Admission

The application deadline is December 15. Graduate Record Exams (GRE) test scores will continue to be optional for the Fall 2023 application cycle.

Chicago offers one of the country's leading graduate programs, with a broad range of seminars and workshops in all major areas of political science. The quality of this program depends on outstanding graduate students, working closely with faculty on new research. It is strengthened immeasurably by being part of a University that is profoundly committed to serious scholarly inquiry. This is a University and a department filled with active research and lively debate on important issues. Graduate students are vigorous participants in every aspect of this intellectual discourse. Thank you for your interest in graduate study at Chicago. 

In recent years, the department has aimed for incoming graduate classes of 10 students; admission is very competitive. A faculty committee makes admission decisions based on an assessment of all of the material required in the University application: biographical data, candidate statement, transcripts of grades, letters of recommendation, analytical preperation, and the writing sample. Committee members want to know what applicants find intellectually exciting and why they want to study at the University of Chicago.

Students not yet ready to make a commitment to the PhD program may explore several more specialized MA programs, which allow one to take courses across the social sciences, strengthening a future application to a Chicago PhD program. For example, see the Master of Arts Program in the Social Sciences or the Committee on International Relations.

The application process is entirely online. All supporting material—including letters of recommendation, transcripts, and writing sample—must be submitted electronically through the online application.

The Division of the Social Sciences website offers comprehensive information on how to apply and the application requirements. 

UChicagoGRAD also offers comprehensive information on admissions and the University of Chicago.

In keeping with its long-standing traditions and policies, the University of Chicago considers students, employees, applicants for admission or employment, and those seeking access to University programs on the basis of individual merit. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law (including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972). For additional information regarding the University of Chicago’s Policy on Harassment, Discrimination, and Sexual Misconduct, please see: http://harassmentpolicy.uchicago.edu/page/policy.