Political Science (Ph.D.)

Offered by: Political Science (Faculty of Arts)    
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy

Program Description

The Ph.D. in Political Science focuses on the following political science subfields: international relations, comparative politics, Canadian politics, and political theory. Broad training is provided in the discipline and specialization in two major fields of choice is required. Comprehensive exams in two fields are taken in the first and/or second year of study, in consultation with supervisors, field coordinators, and the Graduate Program Director.

Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.

Thesis

A thesis for the doctoral degree must constitute original scholarship and must be a distinct contribution to knowledge. It must show familiarity with previous work in the field and must demonstrate ability to plan and carry out research, organize results, and defend the approach and conclusions in a scholarly manner. The research presented must meet current standards of the discipline; as well, the thesis must clearly demonstrate how the research advances knowledge in the field. Finally, the thesis must be written in compliance with norms for academic and scholarly expression and for publication in the public domain.

Required Courses

Complementary Courses (39 credits)

39 credits at the 500 or 600 level, chosen as follows:

Major Fields

12 credits chosen in first major field of which 3 credits must be the core course in the field.

9 credits chosen in second major field of which 3 credits must be the core course in the field.

Political Theory

3 credits in political theory at the 500 or 600 level.

Methods

3 credits from the following:

or another suitable Advanced Methods course.

Remaining Courses

12 credits of which at least 3 credits must be outside the student’s major fields. For students that choose the advanced methods courses as part of the Advanced Research Tools, 6 of these 12 credits must be the advanced methods courses.

Advanced Research Tools

Language Requirement: Students must pass an advanced-level translation test from a language other than English. If the student's research will involve field work in a country where English is not widely spoken, the test will include an oral component. In selecting a language to fulfil this requirement, the student must demonstrate in writing how the chosen language is related to his or her research.

OR

Advanced Methods: To fulfil this requirement, students must complete 9 advanced methods credits (600 or 700 level) in qualitative and quantitative methods, selected in consultation with the student advisor, the Graduate program Director, and the methods coordinator.