Ph.D. Program

The Political Science and International Relations (POIR) Ph.D. program began in 2003 and is part of the POIR Department. POIR is a medium-size Ph.D. program with approximately 60 students currently enrolled across all years. The POIR faculty have expertise in the fields of American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and research methods. Ph.D. students train in these areas as well with most students emphasizing American politics, comparative politics, or international relations as their first field. Each incoming POIR cohort is approximately 8-12 students in size. Students take courses their first two-three years; take their qualifying exams in their third year; and write and complete their dissertations in years three, four, and five.