Apply to Our Program

Thank you for your interest in the Department of Political Science at Purdue University. We admit students to begin in the fall semester each year. The application deadline for entry in fall 2027 is December 6, 2026.

On September 21, 2026, from 1–2 p.m. ET, the Office of Graduate Admissions is offering a virtual information session. The department will nominate selected prospective students to attend this event. Students who are selected, register, and attend the full session will qualify for an application fee waiver. Please complete this form if you are interested in attending. Completing the interest form does not guarantee selection or a fee waiver.

This is not a Department of Political Science event; the department cannot issue application fee waivers.

Please follow the guidelines below for the fastest, most accurate way to apply to the Purdue Political Science graduate program.

You will submit your application through the Purdue University Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars.

Visit the How to Apply page to create your account and submit your application.

Application Materials

1. The OGSPS application

2. The application fee

   Application fee waivers are available under specific circumstances explained by OGSPS. The Department of Political Science does not have the authority to waive the application fee.

3. An Academic Statement of Purpose and a Personal History Statement

   Academic Statement of Purpose

   The Academic Statement of Purpose is an opportunity to share information that will help reviewers understand your academic interests and objectives, assess your academic background, preparation, and training, and determine whether you are a good match for the program.

   Address the following topics in your Academic Statement of Purpose:

   1. What are your professional plans and career goals? How will attending graduate school assist you in reaching those goals?
   2. Describe your research, scholarly, or creative interests. What topics are of particular interest to you? Reviewers know that interests change over time, but try to be as specific as possible.
   3. Discuss how your experiences, skills, and abilities have prepared you for graduate study. Relevant topics may include coursework, employment, research experiences, internships, presentations, exhibits, publications, and community service. If you describe a research or scholarly experience, include information about the topic, research mentor, your role, and the outcomes.
   4. Describe how your skills, preparation, and interests align with the program to which you are applying. Identify faculty who share your research and scholarly interests. Reviewers will want to know that you have researched the program, faculty, and key focus areas.

   Personal History Statement

   The Personal History Statement helps reviewers learn more about you as a whole person and as a potential graduate student. This may include relevant information about community service, leadership roles, participation in diverse teams, and significant barriers you have overcome in pursuing graduate study.

   Required of all applicants:

   1. Describe how your background and life experiences contribute to your ability to be both persistent and resourceful in graduate school.
   2. Describe how your life experiences have prepared you to contribute to an academic community where scholars with diverse research interests, abilities, backgrounds, and experiences are supported, respected, and valued.

   Optional:

   3. Address any concerns that your academic record may not reflect your true capabilities, and discuss mitigating factors that have affected your record. Reviewers will be interested in understanding your accomplishments relative to your opportunities.
4. Your resume

5. Your academic writing sample

   The writing sample should be an academic paper or research report that demonstrates your writing and analytical skills.

6. Three letters of recommendation

   Letters should come from individuals able to comment on your preparation for PhD-level work.

7. Proof of English proficiency for international students

   International applicants whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency for admission as explained by OGSPS.

8. Transcripts

   Upload transcripts or academic documents from every institution of higher education you have attended through the online application. Documents uploaded by applicants are considered unofficial. If you are admitted and choose to enroll, you must submit official documents according to the Office of Graduate Admissions instructions before registering for your second session. Review Purdue’s detailed transcript requirements before submitting your materials.

GRE Not Required

The GRE is not required by the Department of Political Science. Please be aware that some competitive fellowship programs in the College and University, including the College of Liberal Arts Dean’s Graduate Fellowship program, strongly encourage GRE scores as part of the nomination materials. Purdue’s GRE code is 1631.

Do I Need to Identify an Advisor?

Prospective students do not need to secure the agreement of a doctoral advisor before applying. However, applicants should indicate in their Academic Statement of Purpose how their research interests align with one or more faculty members in the department.

Funding

All applicants, both domestic and international, are considered for assistantships and fellowships. Graduate assistantships provide a nine-month stipend, tuition, some fees, and a medical insurance benefit. Students are assigned a combination of teaching and research assistantships during their time in the program. Learn more about funding opportunities.

Questions?

For additional information about the admissions process, contact polgradcoordinator@purdue.edu.

We look forward to receiving your application.

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