Graduate Requirements

Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree

Please see the Ph.D., program guide for the most current and complete information about degree requirements.

Knowledge of Two Fields

Each student chooses two fields from American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Institutions, Political Theory, and Political Methodology. In each of the two chosen fields, students must demonstrate comprehensive knowledge by passing a written field examination. In order to prepare for the field exam, each field offers a series of two or three courses designed to familiarize the student with the literature of that field. In addition, some fields ask that the student take an elective course covering a specific aspect of the field.

Exposure to a Third Field

Since students will often be exposed to work in other fields of political science, the Stanford program asks that students become familiar with a third field. To do this, students take two courses of their choice in that field. These courses may not be counted towards any other Department requirement.

Field Paper

Each student produces a scholarly research paper aimed at exposing the Ph.D. candidate to the research techniques used by political scientists. Most of the fields offer a course designed to prepare the student for this requirement, and students generally work closely with an advisor.

Political Theory

All students must complete 5 units (1 class) of graduate instruction in political theory.

Quantitative Skills

Students are required to take, at a minimum, a two-quarter sequence in quantitative methods, which covers basic probability and statistics and the linear regression model. Further quantitative course work is required for some fields of study.

Other Skills

Competence in a foreign language may also be required if the student and advisor think it appropriate for dissertation research.

Since teaching is an important component of the political science profession, all students will act as teaching assistants in undergraduate courses in order to hone their teaching skills.

Residency

Total time to complete the Ph.D. program will vary beyond the four year minimum required to complete the 135 units required by the University.

Upon satisfactory completion of two comprehensive exams and the field paper, the student is usually recommended for Ph.D. candidacy. It is expected that students will attain candidacy by the end of the second year. In their third year, students are asked to submit a formal dissertation proposal for approval. Doctoral candidates take the University Oral Examination after they have made substantial progress on their dissertations. Students must finish all requirements and file the dissertation to receive the Ph.D.

 

Master's Degree for current doctoral students

The Department does not offer a terminal master's degree. Current Stanford doctoral students may apply, however, for a Master of Arts in Political Science during the course of their Ph.D. program. A master's degree requires 45 units of course work, and 25 of those units must be in graduate seminars. There is no examination or thesis requirement.