Admission to the graduate program in Political Science is based primarily on the applicant's academic record, standardized test scores (GREs for all applicants; TOEFL for international applicants), references from instructors and statement of purpose.
The Graduate Studies Committee considers all elements of the application when deciding admission. While GREs and GPAs are a very important part of the total application package, there are no strict minimum criteria. Recently admitted students have had an average GRE score of around 610 for the quantitative section, 550 for the verbal section, and 5.0 for the analytical section. Recently admitted students have had an average GPA of around 3.5. Recently admitted international students have had an average TOEFL score of 254 for the Computer-Based test, 639 for the Paper-Based test and 112 for the Internet based test.
An undergraduate major in Political Science is not required, but Ph.D. applicants are expected to have completed at least 15 semester hours of graduate-level courses in Political Science and (except in cases of specific exemption by the Graduate Studies Committee) hold a master's degree or its equivalent in Political Science or a closely related field from an accredited U.S. institution.
Minority group members and women are encouraged to apply. The Department actively pursues equal opportunity policies. Minority fellowships are available for qualified applicants.
Submit your application either online or by mail.
Go to this address: http://www.applyweb.com/apply/ukansg/. After using a credit card for the application fee, your application is sent electronically.
Download an application form: http://www.graduate.ku.edu/apply/paper_app.shtml.
Make checks payable to University of Kansas
--Domestic paper application fee is $55.00 --International paper application fee is $60.00
For international students living outside the United States, the check must be drawn on a U.S.-based bank located in their country.
Whether you apply on-line or on paper, the same materials must be provided to the department. Mail all application materials to:
Please submit a resume listing all educational and professional experience.
The department requires a one to two page essay stating your research interests and career goals. We hope this essay will describe some of your intended research topics.
Submit two official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework you have done. You must have at least a 3.0 average on a 4.0 scale for regular admission to do graduate work at KU. The original transcripts must be mailed directly from your school's registrar. Do not send photocopies.
The department requires that all applicants submit Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores. The scores may not be more than five years old. Only the General Test is required - Verbal, Quantitative and Analytical portions. To register for the GRE, please see the GRE web site http://www.ets.org or call 1-800-967-1100.
International students must submit scores from a TOEFL exam taken within the past two years. For information on the TOEFL, see http://www.ets.org . For minimal scores set by the Graduate School, see http://www.international.ku.edu/~oip/students/mepr/ . The Applied English Center will also test all international students on their English proficiency upon arrival at the University, regardless of TOEFL scores.
Request letters of reference from three people, preferably from professors who can advise us about your potential in graduate study. Forms for references are here: polsreference.pdf .
Immigration regulations require every international student to verify the availability of financial resources to pay for all educational, living and other expenses before a visa is issued. Verification of additional funds for dependents is also required. For more information on required amounts, please contact the KU Office of International Student Services, 785-864-3617. http://www2.ku.edu/~issfacts .
Please consult our Financial Aid Page to find out more about Graduate Teaching positions and other forms of support that are available.
The Department of Political Science only admits new graduate students for the fall semester. We have two major deadlines and application files must be complete if they are to be considered.
For Fall 2008 Admission:
January 10, 2008: Application by this date is required for applicants who wish to be considered for teaching assistantships or graduate fellowships.
April 15, 2008: Students who miss the January 10th deadline can apply for admission by this date. These applicants will not be considered for fellowships or scholarships.
Applications received after April 16th cannot be assured consideration by the Graduate Studies Committee.
The Department of Political Science selectively grants nondegree status. Non-degree C status is intended for short-term use by students obtaining credit from continuing education courses, institutes, workshops, or other special circumstances such as direct-exchange programs. Students who wish to begin graduate study in the Spring semester may seek nondegree A status and apply for regular status as soon as possible. Normally, a maximum of six hours taken as a nondegree-seeking student can apply toward a degree if the student is eventually admitted.
Students who want nondegree status should supply us with a personal statement describing their reasons for seeking nondegree status, an application form (see above), an undergraduate transcript, letters of recommendation (using our form), and an application fee of $30. If GRE scores are available, they can also be submitted, at the discretion of the student. Strong GRE scores can serve as evidence to support admission of a student with marginal undergraduate records. International students must submit TOEFL scores. All applicants should be advised that admission into the M.A. or Ph.D. programs are not guaranteed, even after a long period of time as a nondegree seeking student.
Students applying for non-degree status for the primary purpose of participating in a KU direct exchange program can submit their complete portfolio of materials used to apply for the direct exchange in lieu of the standard M.A. application materials. Such students should supply a personal statement describing their reasons for seeking nondegree status.
If you have any further questions, please see our FAQs or contact us at (gradpols@ku.edu).