Political Science

• Transcripts
• Recommendation Letters
• Academic Statement of Purpose
• Personal History Statement
• Academic Writing Sample (not required for Certificate and Non-Degree applicants)
  • The writing sample should be an academic paper or research report that displays the applicant’s writing and analytical skills.
• Resume

The following English proficiency minimum scores are required by this program for the tests listed below. To view additional English proficiency options accepted by this program and the Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars, visit the English Proficiency Requirements page.

Duolingo: Minimum Overall Required Score: 130
Minimum section requirements:

• Comprehension: 120
• Conversation: 120
• Literacy: 120
• Production: 120

TOEFL: Internet-Based Test (IBT): Minimum Overall Required Score: 100 (For exams taken before January 21, 2026)
Minimum section requirements:

• Reading: 22
• Listening: 22
• Speaking: 27
• Writing: 22

TOEFL: Internet-Based Test (IBT): Minimum Overall Required Score: 5 (For exams taken on or after January 21, 2026)
Minimum section requirements:

• Reading: 4.5
• Listening: 5
• Speaking: 5.5
• Writing: 4.5

TOEFL: Essentials: Minimum Overall Required Score: 11
Minimum section requirements:

• Reading: 11
• Listening: 11
• Speaking: 11
• Writing: 11

IELTS: Minimum Overall Required Score: 7.0
Minimum section requirements:

• Reading 7.0
• Listening 6.5
• Speaking 8.0
• Writing 6.0 

• Cumulative Grade Point Average from most recently conferred undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree:
  • 3.0 or equivalent (A=4.0)

• Current master’s students wishing to move to a doctoral degree program in this same graduate program will not be required to submit a new application.