
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
Mar 28, 2023
Tainted by Nazism, Heidegger’s Philosophy Casts a Long Shadow
Professor Richard Wolin’s new book exposes the moral failings and pernicious influence of one of the most widely read modern philosophers.
- GC Stories
- Faculty News
Mar 6, 2023
A Political Science Student Fights for Colombians’ Citizenship Rights
Andrés Besserer Rayas talks about his work on a human rights case in Colombia, on The Thought Project podcast.
- Podcast
Mar 2, 2023
How to Manage Polarization? Cultures of Compromise in Comparison
Apply to take part in a Ph.D. student workshop with German students on countering polarization with cultures of compromise at the Graduate Center, July 11-13, 2023. Accepted students will receive funded travel to Germany in 2024.
- Community Message
Feb 23, 2023
Why the Ukraine War Is Even More Dire Than Predicted
Faculty experts weigh in on the economic, political, and humanitarian consequences of the year-old conflict.
- GC Stories
- Faculty News
Request Information
Tell me more about this degree!
Thank you for your interest in the Graduate Center. Please fill out the form below to be added to our mailing list.