The University of Alberta offers a robust PhD in Political Science program designed for students aiming to become leading scholars, researchers, and policy experts. This doctoral program provides intensive training in political science theory and research methods, allowing students to develop deep expertise in specialized areas. The goal is to equip graduates with the skills needed for impactful careers in academia, government, international organizations, and beyond.
Why Pursue a PhD in Political Science at the University of Alberta?
Choosing to pursue a PhD is a significant undertaking. The University of Alberta’s Political Science department supports students through rigorous academic training, opportunities for independent research, and preparation for diverse career paths. The program emphasizes academic excellence and fosters a community of motivated scholars. Key strengths include comprehensive training, advanced research opportunities, multiple specialization options, and strong faculty mentorship.
Program Structure and Duration
The PhD in Political Science is a research-intensive degree typically requiring four years to complete, with a maximum of six years allowed. A mandatory residency of two academic years of full-time study at the University of Alberta is required. Throughout their studies, students engage in self-directed research on a chosen political science topic.
Academic Requirements
Doctoral candidates must complete 18 graduate-level credits, usually equivalent to six three-credit graduate courses. A required course, POLS 680, is offered annually and is essential for all students. Participation in the Graduate Lab is also mandatory, as this training prepares students for their comprehensive examinations.
Areas of Specialization
Students must select two areas of specialization from the following fields:
Canadian Politics
This area focuses on Canadian political institutions, public policy, federalism, political behavior, and democratic governance.
Comparative Politics
Studies in this field examine comparative political systems, democratization, state-building, and comparative public policy across different nations.
Gender and Politics
This specialization explores gendered political structures, feminist political theory, representation, participation, and public policy related to gender equality.
International Relations
Research in this area may cover global governance, international organizations, security studies, diplomacy, and international political economy.
Political Theory
Students delve into classical political thought, contemporary political philosophy, democratic theory, and concepts of justice and ethics.
Additional coursework is typically chosen from 500-level and 600-level Political Science courses.
Year-by-Year Program Progression
Year 1
The first year involves completing required coursework, specialized training, and participating in the Graduate Lab. Students also establish initial supervisory arrangements. By the end of this year, a supervisor is officially designated.
Year 2
During the second year, students undertake comprehensive examinations in both of their chosen specialization areas. These exams assess their knowledge and readiness for advanced research.
Year 3
After passing comprehensive examinations, students develop their dissertation proposal and undergo an oral candidacy examination. This exam evaluates the proposed dissertation’s quality and feasibility. By the end of Year 3, students must have completed comprehensive examinations, the candidacy examination, and any language or ethics training requirements, becoming official PhD Candidates.
Years 3-6
The final years are dedicated to conducting original research, writing the dissertation, publishing scholarly work, and preparing for post-graduation careers.
Dissertation Options
The University of Alberta offers two distinct dissertation formats:
Option 1: Traditional Dissertation
This format typically involves a monograph of 50,000 to 80,000 words, structured into four to seven integrated chapters. It includes an introduction, conclusion, bibliography, and any necessary appendices or research data. The dissertation must present original research, demonstrate rigorous analysis, and make a substantial contribution to knowledge.
Dissertation Examination
Once the supervisory committee approves the dissertation, it is sent to two independent examiners, one of whom must be external to the University of Alberta. All five examiners then participate in the final oral defense.
Option 2: Dissertation-by-Publication
This alternative format includes an introduction chapter, several journal-style research papers, and a conclusion chapter. The key difference from the traditional format is the use of independent, publishable journal articles as the core of the dissertation. Students should discuss this option with their supervisor early in the program, as the format requires approval before the candidacy examination.
Language and Ethics Requirements
Language Requirement
All doctoral students must demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English. This can be met by completing a second-year undergraduate language course within the past five years or by passing a translation examination of a scholarly text. The chosen language often relates to the student’s research area. Students specializing in Canadian Politics are typically expected to demonstrate French proficiency.
Ethics Training Requirement
All graduate students must complete 8 hours of Graduate Ethics Training (GET). This includes 5 hours through the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and 3 additional hours through department seminars or approved university workshops focusing on academic integrity.
Professional Development
A professional development component is required for all graduate students. This component aims to enhance research skills, leadership abilities, career readiness, communication, and professional networking.
Supervision and Faculty Support
Admission to the PhD program is contingent upon aligning research interests with a faculty member’s expertise and securing their agreement to supervise the proposed project. The supervisor plays a critical role in guiding research design, dissertation development, publication strategies, and career preparation. Students work with a primary supervisor and two additional faculty members on their supervisory committee.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the PhD in Political Science program are prepared for a wide range of careers:
Academia
Positions include university professor, lecturer, research fellow, and academic administrator.
Government and Public Policy
Opportunities exist as policy analysts, government advisors, legislative researchers, and public administration specialists.
International Organizations
Roles may involve political affairs officer, development specialist, governance consultant, and international policy advisor.
Non-Profit Sector
Careers can be found as advocacy specialists, program directors, research managers, and public policy consultants.
Private Sector
Potential roles include political risk analysts, corporate affairs advisors, strategic consultants, and research specialists.
Contact Information
For inquiries regarding the PhD program, prospective students can contact the Graduate Advisor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Alberta via email at psgrad@ualberta.ca or by phone at (780) 492-3429. The department is located at 10-16 Henry Marshall Tory Building, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2H4.
Application Deadlines
Specific application deadlines are not provided in the program information. Applicants should consult the University of Alberta Graduate Studies admissions pages and contact the Graduate Advisor for the most current intake dates, admission cycles, and application requirements.
