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Political Science

The department of Political Science offers a 5-th year Masters (A.M.), a Master of Arts (A.M.) Degree* and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree.

The Political Science Department offers Brown University undergraduates a unique opportunity to earn a Master of Arts (A.M.) degree in Political Science in a single year immediately following the completion of their bachelor's degree.  This accelerated program is an excellent opportunity to deepen knowledge, enhance critical thinking and research skills while expanding marketable talents for careers in research, public service, legal studies, and consulting.   

The ideal candidate is curious, seeks challenges with vigor, and takes initiative.  Working alongside doctoral students, students will learn from leading scholars with expertise in political theory, political methodology, international political economy and security, American politics and policy, climate change, and much more.

5th Year Masters (A.M.) Degree:

The A.M. degree in Political Science requires the completion of eight POLS 2000-level graduate courses.  All eight courses must be passed with a grade of B or better. Students are able to select the mix of eight POLS 2000-level courses offered by the department that meets their curricular interests. Students may count up to two of the eight POLS 2000-level graduate courses towards their masters degree while still an undergraduate. Transfer credits are not accepted for this program.  Fifth year students must complete the degree in two semesters. 

Master of Arts (A.M.) Degree:

 *The Political Science department does not have a separate master's program; graduate students can earn the A.M. on the way to the Ph.D.  This  A.M. requires passing eight 2000-level Political Science courses with a grade of B or better. 

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree:

  • Pass fourteen graduate level (2000-level) courses with a grade of B or better, though A grades are expected
    • Twelve courses must be within the Political Science department
    • For those in the American Politics, Comparative Politics, and International Relations Subfields:
      • Research Methods POLS2000 or POLS2400
      • Quantitative Research Methods I POLS2580
      • Two field proseminars (choose two of four - POLS2100 American, POLS2110 Comparative, POLS2120 Theory or POLS2130 IR) plus two electives in each of those subfields with no more one B grade in each subfield
      • One theory course
    • For those in the Political Theory Subfield:
      • Research Methods POLS2000 or POLS2400 or POLS2580
      • Both political theory field proseminars (POLS2120 and POLS2360) and a theory elective with no more than one B grade
      • One other field proseminar (POLS2100 American, POLS2110 Comparative, or POLS2130 IR) plus two electives in the subfield with no more than one B grade
    • The Prospectus Writing sequence POLS2050 and POLS2051 which counts as one course
    • The Professionalization sequence POLS2052 and POLS2053 which counts as one course 
  • Pass written and oral preliminary examination in the primary subfield
  • Written and oral presentation of a dissertation proposal
  • Written and oral presentation of a dissertation
  • A minimum of two semesters as a teaching assistant

For more information on admission and program requirements, please visit the following website

https://graduateprograms.brown.edu/graduate-program/political-science-phd