Secondary nav – Graduate
Political Science PhD or Master’s in Political Science
How do I apply to MIT’s Political Science Graduate Program?
Apply online via GradApply at https://gradapply.mit.edu/polisci.
Do I need a master’s degree before applying for a PhD?
No. Regardless of whether they have a master’s degree, all applicants interested in a PhD in political science should submit an application directly to the PhD program. Typically, students accepted into MIT’s Political Science master’s program do not go on to complete a PhD. Many of our PhD students have never held a master’s degree before.
How much is the application fee?
$75. 00 US dollars. Applications received without payment will not be reviewed by the admissions committee.
Can the application fee be waived?
The Office of Graduate Education (OGE) is pleased to offer fee waivers for US citizens and US permanent residents who demonstrate financial hardship, are current or former members of the United States Armed Forces, or who have participated in special fellowship programs, including MIT-sponsored diversity programs and recruitment events. International students attending US colleges and universities, who have participated in MIT sponsored programs, such as CONVERGE or the MSRP, are also eligible to apply for a fee waiver. Read more here.
When is the application deadline?
For admission in September of the following year, the application deadline is December 15th. Admission is for the fall semester only.
Is the GRE General Exam required?
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required. For those taking the GRE, contact ETS to ensure there is enough time for the results to reach us. The institution code is 3514. The department code is 1902.
All applicants, including those with degrees from English-speaking institutions, must take the TOEFL if English is not their first language. An exemption from the TOEFL may be given in a select few circumstances. Applicants must apply separately for a TOEFL waiver. The institution code is 3514. The department code is 92. We now also accept IELTs.
Are there minimum scores required on the GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS tests?
Although there is no minimum GRE score, admission is extremely competitive, and applications with weak GRE scores may suffer. The TOEFL has a minimum score requirement of 600 on paper and 100 online. The minimum score for IELTS is 7. The application will not be reviewed if the applicant does not meet the TOEFL/IELTS requirements.
Do you accept GMAT or LSAT scores in place of the GRE?
No. We require official ETS scores. Applications are not deemed finished until we receive official ETS results. The Admissions Committee may choose not to review incomplete applications.
Is a minimum GPA required to apply?
No, we do not set a minimum requirement because many schools do not calculate GPAs. The applicant pool is academically strong and extremely competitive even though we do not have a minimum GPA requirement.
Does Political Science have a supplemental application?
Please submit two other documents, both in . A copy of your resume and a writing sample in pdf format The writing sample, which is used to evaluate an applicant’s conceptual thinking and analytical abilities, should be no longer than 50 pages. Please provide a writing sample, such as a research paper or a section of a master’s or undergraduate thesis, that best demonstrates your ability to carry out PhD-level research. Any discipline is welcome to submit writing samples; political science courses are not required.
Can I visit the Political Science department prior to applying?
Interviews are not required of our applicants, nor is it necessary to speak with faculty members directly regarding your application. However, we are unable to set up meetings with faculty or current students, and we are unable to accommodate classroom visits. Prospective applicants are welcome to schedule an appointment with the graduate administrator to learn more about the program and admissions process. Go to the main MIT website for more details on campus tours. All program-accepted applicants will be given invitations to attend the department’s Open House in March.
Are applications reviewed as they are received?
Applications are not reviewed until after the December 15th deadline. Admission decisions will be made in late February.
Are all applications treated equally in the admissions process?
Yes. MIT has a non-discrimination policy. Master’s and PhD applications are the only ones that go through separate reviews.
What is the average age of applicants?
Applicant ages vary. Some candidates are fresh out of college, while others are coming from the workforce or another masters program.
What component of the application holds the most weight during the decision process?
In an effort to create the most complete picture of the applicant it can, the admissions committee evaluates every component of the application. The selection committee seeks candidates whose intellectual interests, competencies, aptitude, and experience best align with the departments’ teaching and research programs.
When will I receive a decision from Political Science at MIT?
Decisions will be made in late February.
Is an accepted student allowed to defer?
Deferrals are handled on an individual basis and generally discouraged.
Are new graduate students assigned faculty advisors?
Yes. When a student enrolls, the department assigns a faculty advisor. Typically, the advisor and student are matched based on the student’s area of interest. If students’ fields of interest change during the academic year, faculty advisors may be changed.
Can I transfer credits from another SM or PhD program I have attended?
Our PhD program does not have a set credit requirement, but there are some required courses that must be taken. In some circumstances, prior coursework may satisfy some of our requirements. The chair of the Graduate Program Committee and the student’s advisor review a student’s prior coursework to determine whether it satisfies a particular requirement.
Does the Political Science department fund all graduate students?
We do not fund masters students. Our aim is to fund all incoming PhD students. Funding is based on merit not need. Full tuition, health insurance, and a 9-month stipend are included in the funding package for 5 consecutive years as long as students maintain good grades.
Can an applicant who was not accepted into the program request information as to why they were not accepted?
We are unable to provide specifics as to why an application was rejected due to the high volume of qualified applicants to the Political Science graduate program and the small number of students accepted into the program.
How many years does it take to complete the SM program?
The typical length of the SM program is a full calendar year, or three semesters (fall, spring, and summer).
How many years does it take to complete the PhD program?
It varies depending on the individual. By a student’s fifth semester, all required coursework and general exams should have been finished. At that time, field research and dissertation writing begin. The PhD typically requires at least five years to complete.
What do Political Science Master’s and PhD graduates do after obtaining their degrees?
Graduates of the master’s and doctoral programs in political science work in a variety of fields in academia, government, and business. See Job Placement.
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FAQ
What is the acceptance rate for PhD in MIT?
Acceptance Rate for Graduate Programs The graduate program at MIT is competitive, accepting only about 6 percent of applicants. 7% of applicants.
Is MIT good for political science?
One of the top political science departments in the nation, MIT Political Science hosts a number of significant educational and research endeavors as well as graduate students and faculty of the highest caliber.
Does MIT offer fully funded PhD?
Most departments offer funding to help doctoral students cover the full cost of their tuition, stipend, and health insurance for the duration of their time at MIT.
Is it hard to get into MIT grad school?
Currently, MIT’s acceptance rate is 4. 1%, which means it only accepts around 4 applicants for every 100 people that apply A 4. 1% acceptance rate means that MIT is extremely competitive to get into To even be taken into consideration, you must have excellent grades, test results, essays, and recommendation letters.