Top Online Political Science Programs
Learn the science of political dynamics with the most comprehensive Political Science degrees in the nation
Doctoral in Political Science
Overview of the program
Political Science is an inter-disciplinary field and incorporates public policy, international relations and even international law. The doctorate mainly focuses on the theory and research in the field.
Top Schools Offering Doctoral in Political Science Degrees
Top Doctoral in Political Science Programs
Walden University Online
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Ph.D. in Health Policy - Mixed-Model
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Ph.D. in Policy Analysis - Mixed-Model
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Ph.D. in Emergency Management - Course-Based
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Ph.D. in Health Policy - Course-Based
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Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Policy Studies - Course-Based
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Ph.D. in Policy Analysis - Course-Based
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Ph.D. in Nonprofit Management and Leadership - Course-Based
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Ph.D. in Nonprofit Management and Leadership - Mixed-Model
Capella University
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Doctoral in General Social Work
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Doctoral in General Public Administration
Structure and duration of the degree program
A Doctoral in Political Science can be completed within four to six years. The students are expected to carry out extensive research which leads to dissertation. The coursework focuses mainly on theory but to complete the degree, students are expected to gain some fieldwork experience.
Highlights of the coursework
The coursework for a Doctoral of Political Science mainly focuses on theories of government and politics which also incorporates history. Other courses include foundation of comparative politics, nature of political inquiry and politics, political analysis, democratic theory, political philosophy and empirical research methods.
Admission criteria and graduation requirements
Admission in the Doctorate of Political Science depends on your Masters degree which should be in International Law, Political Economy, Political Theory, Comparative Literature or a few other related fields. A good GRE score and a high GPA with relevant teaching or work experience could be a plus. Graduation depends on the defense of the dissertation and a comprehensive examination at the conclusion of the coursework.
Career prospects and average salary
Since Political Science is a theoretical field, you should aim for advanced level advisory or academic positions. Besides, you can work as public policy researcher, political researcher or political science theorist. The average salary for those with a doctorate in the field is around $120,000.