{"id":53,"date":"2009-03-23T12:16:36","date_gmt":"2009-03-23T16:16:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/?page_id=53"},"modified":"2026-02-19T15:54:05","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T20:54:05","slug":"doctoral-program","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/graduate\/doctoral-program\/","title":{"rendered":"PhD Program"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section class=\"w-screen px-6 cu-section cu-section--white ml-offset-center md:px-8 lg:px-14\">\n    <div class=\"space-y-6 cu-max-w-child-5xl  md:space-y-10 cu-prose-first-last\">\n\n            <div class=\"cu-textmedia flex flex-col lg:flex-row mx-auto gap-6 md:gap-10 my-6 md:my-12 first:mt-0 max-w-5xl\">\n        <div class=\"justify-start cu-textmedia-content cu-prose-first-last\" style=\"flex: 0 0 100%;\">\n            <header class=\"font-light prose-xl cu-pageheader md:prose-2xl cu-component-updated cu-prose-first-last\">\n                                    <h1 class=\"cu-prose-first-last font-semibold !mt-2 mb-4 md:mb-6 relative after:absolute after:h-px after:bottom-0 after:bg-cu-red after:left-px text-3xl md:text-4xl lg:text-5xl lg:leading-[3.5rem] pb-5 after:w-10 text-cu-black-700 not-prose\">\n                        PhD Program\n                    <\/h1>\n                \n                                \n                            <\/header>\n\n                    <\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"hear-from-our-recent-alumni\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hear from our Recent Alumni<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"advice-to-incoming-students\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Advice to Incoming Students<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Advice to Incoming Students from Recent Graduates\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/irobQktYpcs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"what-is-your-favourite-course\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is your favourite course?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"What is your favourite course\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gWbiO7PB4Z0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>MA\/PhD graduate Rumbi Chimhanda and PhD graduate Noah Schwartz talk about what courses especially inspired and challenged them in the doctoral program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"w-screen px-6 cu-section cu-section--white ml-offset-center md:px-8 lg:px-14\">\n    <div class=\"space-y-6 cu-max-w-child-5xl  md:space-y-10 cu-prose-first-last\">\n\n        \n    <div class=\"grid gap-6 mx-auto my-6 cu-column md:gap-10 md:grid-cols-2 md:my-10 first:mt-0\">\n        \n<div class=\"cu-column-content\">\n    \n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"cu-column-content\">\n    \n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"program-overview\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Program overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/graduate\/field-groups\/\">Find out more about our field groups.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/212\/Department-of-Political-Science-Guidelines-for-PhD-Students-Updated-July-2025.pdf\">PhD Program Guidelines<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"admission\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Admission<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/graduate\/how-to-apply\/\">how to apply<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"in-program-phd-student-faqs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">IN PROGRAM PHD STUDENT FAQ&#8217;s<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"w-screen px-6 cu-section cu-section--white ml-offset-center md:px-8 lg:px-14\">\n    <div class=\"space-y-6 cu-max-w-child-5xl  md:space-y-10 cu-prose-first-last\">\n\n        \n    \n    <dl class=\"cu-description cu-component-updated\">\n        \n    <div class=\"grid pt-4 pb-3 border-b accordion border-cu-black-100 md:pt-6 md:pb-5 first:border-t\">\n        <dt class=\"font-semibold not-prose\">\n            <button class=\"flex items-center justify-between w-full text-left accordion__button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-how-many-courses-do-i-need-to-take-in-order-to-be-considered-a-full-time-phd-student\">\n                <span class=\"flex-1 ml-auto text-left break-words whitespace-normal cu-icon\">\n                    How many courses do I need to take in order to be considered a full-time PhD student?\n                <\/span>\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\" class=\"w-5 h-5 ml-auto transition-transform rotate-0 accordion__icon text-cu-black-500\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M8.25 4.5l7.5 7.5-7.5 7.5\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/dt>\n        <dd class=\"p-0 mt-0 cu-prose cu-prose-first-last accordion__content md:p-0 md:mt-0\" hidden=\"\" id=\"accordion-how-many-courses-do-i-need-to-take-in-order-to-be-considered-a-full-time-phd-student\">\n            \n\n<p>You must be registered in at least 1 course (0.50 cr) and pay full-time tuition.<\/p>\n\n\n        <\/dd>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"grid pt-4 pb-3 border-b accordion border-cu-black-100 md:pt-6 md:pb-5 first:border-t\">\n        <dt class=\"font-semibold not-prose\">\n            <button class=\"flex items-center justify-between w-full text-left accordion__button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-i-am-a-part-time-phd-student-how-many-courses-can-i-take-each-semester\">\n                <span class=\"flex-1 ml-auto text-left break-words whitespace-normal cu-icon\">\n                    I am a part time PhD student, how many courses can I take each semester?\n                <\/span>\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\" class=\"w-5 h-5 ml-auto transition-transform rotate-0 accordion__icon text-cu-black-500\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M8.25 4.5l7.5 7.5-7.5 7.5\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/dt>\n        <dd class=\"p-0 mt-0 cu-prose cu-prose-first-last accordion__content md:p-0 md:mt-0\" hidden=\"\" id=\"accordion-i-am-a-part-time-phd-student-how-many-courses-can-i-take-each-semester\">\n            \n\n<p>You can take up to, but not more than, 2 courses ( 1.0 cr).<\/p>\n\n\n        <\/dd>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"grid pt-4 pb-3 border-b accordion border-cu-black-100 md:pt-6 md:pb-5 first:border-t\">\n        <dt class=\"font-semibold not-prose\">\n            <button class=\"flex items-center justify-between w-full text-left accordion__button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-this-is-my-first-year-in-the-phd-program-what-courses-should-i-take\">\n                <span class=\"flex-1 ml-auto text-left break-words whitespace-normal cu-icon\">\n                    This is my first year in the PHD program, what courses should I take?\n                <\/span>\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\" class=\"w-5 h-5 ml-auto transition-transform rotate-0 accordion__icon text-cu-black-500\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M8.25 4.5l7.5 7.5-7.5 7.5\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/dt>\n        <dd class=\"p-0 mt-0 cu-prose cu-prose-first-last accordion__content md:p-0 md:mt-0\" hidden=\"\" id=\"accordion-this-is-my-first-year-in-the-phd-program-what-courses-should-i-take\">\n            \n\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/212\/Department-of-Political-Science-Guidelines-for-PhD-Students-Updated-July-2025.pdf\">PhD program guidelines.<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;If you still have questions, please consult with the graduate administrator.<\/p>\n\n\n        <\/dd>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"grid pt-4 pb-3 border-b accordion border-cu-black-100 md:pt-6 md:pb-5 first:border-t\">\n        <dt class=\"font-semibold not-prose\">\n            <button class=\"flex items-center justify-between w-full text-left accordion__button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-i-am-required-to-take-a-research-methods-course-can-i-fulfill-this-by-taking-psci-6907\">\n                <span class=\"flex-1 ml-auto text-left break-words whitespace-normal cu-icon\">\n                    I am required to take a Research Methods course; can I fulfill this by taking PSCI 6907?\n                <\/span>\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\" class=\"w-5 h-5 ml-auto transition-transform rotate-0 accordion__icon text-cu-black-500\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M8.25 4.5l7.5 7.5-7.5 7.5\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/dt>\n        <dd class=\"p-0 mt-0 cu-prose cu-prose-first-last accordion__content md:p-0 md:mt-0\" hidden=\"\" id=\"accordion-i-am-required-to-take-a-research-methods-course-can-i-fulfill-this-by-taking-psci-6907\">\n            \n\n<p>No \u2013 PSCI 6907 does not fulfill the research methods requirement. You should take either PSCI 5700 or 5701 to fulfill the research methods requirement.<\/p>\n\n\n        <\/dd>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"grid pt-4 pb-3 border-b accordion border-cu-black-100 md:pt-6 md:pb-5 first:border-t\">\n        <dt class=\"font-semibold not-prose\">\n            <button class=\"flex items-center justify-between w-full text-left accordion__button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-to-fulfill-my-1-0-electives-can-i-take-a-course-in-another-department\">\n                <span class=\"flex-1 ml-auto text-left break-words whitespace-normal cu-icon\">\n                    To fulfill my 1.0 electives, can I take a course in another department?\n                <\/span>\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\" class=\"w-5 h-5 ml-auto transition-transform rotate-0 accordion__icon text-cu-black-500\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M8.25 4.5l7.5 7.5-7.5 7.5\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/dt>\n        <dd class=\"p-0 mt-0 cu-prose cu-prose-first-last accordion__content md:p-0 md:mt-0\" hidden=\"\" id=\"accordion-to-fulfill-my-1-0-electives-can-i-take-a-course-in-another-department\">\n            \n\n<p>Yes &#8211; one course (0.50 credits) may be taken outside of the Political Science department, but it must be in a related discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n        <\/dd>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"grid pt-4 pb-3 border-b accordion border-cu-black-100 md:pt-6 md:pb-5 first:border-t\">\n        <dt class=\"font-semibold not-prose\">\n            <button class=\"flex items-center justify-between w-full text-left accordion__button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-do-i-need-to-be-registered-in-the-summer-even-if-i-am-done-with-all-of-my-coursework\">\n                <span class=\"flex-1 ml-auto text-left break-words whitespace-normal cu-icon\">\n                    Do I need to be registered in the summer, even if I am done with all of my coursework?\n                <\/span>\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\" class=\"w-5 h-5 ml-auto transition-transform rotate-0 accordion__icon text-cu-black-500\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M8.25 4.5l7.5 7.5-7.5 7.5\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/dt>\n        <dd class=\"p-0 mt-0 cu-prose cu-prose-first-last accordion__content md:p-0 md:mt-0\" hidden=\"\" id=\"accordion-do-i-need-to-be-registered-in-the-summer-even-if-i-am-done-with-all-of-my-coursework\">\n            \n\n<p>Yes, you must be registered for each term: fall, winter, and summer.<\/p>\n\n\n        <\/dd>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"grid pt-4 pb-3 border-b accordion border-cu-black-100 md:pt-6 md:pb-5 first:border-t\">\n        <dt class=\"font-semibold not-prose\">\n            <button class=\"flex items-center justify-between w-full text-left accordion__button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-i-have-completed-all-of-my-coursework-what-do-i-do-next\">\n                <span class=\"flex-1 ml-auto text-left break-words whitespace-normal cu-icon\">\n                    I have completed all of my coursework, what do I do next?\n                <\/span>\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\" class=\"w-5 h-5 ml-auto transition-transform rotate-0 accordion__icon text-cu-black-500\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M8.25 4.5l7.5 7.5-7.5 7.5\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/dt>\n        <dd class=\"p-0 mt-0 cu-prose cu-prose-first-last accordion__content md:p-0 md:mt-0\" hidden=\"\" id=\"accordion-i-have-completed-all-of-my-coursework-what-do-i-do-next\">\n            \n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n        <\/dd>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"grid pt-4 pb-3 border-b accordion border-cu-black-100 md:pt-6 md:pb-5 first:border-t\">\n        <dt class=\"font-semibold not-prose\">\n            <button class=\"flex items-center justify-between w-full text-left accordion__button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-i-need-to-take-a-leave-of-absence-how-do-i-apply-for-this\">\n                <span class=\"flex-1 ml-auto text-left break-words whitespace-normal cu-icon\">\n                    I need to take a leave of absence, how do I apply for this?\n                <\/span>\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\" class=\"w-5 h-5 ml-auto transition-transform rotate-0 accordion__icon text-cu-black-500\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M8.25 4.5l7.5 7.5-7.5 7.5\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/dt>\n        <dd class=\"p-0 mt-0 cu-prose cu-prose-first-last accordion__content md:p-0 md:mt-0\" hidden=\"\" id=\"accordion-i-need-to-take-a-leave-of-absence-how-do-i-apply-for-this\">\n            \n\n<p>You can apply for a leave of absence by completing the required form: <a href=\"https:\/\/gradstudents.carleton.ca\/resources-page\/forms-policies\/\">Academic and Registration Change Form<\/a>&nbsp;and returning it to the graduate administrator<\/p>\n\n\n        <\/dd>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"grid pt-4 pb-3 border-b accordion border-cu-black-100 md:pt-6 md:pb-5 first:border-t\">\n        <dt class=\"font-semibold not-prose\">\n            <button class=\"flex items-center justify-between w-full text-left accordion__button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-i-will-not-be-able-to-complete-my-program-in-the-5-years-allotted-what-do-i-do\">\n                <span class=\"flex-1 ml-auto text-left break-words whitespace-normal cu-icon\">\n                    I will not be able to complete my program in the 5 years allotted, what do I do?\n                <\/span>\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\" class=\"w-5 h-5 ml-auto transition-transform rotate-0 accordion__icon text-cu-black-500\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M8.25 4.5l7.5 7.5-7.5 7.5\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/dt>\n        <dd class=\"p-0 mt-0 cu-prose cu-prose-first-last accordion__content md:p-0 md:mt-0\" hidden=\"\" id=\"accordion-i-will-not-be-able-to-complete-my-program-in-the-5-years-allotted-what-do-i-do\">\n            \n\n<p>Please speak with the graduate administrator for further instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n        <\/dd>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <\/dl>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":46,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_cu_dining_location_slug":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"cu_page_type":[96],"class_list":["post-53","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","cu_page_type-graduate"],"acf":{"cu_post_thumbnail":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/53","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=53"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/53\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40690,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/53\/revisions\/40690"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/46"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=53"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"cu_page_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_page_type?post=53"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}