Study political institutions with policy experts from inside the D.C. ecosystem.
At the Schar School, the Political Science PhD is designed for students who want to produce serious scholarship on politics, governance, and international affairs. Doctoral candidates work closely with faculty, develop strong methodological foundations, and engage with the Washington, D.C. region’s unique political and institutional ecosystem.
You’ll graduate prepared for careers in academia, research organizations, and public-facing institutions with a research portfolio that demonstrates impact and scholarly depth.
Quick Strengths
- Methods training that supports publishable scholarship
- Mentorship and research opportunities with active faculty scholars
- A D.C.-connected environment with access to government and policy institutions
Political Science PhD Student Spotlight: Global Leader in the Making
First-year PhD student Vo Hoang Trinh Nguyen has been named a “Leader of Tomorrow” at the prestigious 54th St. Gallen Symposium in Switzerland, earning recognition as one of the top 25 winners of its Global Essay Competition. Her award-winning work explores geo-economic risk and economic statecraft, offering policy solutions to protect markets from global instability and political leverage. Read more.
