About PhD Program,
Our graduate program offers students a small, congenial community that allows them to work closely with faculty — and with each other — on groundbreaking research. They receive the highest quality training from interdisciplinary faculty who not only regularly win teaching awards but also frequently write the books from which other political sciences programs teach.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
Students with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university may apply to the M.A. or to the Ph.D. program. Admission is granted without regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, or political views. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.
- A four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- An equivalent degree as evaluated by the Office of Graduate Studies.
- Note: International students should apply no later than 30 days prior to the start of the term.
- Graduate Credit for Undergraduate Students. Request approval for Graduate Credit.
PhD Funding Coverage,
There are multiple funding opportunities available to graduate students in the Department of Political Science, detailed below. Please contact the Graduate Chair, Dr. Ingrid Haas, with questions.
At the time of application, we also consider eligible M.A. and Ph.D. students for available fellowships from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and the Office of Graduate Studies (OGS). No additional application is needed. This typically includes Othmer Fellowships (PhD students), CAS Dean’s Fellowships (PhD students), and Edgren Tuition Fellowships (MA students). More information on the OGS Fellowships is available online.
Current graduate students may also be eligible for other Graduate Fellowships from OGS. Students must be nominated for these by the faculty, so current students are encouraged to discuss these with their PhD advisor and/or the Graduate Chair.
Application Requirement,
- A completed UNL Graduate Studiesapplication form
- Payment of the Graduate Studies application fee ($50)
- Official grade transcripts from all colleges attended (unofficial transcripts accepted for initial application)
- Three letters of recommendation, preferably from faculty members familiar with one’s potential for graduate study
- (OPTIONAL) GRE Scores
- Writing sample (a college term paper, research report, or essay)
- Personal statement (2 pages)
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (1-2 pages)
- TOEFL or IETLS score (international students only) – see information on university language requirements
Application Deadline,
Jan 01, 2025
Application Fee,
- $50 – All applicants not currently enrolled at UNL
