materials

For questions about the graduate admissions process, contact the graduate coordinator .

Doctoral Program Frequently Asked Questions

Can I earn a Master's in Political Science at the University of Oregon?

The program does not offer a terminal master's degree, but PhD students typically earn the master's in political Science at the end of their second year of the doctoral program.

Do I need a master's degree to apply for the PhD program?

Applicants are  not  required to hold a master's degree in order to apply to the doctoral program.

Am I eligible to apply if I did not complete an undergraduate degree in political science?

The committee takes into consideration previous academic work in political science, but an undergraduate major in political science is not a prerequisite for admission.

What does the admissions committee look for in a successful application?

The department is committed to a holistic review of applicants’ readiness for graduate study. We examine a number of measures, including past academic performance, writing skills, relevant experience, understanding of social scientific methodologies, and capacity to conceptualize research questions.

When does the application open? When is the application deadline?

We accept applications from September 16 to January 10. Admission is for fall term start only.

What is the GPA of successful applicants?

Successful applicants usually have a GPA of 3.0 or higher for all undergraduate and graduate academic work.

Is the GRE required? 

No, GRE scores are optional for Fall 2024 admission.

What are the typical GRE scores of successful applicants? 

Successful applicants usually have a combined verbal and quantitative score of 300 or above.

Are there additional admissions requirements for nonnative English speakers?

Nonnative English speakers must satisfy the English language proficiency requirement requirement . For the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS), use UO code 4846 when routing your test score.

Are there additional requirements for international applicants?

International applicants must provide their source(s) of funding and financial documentation to verify they have the capability to pay for the first year of study at the UO by completing the Financial Certification & Immigration Information Form. Find financial information, required documentation, and submission instructions on the  Office of International Student and Scholar Services  website.

Apply to our Graduate Program

Ready to apply? Start your application on Slate, the centralized application portal for graduate admissions at the University of Oregon.

FAQ for Prospective Ph.D. Students

What is your department's philosophy, what graduate degrees does the department of political science offer, how long is your program, what are the requirements for the ph.d. degree, how is your placement record, where can i get more information on life at stanford, housing, financial aid or being an international student, can i complete the program via distance learning, online or on a part time basis.

• Can you tell me more about the JD/PhD program? How do I apply for it? How long does it take? How much does it cost? 

Can you provide any advice on applying for graduate school, how to prepare myself for graduate school or how to prepare and strengthen my application?

Financial support, what is the annual cost of attending your program, what type of financial support do you offer, do you offer support for the summer months, is there support available for field work, how do i apply to the knight-hennessy scholars program, what are your research areas.

• How can I find out if any of your faculty members does research in my area of interest?

Preparing for Admission

Am i required to secure an advisor before applying to your graduate program.

• Is Political Science a required major to apply to your graduate programs?
• Is a master's degree required for admissions?

Are applicants expected to have taken advanced coursework in mathematics and statistics?

If admitted, can i obtain credit for previous work.

• Can you provide some guidelines for preparation? How are applications evaluated? 

What are the admissions committee's expectations of prospective students?

Do you have a minimum gre score or gpa requirement, if admitted, may i defer my offer until a later year, application procedures, how do i apply, what is the application deadline, are applications reviewed and admissions decisions made on a rolling basis, how can i check the status of my application can you tell me if you received my application/transcripts/test scores/letters of recommendation, when will admission decisions be announced, when will the application for the 2024-25 academic year be available, can i apply for winter, spring, or summer quarter admission, what are the application requirements, do i need to submit a separate application for departmental fellowships or assistantships, what is a statement of purpose, can i submit a cv as part of my application, can i apply for an application fee waiver, can i update my application materials (cv, writing sample, statement of purpose or unofficial transcripts) after i submit my application.

• Does the 20-35 page writing sample page limit include the bibliography?

I am having technical problems with my online application. What do I do?

Gre and toefl, are gre scores required for the political science phd program, do i have to submit gre scores if i already have a master's degree, i sent my official gre or toefl scores but it still says they haven’t been received on my application status page. should i resend them.

• Will my application be reviewed if my official GRE/TOEFL scores arrive after the deadline?
• I asked ETS to send my GRE scores in a previous year. Do I need to resubmit my GRE scores?

My GRE/TOEFL scores are not recent. Will you accept them?

Can i list multiple sets of gre/toefl scores on my application , letters of recommendation, some of my letters of recommendation might arrive after the deadline. is this okay.

• One of my letter writers is having technical issues submitting their letters of recommendation. Who should they contact?

Will you accept letters of recommendation mailed from Interfolio or my university's career center or letter service? Can my letter writers submit letters via email, mail, or fax?

I'd like to make changes to my letters of recommendation writers after i submitted my application or sent the letter of recommendation request. how can i do that, may i submit more than three letters of recommendation, and will they all be included in the review process, can you provide guidance on who i should ask for a letter of recommendation, do my recommenders need to wait for me to submit my application in order to submit their letters, do i need to wait for my recommenders to submit their letters in order to submit my application, transcripts.

• Do I need to send official transcripts at the time of application? 

Does Stanford want an updated transcript with my fall quarter/semester grades?

Do i need to list schools i attended for less than one year or on a part-time basis, i just started a graduate program and will not have any grades at the time i apply to stanford. do i need to upload a transcript, my transcripts are not in english. will you accept them, my school’s grading system does not use a 4-point scale. how do i enter my grade point average in the online application, international students, are there any special application requirements for international applicants, does my foreign degree qualify me for graduate study at stanford.

• Do I need to submit TOEFL scores?
• Am I exempt from submitting TOEFL scores?

Can I request a TOEFL waiver? 

My toefl scores are not recent. will you accept them , may i submit ielts scores instead of toefl scores, my school's grading system does not use a 1-4 scale. how do i enter my grade point average in the online application, as an international student, am i eligible for funding, i went to school outside of the united states. do i have to use certifile/chesicc/the collegenet document service to submit my official transcripts, can i contact the admissions committee to inquire about my preparation in advance of my application, should i contact stanford faculty to discuss my interest in the program, will i have a chance to talk to someone before i decide to accept an offer of admission, master's degree for doctoral students, can i get a master’s degree from the department of political science.

The Department of Political Science does not embrace any particular philosophy or approach to the study of political science. We offer courses and research opportunities in a wide variety of fields in the discipline (see  Research Areas  below). Our principal goal is the training of scholars. The small size of our student body allows more individual work with members of the faculty than most graduate programs. It also makes possible financial assistance in one form or another to most students admitted to the Ph.D. program.

Our graduate program is built around small seminars that analyze critically the literature of a field or focus on a research problem. These courses prepare students for the Ph.D. comprehensive exam requirement within a two-year period and for work on the doctoral dissertation.

We offer a PhD in Political Science. The Department does not offer a master’s degree for external applicants. Only students currently enrolled in a PhD or professional school program at Stanford University may apply for a Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science.

The Ph.D. program is designed to be completed in five years of full-time study. Actual time depends on students' progress, research and travel requirements, and fields of study. The minimum residence requirement for the Ph.D. degree is 135 units of completed coursework, which takes approximately four years.  The fifth year is typically spent writing the dissertation.

Requirements vary depending on which fields a student elects to study. The minimum residence requirement for the Ph.D. degree is 135 units of completed coursework, which takes approximately four years.  The fifth year is typically spent writing the dissertation. All students must complete five units of graduate instruction in Political Theory unless previously taken as an undergraduate, and take a two-quarter sequence in quantitative methods. A language might also be required if the student and advisor think it appropriate for dissertation research. Beginning in their second year, students serve as teaching assistants in undergraduate courses for a minimum of three quarters, but most will serve as many as five quarters.

Students are required to satisfy the Ph.D. comprehensive examination requirements in one field as well as take coursework and fulfill any additional requirements in a second and third field and write at least one research paper. Upon completion of these three requirements, the student is eligible to be recommended for Ph.D. candidacy. It is expected that students will attain candidacy by the end of the second year. In their third year, students are asked to submit a formal dissertation proposal for approval. Doctoral candidates form a Dissertation Reading Committee in the fourth year and take the University Oral Examination after they have made substantial progress on their dissertations. Students must finish all requirements and file a thesis to receive their Ph.D. degree.

See the  requirements page  for more details.

Most students who receive doctorates in the program do research and teach at colleges or universities. In recent years, they have obtained positions in political science departments at such institutions as the University of California at Berkeley, UCLA, Harvard, NYU, M.I.T., Princeton, Yale, Southern California, Virginia, and Wellesley. Others have positions in research organizations like RAND, and still others have positions in university administration and government. Click to see the  list of recent placements .

Visit the  Graduate Student Gateway .

No. The Ph.D. program requires students to be present on campus and in-person for each quarter enrolled. The Ph.D. program is a full-time program and may not be completed on a part time basis. 

Can you tell me more about the JD/PhD program? How do I apply for it? How long does it take? How much does it cost?

Information on the JD/PhD program is available  here . 

Please review the information on the ‘ Guide on Getting Into Grad School .’ We are not able to speculate on an applicant's chances of admission, or review application materials prior to application, or provide guidance on individual applications beyond what is provided on the Political Science department website and the Guide to Getting Into Grad School.

The costs of pursuing graduate study at Stanford depend on various factors, including student's housing preferences and family circumstances, among other factors. Information about financing graduate study and typical expenses for graduate students can be found through  Graduate Admissions.  Information about our financial support, which usually covers tuition and living expenses, follows below.

The Department intends that all graduate students (both domestic and international) should have adequate support to enable them to complete their studies while enrolled full-time.  The standard financial package offered to admitted students covers the full cost of tuition and an additional amount for living expenses . The latter amount comes in the form of a stipend during the first year and a combination of teaching and research assistantships during years 2-5.  The Department also provides students with annual funds for professional development and health insurance fees. The Department provides five years of support for Ph.D. students who are making sufficient progress towards degree.   Current information regarding tuition, fees, and living expenses .

Funded PhD students in good standing are eligible to receive 12 months of funding each year, for as long as five years.

In addition to providing the standard package described above, the Department will provide each student $1,500 in discretionary funds every year in year 1-5.  Most students use this money to fund professional development expenses, including language study, faculty guided research and field work. In addition, funded PhD students in good standing are eligible to receive 12 months of funding each year for as long as five years, which provides students with the possibility of conducting field work during the summer. It is also possible to use pre-doc fellowship funds to support field work during the later years of the program. There are also numerous opportunities to supplement the funding by the department with grants and stipends from university research centers, such as the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies , the Institute for Research in the Social Sciences (IRiSS), and the Stanford King Center on Global Development . 

Join dozens of Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences students who gain valuable leadership skills in a multidisciplinary, multicultural community as Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS).   KHS admits up to 100 select applicants each year from across Stanford’s seven graduate schools, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders ready to address complex global challenges. As a scholar, you join a distinguished cohort, participate in up to three years of leadership programming, and receive full funding for up to three years of your PhD studies at Stanford.   Candidates of any country may apply. KHS applicants must have earned their first undergraduate degree within the last seven years, and must apply to both a Stanford graduate program and to KHS. Stanford PhD students may also apply to KHS during their first year of PhD enrollment.   If you aspire to be a leader in your field, we invite you to apply. The KHS application deadline is October 11, 2023. Learn more about KHS admission .

The department offers teaching and research opportunities in  five major research areas : American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Methodology, and Political Theory. In addition, there are ample opportunities for graduate study in related departments at the university.

How can I find out if your faculty does research in my area of interest?

You can access more specific information about particular faculty members by going to the  faculty page.

No. It is not necessary or possible to secure an advisor before admission to the program. Offers of admission are made to the program, not to work with particular advisors. Applicants are encouraged to read the  Admissions FAQ  and contact politicalscience [at] stanford.edu (subject: Admissions%20Enquiries) (politicalscience[at]stanford[dot]edu) with any general admissions questions before contacting faculty.

Is Political Science a required major to apply to your graduate program?

No, the department does not require that prospective students be political science majors. On the other hand, the department does expect that prospective students have had sufficient exposure to the field for them to develop a clear statement of purpose for attending our graduate program. In addition, as part of the application materials, applicants are required to submit a written sample that will certainly justify students having previously studied political science.

Is a master’s degree required for admission?

No, a master’s degree is not required for admission, although roughly one-third of our applicants have completed a graduate degree prior to application to the PhD program.

No, students are not required to have taken advanced courses in quantitative methods as a prerequisite for admission. In fact, the department offers a four quarter sequence in quantitative methods that introduces first and second year students to methodological tools that they can later use in their chosen fields of study. This sequence does not assume that students have had prior exposure to statistics or advanced mathematics. In addition to the sequence, the department offers a math refresher course for three weeks prior to the start of classes in the fall for all students. Note, however, that there are certain areas of study (such as American politics and political behavior) that will require more training in quantitative methods beyond the first-year sequence. Opportunities to pursue advanced work in quantitative methods exist both within and outside the department (e.g., taking courses in the economics and statistics departments).

The Department rarely accepts the transfer of previous graduate work toward fulfilling pre-candidacy course requirements. However, students with previous graduate work may be able to count some of their previous course credits toward the university residency requirement, thus reducing the time required for the Ph.D. degree. The university may allow a maximum of 45 units for work done elsewhere in another graduate program. Transfer credit is subject to the approval of the Office of the University Registrar, and there is no guarantee that transfer credit will be awarded. Students cannot apply for transfer credit until they have completed at least one quarter of study at Stanford. 

Can you provide some guidelines for preparation? How are applications evaluated? 

Admission to our program is highly competitive. The selection of PhD students admitted to the Department of Political Science is based on an individualized, holistic review of each application, including (but not limited to) the applicant’s academic record, the letters of recommendation, the scores on the General GRE (Graduate Record Examination), the statement of purpose, and the writing sample. About 12-15 students, chosen from a large pool of applicants, enter the program every year. These students are chosen on the basis of a strong academic background as evidenced by previous study, test results, writing sample, and letters of recommendation. Although we have no official score requirement, admitted students typically have GRE scores of 166+ verbal, 163+ quantitative, and a score of 5.5 in the analytical section.  Admitted students typically have a GPA of at least 3.8 in their previous studies. Please be assured that the department reviews each application very carefully and makes decisions on an individual basis.

The Political Science department recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision.

Regrettably, we are not able to speculate on an applicant's chances of admission, or review application materials prior to application, or provide guidance on individual applications beyond what is provided on this website. 

Admission committees follow guidelines established by the university and the department to ensure a fair review of application materials and the selection of a high quality pool of incoming students. An  overview of graduate admission  and study at Stanford is available.

The Political Science department recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision.  

No, all applications will be considered. However, admission to our program is highly competitive. Admitted students typically have very high GRE scores (approximately 166+ verbal, 163+ quantitative, and a score of 5.5 in the Analytical section).  Admitted students typically have a GPA of at least 3.8 in their previous studies.

One year deferrals are granted only for serious and unforeseen circumstances that occur after the time of application. The one exception to that policy is that one year deferrals are allowed for students who will spend the next academic year at Stanford Law School as part of the Stanford joint JD/PhD program. Deferral requests to allow students to attend another university for a different degree program (such as a JD) are highly unlikely to be granted. Deferrals for longer than one academic year are not possible. Students should only apply during this admissions cycle if they intend to be at Stanford for the next academic year.

You must apply online via the  Graduate Admissions  web site. Note that online applications require the use of a credit card.

The deadline to apply for admission for the 2024-25 academic year is 11:59pm (Pacific time) on December 5, 2023. Regrettably, we are unable to accept  late applications.

No. We begin reviewing all applications after the application deadline and make all admissions decisions by the end of February. There is no advantage to applying early.

To check your application status, click the Visit Your Status Page button here . Due to the number of applications that we receive we cannot confirm receipt of any application documents or tell you if your application is complete. 

Letters of recommendation: Your Status Page will update automatically when letters of recommendation are received. Contact your recommendation writers (not the department) if you are missing letters of recommendation. Additional information about letters of recommendation is below in the Letter of Recommendation section of the FAQ's. 

Transcripts:  Official transcripts are not required at the time of application. If you are offered admission to Stanford and accept the offer, you will be required to submit official transcripts that show your degree conferral. Please do not send official transcripts with your application.  

All applications, even those marked as "awaiting materials," will be considered by the committee.  

Offers of admission will be made in late February. Admitted applicants will be invited to attend our Ph.D. Admit Visit to be held in early April.

September 15, 2023

No, students may only enter the program during the fall quarter.

A complete application consists of the following documentation:

• Stanford online application including  statement of purpose
• At least three  letters of recommendation
• Unofficial transcripts from each institution you attended for at least one year (Official transcripts are not required at the time of application. If you are offered admission to Stanford and accept the offer, you will be required to submit official transcripts that show your degree conferral.) 
• General  GRE and TOEFL scores  reported directly to Stanford (code 4704) - Learn more about these  test requirements .  GRE scores are required for the Fall 2023 admissions cycle.  We will accept results from the ETS home tests.
• Writing Sample : a recent scholarly or critical paper (20-35 pages, double-spaced). Applicants may submit two or three shorter samples if they do not have a long one. Writing samples must be written in English. 
• Application fee of $125. Information on Graduate Fee Waivers is available  here . 

Please refer to the  Office of Graduate Admissions Frequently Asked Questions  for additional information on the application process and requirements.

In general, no. In most cases, you will be considered for any available departmental funding awards when you apply for graduate study, and a separate application is not necessary. Note that in order to be considered for Knight-Hennessy Scholars , you must submit a separate application.

The Statement of Purpose should describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the proposed program at Stanford, your preparation for this field of study, research interests, future career plans, and other aspects of your background and interests which may aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study. The Statement of Purpose should not exceed two single spaced pages (this is approximately 1,000 words). Additional information on crafting your statement of purpose is available here . 

Yes, submitting a CV is required. Applications may upload a CV under "Experience" in the application. 

Fee waivers are available for some applicants. Please visit Graduate Admissions for information on applying for an  Application Fee Waiver . Please do not contact the Department to request a fee waiver as unfortunately, we are unable to grant them. 

Be sure to submit your fee waiver request at least 10 business days (two weeks) before the application deadline to ensure a timely decision.

Join dozens of Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences students who gain valuable leadership skills in a multidisciplinary, multicultural community as Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS).    KHS admits up to 100 select applicants each year from across Stanford’s seven graduate schools, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders ready to address complex global challenges. As a scholar, you join a distinguished cohort, participate in up to three years of leadership programming, and receive full funding for up to three years of your PhD studies at Stanford.    Candidates of any country may apply. KHS applicants must have earned their first undergraduate degree within the last seven years, and must apply to both a Stanford graduate program and to KHS. Stanford PhD students may also apply to KHS during their first year of PhD enrollment.    If you aspire to be a leader in your field, we invite you to apply. The KHS application deadline is October 11, 2023. Learn more about KHS admission .

Applying to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars is not required in order to be admitted to the Political Science PhD program or to receive a funding package from the department. 

You may update your application on your status page after submitting your application as follows:

• Recommenders, Test Scores and Contact Information (email, phone, address) may be updated anytime before or after the application deadline. However, after December 15 there is no guarantee the Admissions Committee will see the updates as they will have already begun reviewing applications.
• Statement of Purpose
• Writing Sample
• Unofficial transcripts
• The application system will allow you to update items in Additional Information anytime before or after the deadline.  However, after December 15 there is no guarantee the Admissions Committee will review the updates as they will have already begun reviewing applications. In addition, the Committee will still see the original versions of your documents if you submit new versions under Additional Information. 

Does the 20-35 page writing sample page limit include the table of contents, bibliography, and appendices?

No. The table of contents, bibliography, and appendices are not included in the 20-35 page writing sample.

Submit a request to Graduate Admissions (application login required).

Yes, GRE scores are required for all applicants. We are not able to grant waivers or make exceptions to the GRE requirement. We will accept test results from Educational Testing Service (ETS) home tests. If you are unable to take the GRE either at a testing center or via the at-home testing service by the application deadline, unfortunately you will need to wait until the next application cycle to apply. 

No other exams (including the LSAT or GMAT) are accepted in lieu of the GRE. 

Yes, all applicants must submit GRE scores, even if they have completed an advanced degree.

If you instructed ETS to send your test scores Stanford more than two weeks ago and your GRE or TOEFL scores are still shown as "Awaiting" on your Status Page, please  submit a help request  to Graduate Admissions. 

Important: it may take up to two weeks from the date you you asked ETS to send the scores for test scores to be "Received" on your Status Page.  Please do not request that ETS send scores again or contact Graduate Admissions to ask why your scores are listed as "Awaiting" if it has been less than two weeks since you submitted your application to Stanford. For example, if you sent your scores on December 1st, you can expect your test scores to appear as "Received" on your status page by December 15th.

If we haven't received official scores by the time the admissions committee begins review, we will consider your application with unofficial scores. This will not harm your chances of admission. We will, however, need to receive official scores from ETS before making an offer of admission.

Will my application be reviewed if my official GRE/TOEFL scores arrive after the deadline?

Yes. Any scores you self-report on the application are considered unofficial but sufficient for the initial review process. If we haven't received official scores for all sections by the time the admissions committee begins review, we will consider your application with the unofficial scores submitted in your online application. We will need to receive official scores for all sections of the GRE from ETS before making an official offer of admission. 

However, your unofficial GRE/TOEFL scores for all sections of the tests must be included in your application by the application deadline. This means that you must have taken the GRE/TOEFL prior to the application deadline. If you are unable to submit unofficial test scores for all sections of the test by the application deadline, we recommend that you wait to apply until the next application cycle.   

I asked ETS to send my GRE scores in a previous year. Do I need to resubmit my GRE scores?

If you had ETS send scores to Stanford prior to June 1, 2022 you will need to resubmit them.  

We follow ETS policies on score validity (five years for GRE scores, two years for TOEFL scores). Refer to Test Scores for the earliest test date Stanford considers to be valid for the current application cycle.

Yes. List all GRE tests you took within the past five years that you wish to be considered by the admission committee. Do not enter “superscores” (a single entry that includes your highest section scores from multiple test dates). The application system will automatically display to the admission committee the highest score you earned in each section as well as all reported scores.

Please ask your letter writers to upload their letters no later than December 15th. If you do not have three letters of recommendation by then, your file will still be passed to the faculty committee for consideration.  While recommenders may upload outstanding letters after December 15th, there's no guarantee they will be read as the committee will have already begun its work.  

One of my letter writers is having technical issues submitting their letters of recommendation. Who should they contact?

They should use the link in the recommendation request email they received when you registered them as a recommendation writer to request technical support.  Please do not instruct letter writers to contact the department for help with technical issues. Additional information for recommendation writers is available  here .  

Letters of recommendation can technically be submitted via interfolio; however, recommenders are required to respond to specific evaluation questions that are only available when letters are submitted directly using the online application system. Please ask your recommenders to submit their letters directly using the online application system. Please remember that letters written specifically for your Stanford graduate program tend to be stronger than letters written for general use purposes. 

You may manage your recommenders on the same Recommendations page where you registered them. This includes sending reminder emails and changing recommenders. You continue to have access to this page after you submit your application.

To change one of your recommenders: on the Recommendations page of the application, click on the recommender’s name you wish to replace, then click Exclude at the bottom of the resulting popup window. You then will see the option to add a new recommender. The recommender you exclude will not receive an email notification.  

The department expects to see three letters of recommendation per application. Applicants may enter up to four recommenders and all letters of recommendation submitted by the December 15th deadline will be considered in the review process. However, there is no automatic advantage or disadvantage to submitting more than three letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation will be evaluated solely on what they say about an applicant’s academic potential for graduate work, not on how many are submitted. 

Letters of recommendation should come from academic or professional references who know you well and are qualified to evaluate your potential for graduate study. It is strongly recommended that at least one of these letters be from a university professor familiar with your academic work. Please see here for additional information.  

No. Your recommenders may submit their letters before or after you submit your application.

Do I need to submit official transcripts at the time of application?  

No. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application. You must list and provide your unofficial transcript for every post-secondary institution where you were enrolled — or are currently enrolled — in an undergraduate or graduate degree program.

If you are offered admission to Stanford and accept the offer, you will be required to submit official transcripts that show your degree conferral.

No, this is not necessary. Applicants may upload updated transcripts via their Status Page until the application deadline. 

If you were enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at that school, then yes. If you are offered admission to Stanford and accept the offer, you will not be required to submit official transcripts for schools you attended for less than one academic year or on a part-time basis.

In lieu of a transcript, please upload a document that includes the courses that are in progress.  

Yes, as long as you must submit original language records with official English translations. We accept translations issued by the institution or a professional translating service. Translations must be literal and complete versions of the original records.  

You are asked to enter both GPA and GPA scale for each institution you list on the application. Enter your GPA as it appears on your transcript. Do not convert your GPA to a 4.0 scale if it's reported on a different scale.

Information for international applicants  is available from Graduate Admissions.

Stanford’s assessment of a post-secondary degree is based on the characteristics of a national educational system, the type of institution you attended, and the level of studies you completed. Refer to the Eligibility page to view the minimum level of study you should have achieved from a recognized academic institution to enroll in graduate study at Stanford. Contact  Stanford’s Office of Graduate Admissions  (not the Department of Political Science) with any further questions.

Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) to be eligible for admission, unless you are exempt or successfully apply for a waiver (see below). 

Applicants must score at least 100 on the Internet-based TOEFL in order to be eligible for admission, though admitted applicants typically score at least 115. 

We accept the TOEFL iBT Home Edition and TOEFL iBT Paper Edition if you are unable to take the traditional TOEFL iBT test in a test center. If you take the Home Edition or Paper Edition, you may be required to complete additional English placement testing prior to enrollment.

Am I exempt from submitting TOEFL scores? 

You are automatically exempt from submitting a TOEFL score if you meet one the following criteria:

     A. You (will) have a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a regionally- accredited college or university in the United States (territories and possessions excluded).

     B. You (will) have an equivalent degree from an English-language university in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.

If you are offered admission, the official transcript must be received showing conferral of the degree from the qualifying institution or TOEFL exam scores will be required to enroll. 

You may request a TOEFL waiver in the online application if you (will) have a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a recognized institution in a country other than Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom in which English was the language of instruction.

• You will be asked to provide the URL for the page on your institution's official website stating the language of instruction.
• If your institution offers instruction in languages other than English, you must upload an official statement from your institution certifying that your program was taught exclusively in English.

Your waiver request will be routed to Graduate Admissions after you submit your application. Allow up to 15 business days after submitting your application for a response. This will not delay the receipt of your application by your graduate program.

Please note that the department of Political Science does not evaluate TOEFL waiver requests. Direct all questions to Stanford's Office of Graduate Admissions. 

For the current application cycle, TOEFL scores from tests taken on or after September 1, 2021 are valid.  

No. We do not accept TOEFL Essentials scores or any other English proficiency test (e.g., IELTS, PTE) or coursework in lieu of the TOEFL. 

Yes, both international and domestic students receive the same funding package from the department. See  here for further information .

No, the use of these services is encouraged but not required. See here for more information on submitting transcripts.

No, the admissions committee is not available for consultation. We are not able to speculate on an applicant's chances of admission, or review application materials prior to application, or provide guidance on individual applications beyond what is provided on this website. 

Applicants may try to contact faculty before applying to discuss their interest in the PhD program, though it is not required nor expected. It is not necessary or possible to secure an advisor before admission to the program. Applicants are admitted to the program, not to work with particular faculty. Applicants are encouraged to read the  Admissions FAQ  and contact  politicalscience [at] stanford.edu (politicalscience[at]stanford[dot]edu)  with any admissions questions prior to contacting faculty.

Yes. The department invites admitted students to campus for a visit in April. This event is an excellent opportunity to talk to faculty and students about specific concerns or questions a prospective student may have.

The Department does not offer a master’s degree for external applicants. Applicants interested in a master’s degree should look into the  Ford Dorsey Masters in International Policy . Current doctoral students from within the Stanford Political Science department or in another Stanford University department may apply for a Master of Arts in Political Science during the course of their Ph.D. program. Master's candidates must take 45 units of course work, and 25 of those units must be in graduate seminars. There is no examination or thesis requirement.

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Graduate Programs

Study with us.

The Department of Political Science at Texas State University offers three Master's degrees and three certifications for our graduate students. Students have the opportunity for a close intellectual exchange with our large, full-time departmental faculty. Texas State is a depository for federal and state government documents as well as a member of CORAL (Council for Research and Academic Libraries).

As a liberal arts discipline, the department is dedicated to developing analytical skills and promoting critical thinking. Students are encouraged to reflect not simply on career goals, but also on what type of person they wish to become, and on the rights and duties of citizens. The department offers students the opportunity to earn up to six credit hours in an internship program in which students gain practical experience by working for various federal, state, local or non-profit community agencies.

Political science prepares students for careers in various fields, not only in government, law, and education but also in business, journalism, urban planning, and many fields on which public policies have a significant effect.

Graduate Program Information

• Master of Arts in Political Science
• Master of Public Administration
• Master of Arts in Legal Studies
• Paralegal Certificate
• Mediation Certificate
• The Graduate College
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• Internship Opportunities
• Study Abroad
• Student Organizations

Graduate Minor

The Department of Political Science offers M.A. students a minor consisting of a minimum of nine hours with the option of taking up to 15 hours. Students must contact their program director  to learn the requirements for its minor. 

It is the responsibility of the student to acquire all information on minor requirements and to act in accordance with those requirements. Program directors may require additional background courses to be taken at the undergraduate level if insufficient work in the minor field is reflected on the undergraduate transcript.

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Graduate funding opportunities.

There are multiple funding opportunities available to graduate students in the Department of Political Science, detailed below. Please contact the Graduate Chair, Dr. Ingrid Haas , with questions.

Graduate Teaching Assistant positions

All Ph.D. applicants are considered for GTA positions at the time of application. GTA positions come with a stipend (currently $18,036 for the academic year), tuition remission, and subsidized health insurance. Students have the opportunity to serve as TA for faculty and/or teach their own independent courses. We do not currently have GTA positions available for MA students in the department. International students may be required to complete the Institute for International Teaching Assistants (ITA) at UNL prior to being assigned to a teaching position.

Graduate Research Assistant positions

Some of our students are funded as Graduate Research Assistants, typically by faculty research grants. These opportunities are available on an ad hoc basis depending on faculty funding.

Graduate Fellowships

At the time of application, we also consider eligible M.A. and Ph.D. students for available fellowships from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and the Office of Graduate Studies (OGS). No additional application is needed. This typically includes Othmer Fellowships (PhD students), CAS Dean's Fellowships (PhD students), and Edgren Tuition Fellowships (MA students). More information on the OGS Fellowships is available at: https://graduate.unl.edu/funding/fellowships

Current graduate students may also be eligible for other Graduate Fellowships from OGS, also detailed here: https://graduate.unl.edu/funding/fellowships . Students must be nominated for these by the faculty, so current students are encouraged to discuss these with their PhD advisor and/or the Graduate Chair.

Conference Travel Funding

The department typically supports some conference travel for graduate students. Students can apply for departmental travel awards through the Graduate Chair. Other travel awards are available from OGS: https://graduate.unl.edu/funding/travel-awards and through the Graduate Student Assembly (GSA): https://www.unl.edu/gsa/graduate-travel-awards-program-gtap

Summer Research Fellowships

The department also supports student research in summer months through Summer Research Fellowships. Applications for these awards are typically accepted in Spring Semester and reviewed by the Graduate Committee. Typical awards are around $2000.

Summer Teaching Opportunities

Ph.D. students who have completed a M.A. degree are eligible to apply for summer teaching opportunities in the department. The Graduate Chair takes applications for these positions during Spring Semester.

For additional information:

UNL Tuition and Fees: https://studentaccounts.unl.edu/tuition-fees

UNL Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid: https://financialaid.unl.edu/

OGS Info on Tuition and Fees: https://graduate.unl.edu/admissions/tuition

OGS Application Fee Waivers: https://graduate.unl.edu/admissions/requirements#appfee

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Rhody Today

Commencement 2024: english, political science graduate eager to explore history of lgbtq activism.

Milo Heard will start work this summer on R.I. Foundation-funded research project

KINGSTON, R.I. – May 15, 2024 – As his final semester slips away, Milo Heard has been walking around campus snapping photos of people and places that have meant a lot to him in his two and a half years at the University of Rhode Island.

There are photos of the 193 Coffeehouse in the Memorial Union, his “home base,” where he was a barista and took part in poetry readings. There are also a lot of candids with friends.

“I’ve been spending a lot of time trying to take in every last little moment,” said Heard, who graduates this week with bachelor’s degrees in English literature and political science. “I’ve brought my little old digital camera and I’ve been taking photos all the time, spending time with friends, and just trying to soak it all in.”

Heard, a Cranston native, transferred to URI from Syracuse University in spring 2022 to be closer to home. At URI, Heard, an avid potter since high school, has found little time to make mugs and bowls, or other functional pieces. But his other passions – writing, reading and research – have gotten a good workout. 

Along with being a blogger for URI Campus Recreation, Heard has expanded his scholarly writing at URI. He’s explored research projects on topics that have looked at the intersection of conspiracy thinking and the rise of authoritarianism, and people’s reaction to transgender inclusion in athletics. 

“I’m very invested in social justice issues and transformative justice issues and advocacy,” he said. “The research on trans athletics is very important to me because I’m transgender and I did sports all through high school. I wasn’t out as trans then but I know sports are helpful for mental health and for keeping kids in school.”

That independent study project with political science professor Emily Lynch gave him great experience, developing his own research questions and learning how to do a survey. It also earned him an invitation to the New England Political Science Association Conference.

Instrumental in helping him navigate URI and connect with people around campus has been philosophy and political science professor Cheryl Foster. Heard has taken two political theory classes with her, including a capstone class in which his final research project was selected by the department’s Curriculum Assessment Committee as emblematic of the highest level of student achievement.

“It was a very intense class, requiring a lot of reading in political philosophy every night,” said Heard, a Dean’s List student and member Pi Sigma Alpha, the political science honor society. “But I had such great academic conversations with her. She really pushed me to explore things outside of class. It’s nice to have a teacher who is genuinely excited about your academic progress.”

“Milo has been the indisputable thought leader among his peers, offering nuanced yet inclusively framed insights about an impressive spectrum of political philosophers from the early Enlightenment forward,” said Foster. “He is nothing if not inventive, as capable of lighthearted originality as incisive interpretations.”

While Heard is chronicling his recent past at URI, he is ready to get out into the world and explore. 

Specifically, Heard is eager to start on new research – the history of LGBTQ+ activism. The project is being supported by a grant from the Michael P. Metcalf Memorial Fund and Christine T. Grinavic Adventurer’s Fund, which are administered by the Rhode Island Foundation. The grant will help him travel to San Francisco to explore the Dr. John P. De Cecco Archives and Special Collections of the GLBT Historical Society, one of the largest holdings in the world of materials pertaining to LGBTQ people.

Heard’s interests are in community organizing and the preservation of archival materials – along with the impact of the AIDS epidemic on oral storytelling and preserved knowledge.

“I strongly feel that my generation has lost some of that information and history of queer organizing because we’ve lost so many people to the AIDS epidemic,” he said. “There’s so much incredible organizing that happened during that era.”

Eventually, he would like to create a similar archive in Rhode Island, including looking into the history of the 193 Coffeehouse, which was established in the 1990s by gay and lesbian activists. “There are queer organizers in Rhode Island whose work is important,” he said. “Who’s documenting that?”

Eventually, Heard plans to return to school to pursue a Master of Library and Information Studies, which would allow him to combine his interests in reading, writing and research.

“I want to be someone who can make a difference in a community and I think librarians do that,” said Heard. “Libraries are incredible resources for people. I’ve gone to the library my entire life and there are amazing things you can find if you work with a librarian. They’re so dedicated.” 

Department of Political Science

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Where Will ND Grads Go Next? Seven Seniors Share Their Plans

Published: May 15, 2024

Author: Elizabeth Prater

Commencement is nearly upon us and the Class of 2024 has a bright future ahead. Most students are about to begin jobs, service positions, or graduate school after celebrating their Notre Dame graduation and the cumulation of four transformative years on campus.  

So, what comes next?

Here, seven seniors share their post-graduation plans, what they'll miss about Notre Dame, and what they're looking forward to most. 

Megan Crawford '24

Business Analytics

What are your post-grad plans?

I will be working as an Underwriting Associate at Chubb.

How did Notre Dame help prepare you for your post-grad journey?

My Mendoza core requirement classes have given me a well-rounded understanding of every aspect of business, while my major specifically has taught me how to find the key insights from data and how to effectively communicate those findings. I have gained invaluable technical and soft skills that I will apply throughout my career wherever it takes me.

What are you most looking forward to about post-grad life?

I am looking forward to returning home to Los Angeles where I will be able to spend more time with my family, play volleyball at the beach, and go to as many Dodger games as possible! I am also excited to come back for football games and keep in touch with all the amazing people I met at Notre Dame.

What will you miss most about Notre Dame?

Living on campus and being involved in the dorm community at Notre Dame is a really special experience. I will miss being surrounded by a community of incredible girls who have supported me throughout college by providing a shoulder to lean on during the low moments, celebrating our successes together, and keeping me constantly laughing for all of the moments in between.

Nada Alnagar '24

Political Science; Business Economics and Digital Marketing Minors

My post-grad plans are to work at KPMG's Federal Advisory practice. I will specifically be doing Transformational Delivery.

Notre Dame prepared me for my post-grad journey by giving me a holistic education. I have taken classes in politics, business, science, theology, and even classes that combined business and the liberal arts through the Sheedy Family Program.

Taking classes in a wide variety of subjects has introduced me to so many new topics and ideas that I never even considered. This has been important in shaping my personal and career interests towards new, unexpected directions.

I am most looking forward to having more time and ability to explore new places and travel the world!

I will definitely miss the community here. Everyone on campus, from students to faculty, is so supportive and wants to see you thrive. I will also miss the school spirit on display at football games and other sporting events. The energy is truly unmatched!

Trey Lane '24

Mechanical Engineering; Collaborative Innovation minor

Sarah Grisham '24

The friends I’ve made at ND will definitely be a huge touchpoint for me going into so many life changes post-grad. The course Applied Digital Marketing specifically was helpful in preparing for interviews related to paid media. In this course, my group and I launched ads on Meta and LinkedIn to advertise Mendoza’s graduate programs. Classes like this expanded my learning to applicable skills I will carry with me for the rest of my career.

I’m looking forward to gaining some financial independence and exploring hobbies outside of the classroom!

I’m definitely going to miss having all of my friends in a one-mile radius!

David Finnell '24

What will you miss about Notre Dame?

Juliana Dantas '24

Francisco Cornejo '24

The peace that comes with being in such a great place as Notre Dame. ND has always felt like home to me especially because of the people and friends I have met there and I know that replicating this won’t be as easy as it was here. 

Want to meet more Notre Dame grads and see where they go after graduation? Check out weare.nd.edu .

Originally published by Elizabeth Prater at admissions.nd.edu on May 15, 2024 .

'No evidence' graduate visa scheme is being abused for immigration, emergency review finds

The graduate visa route should remain as it is key to funding British universities and is "not undermining the quality and integrity" of higher education, a new report has said.

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) looked at whether the visa was being abused and if it was not being "driven more by a desire for immigration" after Home Secretary James Cleverly requested an emergency review in March.

A graduate visa permits overseas students to stay in the UK for up to three years after completing a university course in the UK. Partners and children can also apply as dependents.

Former immigration minister Robert Jenrick published a report last week calling for the graduate visa to be abolished, claiming it "allowed people to come and work in the gig economy and on very low wages".

University and industry leaders had voiced fears that the route, introduced in 2021, could be axed or curtailed if the report had been negative, with universities reporting a steep drop in international students applying over fears of restrictions being introduced.

But the committee, made up of five university professors and a Home Office representative, said they found "no evidence of widespread abuse" of the graduate route.

"The risks of abuse are relatively low due to the limited number of conditions the route imposes," the report said.

It also found the visa route is helping universities to expand the range of courses offered while making up for financial losses from domestic students and research, and is "supporting the government's international educational strategy".

The report said 114,000 graduate route visas were granted for applicants in 2023, with a further 30,000 for dependents.

It said students from India, Nigeria, China and Pakistan account for 70% of all graduate visas, with India accounting for more than 40%.

MAC chair and leading labour economist Professor Brian Bell, the head of economics at King's College London, said: "Our review recommends the graduate route should remain as it is, and is not undermining the quality and integrity of the UK's higher education system.

"The graduate route is a key part of the offer that we make to international students to come and study in the UK.

"The fees that these students pay help universities to cover the losses they make in teaching British students and doing research.

"Without those students, many universities would need to shrink and less research would be done.

"This highlights the complex interaction between immigration policy and higher education policy."

A government spokesman said: "We are committed to attracting the best and brightest to study at our world-class universities, whilst preventing abuse of our immigration system, which is why the home secretary commissioned an independent review of the graduate route.

"We have already taken decisive action to address unsustainable levels of migration and our plans are working, with a 24% drop in visa applications across key routes in the first three months of this year, compared with the same period last year.

"We are considering the review's findings very closely and we will respond fully in due course."

Reacting to the report, Mr Jenrick said the graduate route "should be scrapped" and the UK needs to "urgently unwind the sector's growing dependency on foreign students" as he called the route a "backdoor for foreign students to do low-wage work...that isn't attracting top talent".

He said the review's conclusions were "constrained by the narrow terms of reference deliberately set by the government" to back up their International Education Strategy that includes the "arbitrary target" of attracting 600,000 foreign students a year.

"If you order white paint, you get a whitewash," he said.

The British Chambers of Commerce welcomed the report and said businesses have told them finding people with the right skills to plug the gaps "remains a serious issue".

The MAC recommended the government establishes a mandatory registration system for international recruitment agents and that universities should be required to publish data on their spend on recruitment agents and the number of students recruited through such means to ensure the route is not exploited.

The report found most people on the graduate route had completed postgraduate courses, with the highest growth in the visa from non-Russell Group universities' postgraduate courses - accounting for 66% of all graduate visas.

Since 2021, the proportion of main applicants aged over 25 has increased by 15 percentage points to 54% in 2023.

It also found graduate visa holders are initially overrepresented in lower-paid work but their job prospects and wages improve over time.

Among the first cohort of graduate visa holders, about half moved to skilled worker visas, primarily into skilled roles.

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Visa for overseas graduates should stay - report

Image source, Getty Images

• Author, Hazel Shearing
• Role, Education correspondent
• Twitter, @hazelshearing
• 14 May 2024

There is no widespread evidence a post-study visa for international students is being "abused", a report says.

The Migration Advisory Committee said the visa attracted students to the UK and should remain.

If it were scrapped, universities would lose income from international students' fees and have to cut courses, the MAC said.

The government, which requested the review, said it was considering the findings and would respond "in due course".

It introduced tougher rules for international students this year which it said aimed to help "slash migration".

Universities are increasingly dependent on international students, who pay higher fees than those from the UK.

They are concerned further restrictions could put off applicants and leave universities without that funding.

• Foreign states targeting UK universities, MI5 warns 26 April 2024
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Applicants to the visa are not required to have a job or earn a particular salary to qualify for the visa, introduced in 2021 as part of a plan to recruit the “brightest and best” students from around the world.

Last year, 114,000 graduate-route visas were granted for international students and a further 30,000 for their dependants, the report said.

Prof Brian Bell, who chairs the MAC, told the BBC the visa attracted international students who wanted to earn back some of the money they have spent on fees or get work experience.

He said universities were underfunded and less income from international student fees would mean course closures for both international and domestic students.

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem) subjects would “take most of the hit”, he said, especially at “lower-ranked universities outside of London and the South East”.

Prof Bell said the government’s International Education Strategy, which included a target of 600,000 international students per year studying in the UK, “doesn’t seem to have had wide buy-in” across government.

He said new rules limiting the number of dependants who can come to the UK seemed to be having a “very big effect” on international student numbers.

Asked whether there may be little incentive for the government to change the graduate route if numbers were already falling, Prof Bell said: “The hard work has already been done in some sense.”

He did not know whether the government wanted to change the visa - but if so, it would have to “work out what to do about the funding of higher education”.

'Skilled roles'

The government has not said it is considering scrapping the visa but Home Secretary James Cleverly asked the MAC to review whether it was being "abused".

The MAC said there was no widespread evidence of this.

Mr Cleverly also asked the MAC to look at the types of job those on the graduate route go into, saying initial data suggested most of those who switched from the graduate visa to a skilled-worker visa went into care work, which was “clearly not what the government intended”.

But the MAC said that data was incorrect and about 20% went into care work.

About half the first lot of students to receive graduate visas had moved on to skilled-work visas, “primarily into skilled roles”.

'Serious mistake'

Universities UK, which represents more than 140 institutions, welcomed the report and called on the government to confirm the visa would stay.

Its chief executive, Vivienne Stern, said "we understand the political pressure to reduce migration" but recent restrictions had already had a "significant effect".

International students can no longer bring family members with them unless they are on research courses or have government-funded scholarships which the report said would reduce the number coming to study in the UK this year.

"Going further would be a serious mistake," Ms Stern said.

University of Greenwich vice chancellor Prof Jane Harrington, who chairs the University Alliance, said the MAC was "right to highlight the damage [the restrictions], and the freeze on home-student tuition fees, is doing to UK higher education".

The report also said there was concern agents recruiting international students may be “mis-selling UK higher education” .

One interviewee told the MAC she had been "led to believe" she would be studying in a large city, only to find her university was in a remote location.

The MAC recommended recruitment agents should be registered and universities required to publish how much they spend on them.

But this was a “separate issue” from the graduate route.

Dr Tim Bradshaw, chief executive of the Russell Group, said international students were "critical to the financial sustainability" of top universities and he supported "targeted measures" to address "the behaviour of some agents".

'Driving down'

The prime minister thinks there is “further to go” to bring down legal migration numbers, according to Rishi Sunak's spokesman.

“British students should be the priority for our education system and universities - and student visas must be used for education, not immigration,” he said.

“We are focused on driving down migration whilst ensuring the UK attracts the best and the brightest.”

Asked whether the government would raise UK students’ tuition fees, the prime minister's spokesman said he was not aware that was being explored.

Chris Skidmore, the former MP and universities minister who launched the International Education Strategy, said keeping the visa was "undoubtedly the right way forward".

Mr Skidmore, who now chairs the International Higher Education Commission, a group of higher education experts, said "it was never clear what abuse was supposed to be taking place".

• International student admissions to be reviewed 2 February 2024
• Overseas student applications rise again in UK 15 February 2024
• Uni 'flexible' over grades for foreign students 11 January 2024

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