The Department of Political Science at the University of Michigan accepts applications for admission to graduate study for the fall term of each year only. Applications become available in September and are accepted until December 15 for admission the following fall. The required method for submission of applications is via the Rackham Graduate School online application web site.
The Department does not offer a terminal master's program; students seeking a master's degree in Political Science will not be able to apply to our program.
Listed below are all of the required materials for a complete application to the Department of Political Science.
Application
Applications to the graduate program in Political Science at the University of Michigan are submitted online through the Rackham Graduate School. Access to the online application will end at 11:59 pm EST on December 15.
Academic Statement of Purpose
The statement of purpose should be a concise statement about the applicant's academic and research background, career goals, and how the University of Michigan's Department of Political Science will help him/her to meet their career and educational objectives. Applicants should speak specifically to how their research interests align with those of the faculty in the Department. Applicants are encouraged to list specific faculty with whom they share research interests.
There is no specific limit to the statement; most are 2-4 pages in length.
Personal Statement
Applicants should use the personal statement to address how their background and life experiences (including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges) motivated their decision to pursue a graduate degree in Political Science.
The personal statement is not the same as the academic statement of purpose.
Transcripts
The Department of Political Science requires transcripts from all institutions for which an applicant has received college credit. Transcripts can be scanned and uploaded with the application. Scans of official transcripts are preferred; if unofficial transcripts are used, they must include the name of the institution and the name of the student.
If an applicant is not able to scan a transcript and upload it with their application, then an official transcript will be required. Transcripts can be sent to:
Graduate Program Admissions
Department of Political Science
5700 Haven Hall
505 S. State Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1045
Official transcripts must also be submitted to the Rackham Graduate School. Information on submitting transcripts to Rackham can be found on their website.
Standardized Tests
All applicants must take and submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). If an applicant's GRE scores are more than 5 years old, they will be required to retake the exam. Scores should be submitted through ETS using institution code 1839.
All applicants whose native language is not English or who have not received an undergraduate degree from an institution where English is the exclusive medium of instruction are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Scores should be submitted through ETS using institution code 1839.
To ensure that GRE and TOEFL scores reach the Department before the December 15 deadline, it is recommended that applicants take the exam no later than mid-November.
Writing Sample
The writing sample should be a good representation of original research/work by the applicant. The writing sample should not exceed 20 pages in length.
Letters of Recommendation
All applicants are required to submit three (3) letters of recommendation. The letters of recommendation should be submitted through the online application system.
Letters of recommendation should be from a person who is familiar with an applicant's research ability, writing ability, work ethic, and ability to be successful in a doctoral program.
