Hosted by the POIR Program, the Predoctoral Institute supports first-generation undergraduate, master’s, or law students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in political science or allied fields (e.g., sociology, economics, public policy). This program is completely free to applicants, including travel, room and board.
The USC POIR Predoctoral Summer Institute is for students primarily in the Western U.S., especially those from nearby universities in Southern California. We welcome aspiring Ph.D. applicants from all backgrounds to come to USC to learn more about social science Ph.D. programs and get a taste of what getting a Ph.D. is like.
The Institute provides students with a comprehensive introduction to Ph.D. programs in political science, international relations, and related social sciences. Participants will gain insights into the structure of graduate school, the application process, and details regarding funding and fellowships for Ph. D students. This immersive experience is designed to help aspiring scholars take the next step in their academic journey with confidence, even if they are the first in their families to do so.
Key Components of the program include:
Navigating Ph.D. Applications
Direct feedback and advice on how to craft a successful and competitive application for admission to a Ph.D. program in political science or similar social science fields. Participants will also have access to successful application materials from students admitted to top Ph.D. programs in political science to assist them with their own future applications.Mentorship & Support
USC faculty and students in the political science and international relations (POIR) Ph.D. program will work directly with institute participants on their application materials including research statements, CVs/resumes, and writing samples in breakout sessions.Connecting with Scholars
Participants will engage with faculty and current Ph.D. students to discuss research interests, explore academic pathways, and gain a deeper understanding of the discipline.Application Fee Waivers
Attendees will have their USC POIR Ph.D. application fees waived, making applying to graduate school more accessible.Why are we doing this?
“The institute’s ultimate goal is to increase the pipeline for first-generation Ph.D. students and professors. Secondarily, we hope the institute will create an increase in the applicant pool for the POIR and other Ph.D. programs at USC.” – Christian Grose, Professor and co-founder of the Predoctoral Summer Institute
To Apply
The application form will be available on this page in March 2025
