Graduate Programs in Politics
Brandeis University's MA and PhD programs in Politics emphasize linkages among the patterns of American political development, contemporary American politics, and the politics of other developed and developing democratic systems. The graduate curriculum also addresses the advanced industrial democracies of Western Europe, the democratizing states of Eastern Europe, and the international political, economic, and military-security relations among these states. Substantive emphasis is on the politics of democratic and democratizing regimes. Our program is distinguished by methodological emphasis on analytical case study, including comparative case study rather than abstract mathematical modeling or statistical analysis. PhD students receive training in each of the major subfields of political science, including both qualitative and quantitative research methods, through graduate-level "field seminars."
The graduate program features:
- instruction in small seminars under close faculty supervision
- supervised independent study within the program
- supervised teaching assistantships
- opportunities for study in the consortium of universities in the Boston area
- the opportunity to incorporate work in related and relevant fields
We encourage you to explore one of the department’s greatest assets through our faculty pages.
For the most updated course listing, course descriptions, and degree requirements, please visit the Registrar.
Application Deadlines
PhD: January 15
MA: Rolling through April 15th.
Admission Requirements
To apply for the program, you need to submit:
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An application fee;
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Transcripts from all universities and colleges attended must be uploaded to your application; do not mail official transcripts to our office. For more information, visit Frequently Asked Questions;
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Three letters of recommendation, submitted online;
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A curriculum vitae (CV) or resume;
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A statement of purpose indicating your reasons for undertaking graduate study. In addition, please describe your qualifications for the politics program and your objectives in undertaking this program. Applicants to the doctoral program should also indicate how their research interests would complement those of the faculty. Applicants to the master's program should discuss their academic and professional career plans and how the Graduate School could help them attain their goals.
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Critical writing sample not exceeding 35 pages; the 35-page maximum may consist of a single critical essay or two shorter essays of approximately equal length.
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Graduate Record Exam (GRE) general test is required. Our GRE institution code is 3092 (please note: this institution code only applies to GRE scores).
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International applicants: For additional requirements for international applicants (non-U.S. citizens or non-permanent residents), minimum TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores, and important information regarding visas. If you are submitting TOEFL scores, please note that our TOEFL institution code is 3261.
For a more comprehensive description of application requirements, please visit Frequently Asked Questions.
Generous scholarships and financial aid are available; for more information please visit Financial Aid.
Students and alumni can work closely with Career Services for an array of resources, including CV/resume help, job search, and networking.
