Department of Political Science

The graduate program in Political Science is structured for full-time study. Students enter the program in the fall semester. The graduate program in Political Science is small and selective, emphasizing close interaction between faculty and students. Approximately forty-five students are presently enrolled at various stages of study. Seven or eight new students matriculate each year. Every student admitted to the Ph.D. program is offered a five-year fellowship. Admissions decisions are based upon careful review of all five components of the application: previous academic record, letters of recommendation, GRE scores, relevant personal experience, and the personal statement. The average combined verbal and quantitative GRE score for students entering the program is around 1300. Minimum qualifications for admission include GRE scores at or above the fiftieth percentile on all three portions of the exam and an undergraduate grade average of B or higher. Candidates for admission should have a strong academic preparation in political science or related disciplines. Students whose native language is not English must also submit evidence of their ability to communicate effectively and conduct research in English, such as TOEFL scores, transcripts from ESL programs or original research papers. Non-native English speakers who matriculate in the graduate school will then take ESL testing for placement in ESL courses.

All application materials must be received by January 3rd. Late or incomplete applications are unlikely to receive full consideration. Click here to access the online application.

FINANCIAL AWARDS

All students admitted to the Ph.D. program receive offers of financial assistance. These merit-based awards normally comprise full tuition grants, fellowships, health insurance subsidies, and research assistantships. Standard awards require students to work during the academic year assisting with faculty research and teaching. Stipend awards represent a commitment of support for five years of study, contingent upon a student maintaining normal progress toward the Ph.D. degree. For 2009-10 the current standard stipend level is $16,500 plus 75% coverage of health insurance premiums.

Along with regular departmental awards, exceptional applicants may be eligible for enhanced university-wide fellowships awarded through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Fellowships offered through the Graduate School include the George W. Woodruff Fellowship, The Emory Graduate Diversity Fellowship, and the Arts and Sciences Fellowship. All applicants are automatically considered for all awards. For more information on these awards, refer to the Financial Information page of the Graduate School's website.

Copyright © Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
The Department of Political Science, 327 Tarbutton Hall, 1555 Dickey Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, 404-727-6572 phone, 404-727-4586 fax
For web comments or questions, contact polisci@emory.edu. Last update November 9, 2009