Political Science (PhD)
Doctorate (PhD)
Offered by:Department of Political Science, Faculty of Arts & Science
Program overview
The PhD in Political Science expands your training in the field as you work alongside experts in political theory, international relations and public policy. You will conduct primary research through surveys, archival data collection and fieldwork in order to make original contributions to the discipline. The program provides a stimulating environment in which to examine disciplinary subfields, allowing you to specialize in two areas of your choice. Our research-active faculty members will help you refine your analytical and writing skills, enabling you to better prepare your research for publication in top-ranking peer-reviewed academic journals such as the Canadian Journal of Political Science and the Review of International Studies. You will benefit from inter-institutional research networks, such as the Centre for the Study of Democratic Citizenship (CSDC) , the Center for Immigration Policy Evaluation, engAGE, the Centre for Research and Expertise in Social Gerontology (CREGÉS), Latin American Studies Network of Montreal (RÉLAM), and the Groupe de recherche interuniversitaire en philosophie politique de Montréal (GRIPP). Our students have funded their research through fellowships and awards from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, the Fonds de recherche du Québec and GRIPP Montreal.
Program details
- MA in political science, political studies, international relations, public policy, or another relevant field from an accredited university.
Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the Graduate Admission page for further information on the Language Proficiency requirements and exemptions.
Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 90 credits.
All students will select two areas of specialization (for example Canadian Politics and International Politics).
21 credits – Coursework
6 credits – Core Courses, one in each of the two chosen areas of specialization.
POLI 801-805 - Advanced Seminars
6 credits – Elective Courses, one in each of the same two chosen areas of specialization.
POLI 811–815
3 credits – Core Course in Public Policy
Where public policy is one of the two chosen areas of specialization, the elective course is to be selected from a third area.
POLI 805 - Advanced Seminar in Public Policy and Public Administration (3 credits)
3 credits – Elective Course
From any area of specialization or a cognate course in a related field.
3 credits – Methods Course
POLI 844 - Research Design (3 credits)
12 credits – Comprehensive Exams
POLI 885 - Comprehensive Exam (6 credits)
POLI 886 - Comprehensive Exam (6 credits)
3 credits – Thesis Proposal
POLI 889 - Thesis Proposal (3 credits)
54 credits – Thesis
POLI 890 - Thesis (54 credits)
Your completed application will include:
- Application form and Fee
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Three Letters of Reference and assessment form
- Statement of purpose (2 pages, single spaced) should:
- provide a synopsis of your research interests and goals
- identify your particular fields of interest (i.e., intended fields of specialization)
- explain how a PhD in Political Science from Concordia University will help you achieve your goals
- identify at least one tenured or tenure-track faculty member with whom you would like to work. NB: students do not have to find a supervisor prior to admission
- highlight how your research interests fits with ongoing research in the department
- explain what makes you a good candidate for the program
- Writing sample. You may submit any of the following as your writing sample:
- introduction and one chapter of your master’s thesis;
- a peer-reviewed publication for which you are the sole author;
- a conference paper for which you are the sole author;
- a MA-level term paper for which you received an “A” grade
- Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended
- Proof of Canadian citizenship (if applicable)
- Applicants whose primary language is not English, are required to submit official language test scores, unless exempted.
Please apply online. Read the how-to guide for application procedures.
Examples of special topics courses include:
- Ageing and Public Policy
- Development Policy and Administration
- Ethics, Morality and Justice
- Feminist Critiques of Public Policy
- Gender and Global Politics
- Immigration Politics and Policy
- Indigenous Peoples and the State
- International Organizations
- Judicial Politics and Policy
- Nationalism and Ethnicity
Consult the graduate calendar for a complete list of current courses.
Important information about admissions
Please be advised that Concordia University does not process admissions or fee payments through third parties for our degree programs.
All applicants are advised to ensure that they are communicating directly with the university for admissions and fee payments.
