2015-2016

Political Science, Doctor of Philosophy

Department of Politics and International Affairs

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

This doctoral plan prepares students for a career in higher education, research, or public service in a choice of emphasis. This plan requires the research, writing, and oral defense of an approved dissertation.

  • Available Emphasis Areas:
  • American Politics and Public Administration - Emphasis (ending Summer 2016)
  • Comparative Politics and International Relations - Emphasis (ending Summer 2016)
  • Public Policy - Emphasis (ending Summer 2016)

  • To receive a Doctor of Philosophy Degree (PhD) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses, from one or more disciplines, ranging from at least 60 - 109 units of graduate-level courses. Most plans require research, a dissertation, and comprehensive exams. All plans have residency requirements regarding time spent on the Flagstaff campus engaged in full-time study.

    The full policy can be viewed here.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete requirements of chosen Emphasis;
  • Perform satisfactorily on comprehensive written and oral exams;
  • Satisfy a "research tool" requirement;
  • Fulfill Northern Arizona's residency requirements; and
  • Pass the oral exam on your dissertation (Dissertation Defense).

Minimum Units for Completion 78 - 81
Additional Admission Requirements Required
Dissertation

Dissertation is required.
Comprehensive Exam Comprehensive Exam is required.
Oral Defense Oral Defense is required.
Research Individualized research is required.

Additional Admission Requirements

  • Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

  • The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.

    Admission requirements include the following:

    • Transcripts.
    • Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.


    Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.

    Ready to apply? Begin your application now.

    International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.

    • A bachelor’s degree in a closely related discipline
    • Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above or  6 units of subsequent coursework at the graduate level with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
    • GRE® Revised General Test
    • Three letters of recommendation
    • A writing sample
    • A personal statement or essay
    • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
Doctoral Requirements

  • Take the following 78 - 81 units:

    Emphasis (Select One) (at least 63 units):

    • American Politics and Public Administration Emphasis (60-66 units)
      • Political Science Core Courses: POS 600, POS 601, POS 607, POS 610, POS 612, POS 641 (18 units)
      • Additional coursework in American Politics and Public Administration (12 units)
      • Coursework in one of our other Emphases (Comparative Politics and International Relations or Public Policy) (18-21 units)
      • Coursework in a cognate supporting American Politics and Public Administration approved by your plan advisor or selected from one of the Emphases that you haven't already used (12-15 units)
    • Comparative Politics and International Relations Emphasis (60-66 units)
      • Politics and International Relations Core Courses: POS 600, POS 601, POS 607, POS 670, POS 676, POS 680, POS 683 (21 units)
      • Additional coursework in Comparative Politics and International Relations (9 units)
      • Coursework in one of our other Emphases (American Politics and Public Administration or Public Policy) (18-21 units)
      • Coursework in a cognate supporting Comparative Politics and International Relations approved by your plan advisor or selected from one of the other emphases that you haven't already used (12-15 units)
    • Public Policy Emphasis (60-66 units)
      • Politics and International Affairs Core Courses: POS 600, POS 601, POS 607, POS 643], POS 671 (15 units)
      • POS 552, or other courses that apply economic reasoning to public policy (6 units)
      • Additional units in public policy (9 units)
      • Coursework in one of our other Emphases (American Politics and Public Administration or Comparative Politics and International Relations) (18-21 units)
      • Policy Concentration approved by your plan advisor, including at least 6 additional units of POS courses (12-15 units)

  • In addition to completion of chosen Emphasis:

    • Further coursework, beyond the minimum 63 units required for your plan of study, needed to: complete your language and/or research requirements, prepare for comprehensive exams, ensure adequate preparation for your dissertation research, and if applicable, complete the professional-development course.
    • POS 799 for the research, writing, and oral defense of an approved dissertation. You may count only 15-18 units of dissertation credit toward your degree. However, you may end up taking more units, since you must enroll for it each term during which you work on your dissertation. (15-18 units)

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.