University of Alberta PhD in Political Science: A Comprehensive Guide

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 equip students with the skills needed for advanced independent research and to prepare them for diverse career paths.

Why Pursue a PhD in Political Science at the University of Alberta?

Choosing to pursue a PhD is a significant undertaking that requires dedication and a passion for inquiry. The University of Alberta’s Political Science department supports doctoral students with comprehensive academic resources. The program encourages prospective students to align their career aspirations with the benefits of doctoral study, offering pathways for both academic and non-academic careers.

Key advantages of this program include:

• Rigorous doctoral-level education.
• Opportunities for in-depth, independent research.
• A variety of specialization options.
• Preparation for comprehensive examinations.
• Flexible dissertation formats.
• Dedicated faculty supervision.
• Support for professional development.
• Preparation for academic and non-academic job markets.
• Access to a dynamic research environment.

Program Duration and Requirements

The PhD in Political Science is a research-intensive degree. It typically takes a minimum of four years to complete, with a maximum allowance of six years. A mandatory residency requirement means students must attend the University of Alberta full-time for two academic years. Much of the doctoral journey involves self-directed research on a chosen political science topic.

Academically, students must complete 18 graduate-level credits, usually equivalent to six graduate courses. All doctoral students are required to take POLS 680, a core course offered annually in the Fall semester. Participation in the Graduate Lab is also mandatory, as this training prepares students for their Comprehensive Examinations.

Areas of Specialization

Students must select two areas of specialization from the following fields:

Canadian Politics

This area focuses on Canadian political institutions, public policy, federalism, political behavior, and governance.

Comparative Politics

Students explore comparative political systems, democratization, political development, state-building, and comparative public policy.

Gender and Politics

This specialization examines gendered political structures, feminist political theory, representation, participation, and public policy related to gender equality.

International Relations

Research in this field may cover global governance, international organizations, security studies, diplomacy, and international political economy.

Political Theory

Students investigate classical political thought, contemporary political philosophy, democratic theory, and concepts of justice and ethics.

Additional courses are typically chosen from 500-level and 600-level Political Science offerings at the university.

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, students should have a designated supervisor.

Year 2

Doctoral students undertake Comprehensive Examinations in their two chosen specialization areas. These exams assess their knowledge and readiness for advanced research.

Year 3

After passing comprehensive exams, 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 comprehensive exams, the candidacy exam, language requirements, ethics training, and all other program requirements except the dissertation itself. At this point, they are officially recognized as PhD Candidates, often referred to as ABD (All But Dissertation).

Years 3-6

From Year 3 to Year 6, students primarily focus on conducting original research, writing their dissertation, publishing scholarly work, presenting their findings, and preparing for post-graduation careers.

Dissertation Options

The University of Alberta offers two pathways for completing the dissertation:

Option 1: Traditional Dissertation

This format typically involves a manuscript of 50,000-80,000 words, structured into 4-7 integrated chapters. It includes an introduction, conclusion, bibliography, and any necessary appendices or research data. The dissertation must present original research, demonstrate rigorous analysis, and make a substantial contribution to knowledge, meeting publication-quality scholarly standards.

The dissertation examination process begins when the supervisory committee approves the work. Two independent examiners, one from outside the University of Alberta, review the dissertation. All five examiners then participate in the final oral defense.

Option 2: Dissertation-by-Publication

An alternative is the dissertation-by-publication format. This includes an introduction chapter, several journal-style research papers, and a conclusion chapter. The key difference from the traditional format is that the body of the dissertation consists of independent, publishable journal articles rather than integrated monograph chapters. Students should discuss this option with their supervisor early in the program, as the format must be approved 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 past five years or by passing a translation examination. The chosen language may relate to the student’s research area. Students specializing in Canadian Politics are typically expected to show French proficiency.

Ethics Training Requirement

All graduate students must complete 8 hours of Graduate Ethics Training (GET). This includes 5 hours through the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and 3 additional hours through departmental seminars or approved university workshops on academic integrity.

Professional Development and Supervision

Professional Development

A professional development component is required for all graduate students. This component aims to enhance research skills, leadership abilities, career readiness, communication, and professional networking.

Supervision and Faculty Support

Admission to the PhD program is closely tied to faculty supervision. Students are admitted when their research interests align with a faculty member’s expertise, and that faculty member agrees to supervise their project. This relationship is vital for research design, dissertation development, publication planning, academic mentoring, and career preparation. Students work with a primary supervisor and two additional faculty members on their supervisory committee.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the PhD in Political Science program are prepared for a wide range of careers. These include roles in academia as professors or researchers, positions in government and public policy as analysts or advisors, and careers in international organizations as political affairs officers or development specialists. Opportunities also exist in the non-profit sector as advocacy specialists or research managers, and in the private sector as political risk analysts or strategic consultants.

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