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, research methods, and specialized fields. It is structured to cultivate independent scholarship and prepare graduates for diverse career paths, both within and outside academia.
Why Pursue a PhD in Political Science at the University of Alberta?
A doctoral degree in Political Science represents a significant commitment to advanced study and original research. The University of Alberta’s program is built to support students through this demanding journey with comprehensive academic resources. The department encourages prospective students to align their career aspirations with the program’s offerings, recognizing that graduates often find success in various professional sectors.
Key advantages of this program include:
- Rigorous Training: Students receive in-depth instruction at the doctoral level.
- Independent Research: The program fosters the ability to conduct advanced, self-directed research.
- Specialization Options: A variety of fields allow students to focus their studies.
- Comprehensive Preparation: Students are prepared for major examinations and their dissertation.
- Flexible Dissertation Formats: Two distinct pathways cater to different research styles.
- Dedicated Faculty Support: Strong supervision is a cornerstone of the program.
- Professional Development: Opportunities are available to enhance career readiness.
- Career Guidance: Preparation is offered for both academic and non-academic roles.
- Research Community: Students join a dynamic environment of scholars and researchers.
Program Structure and Duration
The PhD in Political Science is a research-intensive degree typically requiring four years to complete, with a maximum timeframe of six years. A mandatory residency requirement means students must attend the University of Alberta full-time for two academic years. The majority of a student’s time is dedicated to self-directed research on a chosen specialization within political science.
Academic Requirements
Doctoral candidates must successfully complete 18 graduate-level credits, generally equivalent to six three-credit courses. A required course, POLS 680, is typically offered each Fall semester. All students also participate in a Graduate Lab designed to prepare them for their comprehensive examinations.
Areas of Specialization
Students must select two areas of specialization from the following fields:
- Canadian Politics: This area covers Canadian political institutions, public policy, federalism, political behavior, and governance.
- Comparative Politics: Focuses on comparative political systems, democratization, state-building, and comparative public policy.
- Gender and Politics: Examines gendered political structures, feminist theory, representation, and public policy related to gender equality.
- International Relations: Research in this field may include global governance, international organizations, security studies, and international political economy.
- Political Theory: Students delve into classical and contemporary political philosophy, democratic theory, and questions of justice and ethics.
Additional coursework is usually 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 move on to developing their dissertation proposal and completing an oral candidacy examination. This exam evaluates the proposed dissertation project’s quality and feasibility. By the end of Year 3, students must have completed all program requirements except the dissertation itself, becoming official PhD Candidates.
Years 3-6
The final years are primarily dedicated to conducting original research, writing the dissertation, and preparing for post-graduation careers. This period also involves publishing scholarly work and presenting research findings.
Dissertation Options
The University of Alberta offers two distinct pathways for completing the dissertation:
Option 1: Traditional Dissertation
This format typically involves a monograph of 50,000 to 80,000 words, structured into 4-7 integrated chapters. It includes an introduction, conclusion, bibliography, and any necessary appendices or data. The dissertation must present original research, demonstrate rigorous analysis, and make a substantial contribution to the field. After approval by the supervisory committee, the dissertation is reviewed by two independent examiners, one external to the university, before a final oral defense.
Option 2: Dissertation-by-Publication
This alternative format consists of an introduction chapter, several journal-style research papers, and a conclusion chapter. Unlike the traditional format’s integrated chapters, this option features independent, publishable articles. Students are encouraged to 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 last 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 at least 8 hours of ethics training. This includes 5 hours through the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and an additional 3 hours through department seminars or approved university workshops focusing on academic integrity.
Professional Development and Supervision
Professional Development
A mandatory professional development component is integrated into the program to enhance research skills, leadership abilities, communication, and career readiness.
Supervision and Faculty Support
Admission to the PhD program is contingent on aligning research interests with a faculty member’s expertise and securing their agreement to supervise. The supervisor plays a critical role in guiding research design, dissertation development, publication strategies, and career planning. Students also work with two additional faculty members on their supervisory committee.
Career Opportunities After Graduation
Graduates of the PhD in Political Science program are well-prepared for a variety of careers:
- Academia: University professor, lecturer, research fellow, or academic administrator.
- Government and Public Policy: Policy analyst, government advisor, legislative researcher, or public administration specialist.
- International Organizations: Political affairs officer, development specialist, or international policy advisor.
- Non-Profit Sector: Advocacy specialist, program director, or public policy consultant.
- Private Sector: Political risk analyst, corporate affairs advisor, or strategic consultant.
Contact Information
For inquiries regarding the PhD in Political Science program, prospective students can contact:
Graduate Advisor
Department of Political Science
University of Alberta
Email: [email protected]
Department Email: [email protected]
Phone: (780) 492-3429
Address: 10-16 Henry Marshall Tory Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2H4
While no specific application deadline was provided, applicants should consult the University of Alberta Graduate Studies admissions website and contact the Graduate Advisor for the most current information on intake dates and application requirements.
