
Political Science

Join a community of scholars dedicated to the tasks of acquiring, expanding, and transmitting reliable knowledge about political phenomena.
Learn more about the ProgramDegree Offered
Ph.D. in Political Science
Full-time
5 Subfields
M.A. in Political Science
Full-time/Part-time
5 Subfields
Admissions Deadlines
December 15 for Ph.D. and priority deadline for M.A.
April 15 final deadline for M.A.
(fall enrollment only/no spring enrollment)
The essential function of the Political Science program at the Graduate Center is to educate professional political scientists, capable of independent research and qualified for careers in academic institutions, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.
Our program includes over 55 faculty, who conduct innovative research and teach courses on a wide range of important political phenomena.
Students in the Political Science program are trained to become professional political scientists. Students develop a substantive knowledge of politics and increase their analytical and critical skills. The program offers an M.A., an en-route M.A. to the Ph.D., and a Ph.D.
Students focus their studies in one of five subfields, and can specialize in Writing Politics, which trains them to write serious political analysis for audiences outside of the discipline.
The Graduate Center’s location in the heart of Manhattan allows students to participate in opportunities unique to New York City. Home to the United Nations, policy research institutes, nonprofit organizations, and the heart of one of the world’s most diverse and dynamic cities, there is nothing quite like studying politics in New York.

Meet our students and alum
See the latest news and updates from our current students and recent alum, learn about their research, and read their thoughts on their GC experience.
Student and Alum HighlightsLatest News
May 24, 2023
Ph.D. in hand, longtime theater director starts a second act
A 2022 graduate turns from the stage to the lecture hall.
- GC Stories
- Alumni News
May 11, 2023
Announcing the Alumni Award Winners
The Graduate Center will honor the 2023 and 2020 Alumni Award recipients on May 18.
- GC Stories
- Alumni News
- Faculty News
May 2, 2023
Tributes to a Professor’s Work and Wide Influence
Alumni reflect on the profound impact of Professor Thomas G. Weiss, who is retiring this year.
- GC Stories
- Faculty News
- Alumni News
Apr 24, 2023
Professor Thomas G. Weiss on the U.N. and a Career Studying It
A longtime, esteemed scholar of the U.N. reflects on the organization and his own career as he moves toward retirement.
- Podcast
- Faculty News
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