Doctor of Philososphy [Ph.D] [Political Science] From University of Iowa

The Doctor of Philosophy program in political science requires a minimum of 72 s.h. of graduate credit. The program is designed to prepare students for research, teaching, and scholarly endeavor in academic settings and private or governmental institutions. It produces graduates who are deeply committed to the study of politics, familiar with fundamental knowledge about political processes, well trained in methods and techniques for careful investigation of basic and applied research questions, and determined to make contributions to the discipline of political science and to society.

Six fields of study are available: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, formal theory, and for those who wish to go beyond the basic methodology training, research methods. Each student chooses three fields of study for qualifying examinations.

The department usually admits seven to ten Ph.D. students each year, so students work closely with faculty members, often collaborating on research and publication. Graduate students know one another and enjoy supportive, congenial working conditions.