PhD Admissions

The deadline for applications is January 5, 2025. The application fee is $70. We regret that we are unable to consider requests for fee waivers. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the Department of Political Science by email at political.science@rochester.edu.

Tuition

PhD Students: Our PhD students are fully funded for 5 years. PhD students also receive a stipend and health insurance. We no longer offer a terminal MA in Political Science or a related field at the University of Rochester.

For further information on tuition, please visit the Office of the Bursar’s website and consult the graduate tuition rates, under "Arts and Sciences & Hajim”.

How to Apply

The deadline for applications is January 5, 2025. The application fee is $70. We regret that we are unable to consider requests for fee waivers.

For your application, you will need to complete the following items. Your application is complete only when you submit the online application and we receive the other required items. Below is a simple overview of required application items. Please review each section for specific details on each item. The general application requirements include:

            Online Application

            Statement of Purpose

            GRE Test

            English Language Proficiency (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo)

            Transcript

            Letters of Recommendation

            Writing Sample

            C.V. (optional)

 

Application Process and Timeline

Applications are not reviewed until after the application deadline. It usually takes several weeks after the application deadline to receive a decision letter, but it can take longer. Decisions are released to candidates as soon as the committee determines eligibility. Notification may be staggered over several weeks. Please be patient as your application is being reviewed by multiple committee members.

We are now accepting applications for fall 2025. We do not have a spring intake.

Online Application

To complete the online application, you will need to identify your recommenders and prepare a statement of purpose. Three recommenders and the statement are submitted as part of the online application.

The general application requirements include:

            Online Application, Statement of Purpose, GRE Test, English Language Proficiency (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo), Transcript, Letters of Recommendation, Writing Sample, C.V. (optional).

Statement of Purpose: Your statement of purpose should be a clear, readable narrative that contains information relevant to your Political Science graduate program application. Statements are best kept to approximately 500-600 words. It should address why a degree in Political Science will further your professional and academic goals. Please provide information about yourself, your aims and plans for the future, reasons for choosing graduate study in Political Science, areas of specific interest and experience in the field. You should include the names of specific professors, if any, with whom you especially wish to study. If you feel there are areas in your application that deserve explanation, address them concisely in your statement. Do not repeat information found elsewhere in your application.

The Statement of Purpose should clearly describe your reasons for applying to the University of Rochester, your preparation for your field of study and your research/professional interests. In the statement you can reflect on how your background aligns with the University’s core values of Meliora—ever better—including equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. You may explain how your unique experiences will shape your future pursuits in your chosen field.  Please share here any information you think is relevant for the admissions committee to evaluate your application.

Standardized Tests

The GRE general test is required and there is no option to request a test waiver. You must submit official results to the university through the GRE website. The GRE institutional code for the University of Rochester is 2928. Be sure to use the exact same spelling of your name on both your application and test score report.

English proficiency test info

English Language Proficiency Requirement

  • All international students whose native language is not English are required to provide proof of English language proficiency through the submission of official test scores from one of the following exams. Scores more than two years old from the application deadline are not valid.

-IELTS

-TOEFL or TOEFL iBT Home Edition

-Duolingo

To send in IELTS scores please use the following address:

University of Rochester

Graduate Studies-AS&E

500 Joseph C. Wilson Blvd

P.O. Box 270401

Rochester NY 14627

TOEFL scores can be submitted using the code 2928 (A department code is not necessary).

Duolingo scores can be sent directly to the University of Rochester at no cost.

  • Waiver Policy
    1. The English proficiency test requirement is waived for citizens of the following countries whose native language is English:
      • Australia
      • Canada
      • Commonwealth Caribbean Nations
      • Ghana
      • Ireland
      • Kenya
      • Liberia
      • New Zealand
      • Nigeria
      • Singapore
      • South Africa
      • Uganda
      • United Kingdom
      • Virgin Islands

The requirement may also be waived if a student has completed at least three years of full time and in-person postsecondary study in one of the countries listed above or the United States. We reserve the right to require further demonstration of English proficiency, even if you have received your degree from one of the above-mentioned countries.

If you would like to be granted a waiver for these exams, please email graduate.admissions@rochester.edu.

Transcripts

You may scan transcripts to the online application. An original transcript will be required upon admission.

Letters of Recommendation

The Department of Political Science requires three letters of recommendation. In filling out the online application, you will be asked for the names of your three recommenders, each of whom will be sent an email with a link giving them instructions on how to submit their letters electronically.

Writing Sample

You may upload a writing sample in the application. This must be a sample of your own original academic writing in English. (Translations are acceptable, provided the translation is your own work.) Please indicate the original purpose of the writing sample, and when and to whom it was submitted.

Curriculum Vitae (optional)

You may also upload a brief resume listing any additional information you believe to be relevant to your application for admission

Non-discrimination policy

The University of Rochester values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by law. Further, the University complies with all applicable non-discrimination laws in the administration of its policies, admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs and activities.

Questions on compliance should be directed to the particular school or department and/or to the University's Equal Opportunity Coordinator, University of Rochester, P.O. Box 270039, Rochester, NY 14627-0039. Phone: (585) 275-9125.

Graduate Administrator- Political Science
AnneMarie Tyll
atyll@ur.rochester.edu
(585) 275-8745