How To Apply
To apply to Penn State University's Department of Political Science follow steps 1 and 2.A two-page statement of goals, which should include: (1) A brief description of your educational background, with specific emphasis on political science and related fields. Please mention any special skills such as fluency in foreign languages, computer expertise, statistics, research fieldwork, or teaching experience that you have acquired; (2) a discussion of the major fields and specialties in political science that interest you the most; (3) why you wish to study political science at Penn State; and (4) your current career plans and aspirations.
Three letters of recommendation: Your letters of recommendation should be written by individuals qualified to judge your potential as a researcher, scholar, or teacher. (Every year, we are unable to admit students whose applications are supported by letters from those in business, the military, or public service who are not able to provide us with information that is useful in evaluating an applicant’s potential for graduate work in political science.) Recommendations from employers may be included as additional letters. Recommenders should mail their letters directly to the address above.
Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended: If you expect transcripts to arrive on or shortly before the January 15 deadline, please send us unofficial copies with your application. Transcripts sometimes arrive later than applicants expect, and by providing unofficial copies, you can ensure that your application receives full consideration if your official transcripts are delayed. You may user this transcript request form.
A writing sample: We encourage students to submit short, analytical papers or excerpts from longer papers (such as those written as senior honors theses). If a senior thesis is in progress, please consider sending a thesis proposal or a 2–5 page introduction or summary of the planned thesis. The writing sample should demonstrate research and/or analytical skills. Applicants currently holding, or completing, a master’s degree in political science or a related field will want to use as a writing sample their best seminar paper, master’s thesis, conference paper, or other professional work. We encourage students applying with an MA in political science to include relevant syllabi from core courses in their major field, and/or courses in methodology.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required (general test only). Official copies must be sent directly to the Department of Political Science by ETS. Our institution code is R2660; the department code for International Relations is 1901, Political Science and Government is 1902, Public Policy Studies is 1903, and Political Science – Other is 1999.
International Students:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores are also required. Official scores must be sent directly to the Department of Political Science by ETS. (See above for our institution and department codes.) Only students with a TOEFL score of 600 or higher will be considered, although 630 is recommended.
A completed "Application for Visa Document".
Deadlines: Applications are due by January 15. However, the Department of Political Science will begin to accept applications in September.