MIT’s Political Science Department offers a rigorous and highly regarded Doctorate In Political Science, designed for ambitious scholars seeking to shape the future of the discipline. Our program empowers students to conduct cutting-edge research, develop profound insights into governance and societal functions, and ultimately, secure leading positions in academia and research institutions worldwide. Graduates of our doctorate in political science program are consistently recruited for top-tier teaching and research roles across the United States and internationally. Explore where our program alumni are making a global impact.
Program Structure of the Doctorate in Political Science at MIT
The foundation of our doctorate in political science program lies in its flexible yet structured approach to academic specialization. Students pursuing a doctorate in political science at MIT are required to build expertise in two primary fields from a diverse selection:
- American Politics: Delve into the intricacies of the US political system, electoral behavior, and policy-making processes.
- Comparative Politics: Explore political systems and processes across different countries, fostering a global perspective on governance.
- International Relations: Analyze the dynamics of interactions between states, international organizations, and transnational actors in the global arena.
- Models and Methods: Develop advanced analytical skills in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies essential for rigorous political science research.
- Political Economy: Investigate the interplay between political and economic systems, examining topics such as development, trade, and inequality.
- Security Studies: Focus on issues of conflict, peace, and security, analyzing the causes and consequences of violence at various levels.
We encourage students to engage with a wide range of courses within their chosen fields to gain a comprehensive understanding. While some courses may naturally bridge the content of two fields, our doctorate in political science program ensures intellectual breadth by limiting the double-counting of such courses towards distribution requirements. Furthermore, specific fields may have unique requirements to enhance specialization.
Doctoral candidates have the freedom to enrich their studies by taking courses in other departments across MIT, fostering interdisciplinary perspectives. Additionally, cross-registration agreements provide access to courses at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and select other Harvard graduate schools, broadening academic horizons for our doctorate in political science students.
Core Requirements for the Doctorate in Political Science
Earning a doctorate in political science from MIT is a demanding yet rewarding journey, characterized by a structured set of requirements designed to cultivate expertise and research prowess:
1. Subject Load for Doctorate in Political Science
The initial two academic years are dedicated to intensive preparation for general examinations and fulfilling pre-dissertation requirements. Typically, a minimum of eight graduate-level subjects are necessary to successfully complete the doctorate in political science program.
2. Scope and Methods Seminar
A cornerstone of the first year is the mandatory one-semester seminar, “Scope and Methods.” This course introduces incoming doctorate in political science students to the fundamental principles of empirical and theoretical analysis that underpin rigorous political science inquiry.
3. Statistical Proficiency
Demonstrated competency in statistics is crucial. Students must successfully complete at least one course focused on statistical methods to fulfill this requirement for the doctorate in political science.
4. Empirical Research Methods
Building upon statistical foundations, the doctorate in political science curriculum necessitates the successful completion of at least one course in empirical research methods, equipping students with practical research skills.
5. Political Philosophy
A strong grounding in political philosophy is considered essential. Therefore, students pursuing a doctorate in political science must successfully complete at least one course in this foundational area.
6. Language or Advanced Statistics Requirement
To ensure well-rounded scholarly capabilities, candidates for the doctorate in political science must demonstrate proficiency beyond their core fields. This can be achieved in one of two ways:
- Foreign Language Proficiency: Demonstrate reading proficiency in a language other than English by completing two semesters of intermediate-level coursework or passing an examination in that language.
- Advanced Statistics Mastery: Showcase advanced quantitative skills by successfully completing three semesters of coursework in advanced statistics.
It is important to note that international students whose native language is not English are exempt from the foreign language requirement for the doctorate in political science.
7. Field Research Engagement
We strongly encourage all students in the doctorate in political science program to engage in field research. This hands-on experience fosters invaluable practical skills and facilitates close collaboration with faculty members actively involved in significant research endeavors.
8. Second-Year Paper and Workshop
A critical milestone in the second year is the completion of an article-length research paper during the spring semester, accompanied by participation in a related workshop. This second-year paper often serves as the initial groundwork for a student’s eventual dissertation project for the doctorate in political science.
9. Comprehensive Examinations
A rigorous assessment of field mastery is conducted through general written and oral examinations in each of the two elected fields of specialization. Preparation for these examinations typically involves completing at least three courses in each field, including the field seminar, within the doctorate in political science program.
10. Doctoral Thesis and Dissertation
The culmination of the doctorate in political science journey is the doctoral thesis. This significant undertaking typically requires a minimum of one year dedicated to original research and data collection. The dissertation writing process often extends beyond this initial year. The thesis process includes a first and second colloquium and a final oral defense. Doctorate in political science candidates should consult the MIT Specifications for Thesis Preparation and the MIT Political Science Thesis Guidelines for detailed formatting and submission requirements. Refer to the MIT academic calendar for specific deadlines for final thesis submission after the successful defense.
For any inquiries regarding the doctorate in political science program, please consult the MIT Political Science Departmental Handbook or reach out to a member of staff in the MIT Political Science Graduate Office.
