PhD Program
Hear from our Recent Alumni
Advice to Incoming Students
What advice would you give a new student beginning a graduate political science program at Carleton? Hear what our alumni, Class of 2021, have to say.
What is your favourite course?
MA/PhD graduate Rumbi Chimhanda and PhD graduate Noah Schwartz talk about what courses especially inspired and challenged them in the doctoral program.
Program overview
The PhD program is based on rigorous, theoretically-grounded study in two fields of Political Science; students choose from Political Theory, International Relations, Comparative Politics, Canadian Politics and Gender and Diversity. All of these fields are well-represented by internationally-recognized faculty members who are available for doctoral research supervision. Find out more about our field groups.
After completing the required coursework and two comprehensive examinations, doctoral students embark on the process of writing their dissertation. Guidance and support are offered to students at all stages of their doctoral careers.
The PhD program emphasizes the development of theoretical competence and rigorous analytical skills in the study of politics. All graduate students in Political Science are welcomed as active members of the research community that thrives within the department. Doctoral students in the Department of Political Science are also eligible to apply for the Collaborative PhD in Political Economy.
Admission
The Doctor of Philosophy is designed for students who have already completed an MA degree in Political Science. The admissions process is competitive and enrollment is limited.
IN PROGRAM PHD STUDENT FAQ’s
-
You must be registered in at least 1 course (0.50 cr) and pay full-time tuition.
-
You can take up to, but not more than, 2 courses ( 1.0 cr).
-
This will depend on the sub-fields that you select to focus on and whether the respective core course is available. For more information, go to PhD program guidelines. If you still have questions, please consult with the graduate administrator.
-
No – PSCI 6907 does not fulfill the research methods requirement. You should take either PSCI 5700 or 5701 to fulfill the research methods requirement.
-
Yes – one course (0.50 credits) may be taken outside of the Political Science department, but it must be in a related discipline.
-
Yes, you must be registered for each term: fall, winter, and summer.
-
You should register for the PHD thesis. Please note, once you register for your thesis, you must maintain continuous registration for the thesis until the time of completion.
-
You can apply for a leave of absence by completing the required form: Academic and Registration Change Form and returning it to the graduate administrator
-
Please speak with the graduate administrator for further instructions.