Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you for your interest in the Department of Political Science. We offer first-rate training in advanced research methods and in the traditional fields of study: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Public Policy.

Our new PhD curriculum allows students ample flexibility to tap into the many crosscutting and interdisciplinary strengths at Purdue - areas such as artificial intelligence, computational social science, environmental sustainability, technology, security, human rights, political institutions, political economy, development, and more. We welcome students with interests in academic and non-academic careers.

We provide students with research resources, opportunities, and mentorship to encourage them to tackle the pressing and complex problems facing the world today!

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the application process:

Application Fee Waivers:
Please see this information regarding application fee waivers, which are granted by the Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars. The Department of Poliltical Science is not authorized to offer application fee waivers.

GRE Test:
The GRE test is optional but strongly recommended if you are interested in being considered for the College of Liberal Arts Dean’s Fellowship.

Funding for Master's Degree:
Purdue Political Science admits students into the MA/PhD degree. We do not admit to a “stand-alone” master’s program. However, students admitted to the MA/PhD program who have not yet earned a master’s degree may be considered for a David M. Knox Fellowship to fund the first two years of student in the MA/PhD program.

Funding for PhD:
All admitted students are considered for financial assistance in the form of graduate assistantships or fellowships. Graduate assistantships provide a nine-month stipend, tuition, some fees, and a medical insurance benefit. Students are assigned to a mix of teaching and research assistant positions during their time in the program. More information is found here.

Supervisor:
Prospective students do not need to secure agreement from a doctoral supervisor in order to apply. However, it is helpful for applicants to indicate in their statement how their research interests align with one or more faculty in the department.

English Proficiency Requirements:
International applicants, please refer to this website where you will find information about tests and waivers. For students who are required to provide test scores, please note that the Department of Political Science requires the following minimum scores:

Official TOEFL scores
Minimum scores for the internet-based TOEFL exam include an overall score of 100 or greater with minimums in each component of 22 (writing), 27 (speaking), 22 (listening), and 22 (reading).

The minimum for TOEFL Essentials is an overall score of 11 with a minimum of 11 in each of the components.

Duolingo
Minimums for the Duolingo scores are 130 overall, with a subscore minimum of 120 in each component of Comprehension, Production, Conversation, and Literacy.

IELTS
Minimum section requirements:

Reading 7.0
Listening 6.5
Speaking 8.0
Writing 6.0
Overall 7.0

Transfer Credits:
Students who have earned an MA at another university, and will not receive an MA from Purdue, can petition to request transfer credits be applied to their Purdue PhD. Requests must be approved by the field and graduate committee. Transfer credits are not normally accepted for core requirements in the program. Students must supply syllabi and course information. Students who took graduate courses while in non-degree seeking graduate status may also apply for transfer credits.

Deadlines:
The deadline for admission to the program in Fall 2026 is December 7, 2025. All application materials must be submitted by that date.