Department of Political Science
Texas A&M University
2010 Allen Building
4348 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-4348
Tel: (979) 845-2511
Fax: (979) 847-8924
Directions
Graduate Program

How to Apply
 
Prospective students should apply as early as possible in the academic year prior to the Fall semester in which they intend to begin studies at Texas A&M. Applications are accepted for the Fall semester only. Applications are evaluated starting in early January. The Department’s application deadline is December 22. Applications received after this date may be considered only if space and funds are available. Decisions on admissions for applicants with applications completed by December 22 are announced not later than April 1, although some students may be placed on a second or “wait list” status.
 
Applications from students nearing completion of or already holding either a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree are eligible to apply. Students need not hold a Master’s degree in order to apply into the doctoral program

A complete application consists of the following: 1) a completed Texas A&M graduate application form; 2) a completed Political Science Department application form; 3) official transcripts of previous academic work (must be submitted to the Admissions office); 4) official results of the GRE examinations (and TOEFL, where applicable); 5) three letters of recommendation that address academic potential; 6) statement of academic purpose and interest; 7) sample of written academic work (no more than 50 pages). Students may request an interview, if they wish. International students are required to demonstrate ability in English by scoring at least 600 on the TOEFL examination. International students must also meet INS requirements for receipt of an F-1 visa. 

Admissions decisions are based on a careful evaluation by the Graduate Committee of all sources on information provided in the applicant’s file. In addition to grades, test scores, and letters of recommendation, the Committee will consider the fit of the student’s interests with the research interests of faculty members.
 
Students who are admitted may be invited to campus for a Graduate Student Recruitment Weekend, which generally occurs in late March or early April. Students who attend this weekend will be brought to the University at the Department’s expense to meet with current faculty members and graduate students, and to receive an introduction to the Texas A&M program. Students admitted in the initial round of decisions must convey their acceptance of admission to the Department by April 15.