About the Program
The mission of the Government Department Ph.D. program is to provide students with the analytical skills and substantive knowledge needed to both generate and evaluate research in political science, preparing them for careers at the highest levels of scholarship and teaching. A Georgetown Ph.D. in Government signifies theoretical, methodological and substantive expertise in various topics of political significance, as well as the research and communication skills necessary for productive scholarship.
The degree indicates that the recipient has acquired extensive knowledge in one of the four major fields of political science, but which may also include related fields such as history, security studies or public policy. Doctoral-level seminars taken during coursework are designed to familiarize students with the scholarly literature in their major field of study and in other disciplinary fields. Students gain a broad understanding of the development and major topics of research as well as expertise in several more specialized areas. Students learn to evaluate and engage with the major scholarly debates in their field of study, both in classroom discussion and in written work. All students learn the methodological skills needed to carry out original research in their respective field.
A Georgetown Ph.D. in Government is granted only to students who have demonstrated the ability to synthesize large quantities of information and rigorously evaluate the merits of competing theoretical and empirical arguments. Degree holders have obtained the analytical and methodological skills to design and conduct original research of the highest quality, and have the written and oral communication skills necessary to engage with debates at the leading edge of the field. Individuals holding a Georgetown Ph.D. in Government are also equipped with the knowledge and skills to teach political science at the university level in both survey courses and specialized seminars.
Connect with Us
Program Contact: Maurice Green – govtphdadmissions@georgetown.edu
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Degrees Offered
- Ph.D. Government
Joint Degree Programs
- Ph.D. Government (any concentration)/J.D.
- Ph.D. Government (Comparative)/M.A. Arab Studies
- Ph.D. Government (Comparative or International Relations)/M.A. German and European Studies
- Ph.D. Government (Comparative)/M.A. Latin American Studies
- Ph.D. Government (International Relations)/M.A. Security Studies
- Ph.D. Government (Comparative)/M.A. Russian and East European Studies
- Ph.D. Government (American, Comparative, International Studies)/M.P.P. Public Policy
Admissions Requirements
For general graduate admissions requirements, visit the Office of Graduate Admission’s Application Information page. Review the program’s website for additional information on program application requirements.
Application Materials required:
- Application Form
- Non-Refundable Application Fee
- Academic Statement of Purpose
- Optional: Statement on Diversity, Personal Background & Contributions
- Writing Sample
- Letters of Recommendation (3)
- Transcripts – Applicants are required to upload to the application system copies of official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. Visit the Office of Graduate Admission’s Application Information page for additional details and FAQs.
- Resume/CV
- GRE: Optional
- TOEFL/IELTS (if applicable)
- TOEFL = 80 minimum
- IELTS = 7.0 minimum
Application Deadlines
- Fall: December 15
Degree Requirements
- 48 hours of course work
- Each student will select one major and one minor field
- A satisfactory appraisal by department faculty at the end of the second semester and a cumulative average of “B+” or better
- A first-year workshop
- Five courses in theory and methods, except for those in Political Theory
- Research competence in a second language must be proven by students in Comparative Politics, International Relations and Political Theory. Native speakers of foreign languages may fulfill the language requirement by showing fluency in English.
- Successfully pass a Ph.D. written comprehensive examinations — students may also be required to pass an oral examination in their major field.
- Presentation of a thesis proposal and the subsequent completion of a doctoral dissertation.
- Up to 24 hours of work from another accredited university may count toward the Ph.D. degree. Students with a previously earned M.A. degree, which directly prepares them for the department’s Ph.D. program, may apply for advanced standing for up to 18 credit hours.