This doctoral plan prepares students for a career in higher education, research, or public service with a choice of emphasis. This plan requires the research, writing, and oral defense of an approved dissertation.
The Doctor of Philosophy plan in Politics and International Affairs prepares you for a career in higher education, research, government, or public service-with a choice of three Emphases.
This degree includes a Dissertation and fulfillment of a "Research Tool" requirement.
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:
| Minimum Units for Completion | 63 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Required |
| Dissertation | Dissertation is required. |
| Oral Defense | Oral Defense is required. |
| Research | Individualized research is required. |
Purpose Statement
The Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science degree provides students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to understand and participate in the political systems of the United States and the world. This degree provides a broad perspective on experiences, international and domestic, from both theory and practice.
This degree builds a strong foundation in the expert knowledge of the political world. The emphasis area of American Politics and Public Administration analyzes political science through the American context. It focuses on institutional characteristics, behavioral aspects, bureaucracy, and management. The emphasis area of Comparative Politics and International Relations compares countries and regions and examines the international system and its processes. The emphasis area of Public Policy focuses on policies created and implemented in political systems and uses analytical methods to evaluate current public policies, political actors’ behavior, political events, and institutional arrangements within a diverse world.
Building upon this fundamental knowledge, our curriculum ensures that students will define, design, and carry out original scholarly research projects in political science. In addition, they will be able to make clear and effective oral and written demonstrations of their work in public presentations, including scholarly presentations to academics at professional political science conferences. Students will also leave this program ready to teach at a university level and to engage in professional research.
Our goal is to train students to be active, engaged, and informed participants in the global system who can not only understand the world around them but also shape and influence it.
Student Learning Outcomes
Core Outcomes
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 Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Admission requirements include the following:
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.
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
This Doctoral degree requires 63 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 63 units:
Primary Field - Select one (15 units)
American Politics/Public Administration Field (15 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.