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Application Process

Program Admissions and Application Deadlines:

The Department of Political Science at Michigan State University admits students into the Ph.D. program for the Fall semester only. The deadline for applications is December 2.

  • Application guidelines, as well as a link to the outline application can be found here: PhD Application Instructions
  • All students who are admitted to our program receive a funded offer including a tuition waiver - typically with a teaching or research assistantship.
  • The GRE test is not required for Political Science PhD admissions. Reporting GRE scores is entirely optional. We use a holistic review process for all applications, focused on the required components of the application package.
  • Unfortunately, we are unable to offer application fee waivers for the Political Science PhD program.


If you have any questions about the application process that are not answered on the frequently asked questions document or the guidelines, please contact Sarah Krause, the Graduate Program Assistant, skrause@msu.edu or 517-355-2167 or Dr. Ian Ostrander, Graduate Program Director, at ostran45@msu.edu

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Online Applications

Please select the appropriate link to begin your application.
Domestic Applicants

International Applicants

Once you've submitted an application for admission, you will receive an email with your Applicant ID. You can use your Applicant ID and password to get the most up-to-date information on your application status by logging in to your "Be a Spartan" online student portal.

 

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