
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
Jan 18, 2023
A Political Science Alumnus Returns to the Graduate Center as a Professor
Michael Sharpe, who has been a professor at York College since 2008, recently joined the Political Science faculty.
- GC Stories
- Faculty News
Dec 8, 2022
Outside of the Academy: Alumni Share Advice on Launching Unexpected Careers
In recent years many Graduate Center alumni have parlayed their degrees into challenging and rewarding careers in the nonacademic world.
- GC Stories
- Student News
- Alumni News
Dec 5, 2022
The Wins and Losses of COP27 Climate Summit
Political scientist Thomas Weiss sees the failure to reach an agreement on fossil fuels as a major setback.
- GC Stories
- Faculty News
Nov 30, 2022
Prestigious CNRS Grant Supports Timely ‘Norms of Life’ Research
Graduate Center faculty are part of an international project that examines the origins and implications of the norms that shape the way we live or expect to live.
- GC Stories
- Faculty News
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