Apply to Our Program

Students and professors sitting around a table

Thank you for your interest in the Department of Political Science at Purdue University. We admit students to begin in the Fall semester each year. The Application deadline for entry in Fall 2026 is December 7, 2025.

Please follow the guidelines listed below for the fastest, most accurate way to apply to the Purdue Political Science Graduate Program.

You will submit your application through the Purdue University Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars.

Go to this page to create your account, and submit your application.

Here are the materials you need:

1. The OGSPS application

2. The application fee

Application fee waivers are available for specific circumstances as explained here. Please note the Department of Political Science does not have the authority to waive the application fee.

3. An Academic Statement of Purpose and a Personal History Statement

The Academic Statement of Purpose is an opportunity for you to share information that will help reviewers understand your academic interests and objectives, assess your academic background, preparation and training, and determine if you are a good match to the program to which you are applying.

The following topics should be addressed in your Academic Statement of Purpose.

1. What are your professional plans and career goals? How will attending graduate

school assist you in reaching those goals?

2. Describe your research, scholarly, or creative interests. What topics are of particular

interest to you? Reviewers know that interests change over time but try to be as specific as possible.

3. Discuss how your experiences, skills, and abilities have prepared you for graduate

study. Relevant topics may include coursework, work and research experiences,

internships, presentations, exhibits, publications, and community service. If you describe a research or scholarly experience, include information on the topic, research mentor, your

role, and outcomes.

4. Describe how your skills, preparation, and interests are a match for the program to

which you are applying. Identify faculty who share your research and scholarly interests.

Reviewers will want to know that you have researched the program, faculty, and key focus

areas.

The Personal History Statement helps reviewers learn more about you as a whole person and as a potential graduate student. This may include relevant details on community service, leadership roles, participation in diverse teams, and significant barriers that you overcame to attend graduate school.

Required of all applicants:

1. Describe how your background and life experiences contribute to your ability to be
both persistent and resourceful in graduate school.
2. Describe how your life experiences have prepared you to contribute to an academic
community where scholars with diverse research interests, abilities, backgrounds, and
experiences are supported, respected, and valued.
Optional:
3. Please address concerns that you may have that your academic record does not
reflect your true capabilities and discuss mitigating factors that have affected your academic record. Reviewers will be interested in understanding your accomplishments relative to your opportunities.

4. Your resume

5. Your academic writing sample
The writing sample should be an academic paper or research report that displays your writing and analytical skills.

6. Three letters of recommendation from those able to comment on your preparation for PhD level work.

7. English Proficiency for International Students - International applicants whose native language is not English are required to provide proof of English proficiency for admission as explained here.

8. Transcripts
Please submit transcripts to the following address:
Purdue University
Office of Graduate Admissions
Purdue University Graduate School
155 South Grant Street, YONG 170
West Lafayette, IN 47907
Phone: (765) 494-2600
Fax: (765) 494-0136
Email submission: gradadm@purdue.edu
Official transcript(s), bearing the original signature of the registrar and/or the original seal of the issuing institution, are preferred. An unofficial transcript can be accepted so long as it comes from the institution and was not printed from a student account. If you are admitted, you must submit official transcripts and/or academic document(s) from every institution of higher education you attended (regardless of whether or not a degree was received) before you can register for your third session.
Detailed instructions for submitting transcripts can be found here.

GRE: The GRE is not required by the Department of Political Science. Please be aware that some competitive fellowship programs in the College and University, including the newly established College of Liberal Arts Dean's Graduate Fellowship program strongly encourage GRE scores as part of the nomination materials. Purdue's GRE code is 1631.

Supervisor:
Prospective students do not need to secure agreement from a doctoral supervisor in order to apply. However, it is helpful for applicants to indicate in their statement how their research interests align with one or more faculty in the department.

Please note that all applicants, both domestic and international, will be considered for assistantships and fellowships. Graduate assistantships provide a nine-month stipend, tuition, some fees, and a medical insurance benefit. Students are assigned to a mix of teaching and research assistant positions during their time in the program. More information is found here.

Questions? To inquire further about the admissions process, please contact polgradcoordinator@purdue.edu.

Thank you for your interest. We look forward to receiving your application.

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