We are pleased that you are interested in graduate studies in Political Science at UK! The department has a distinguished history of research and our graduate program trains students to be both excellent teachers and leading scholars. As part of the program, students have the ability to major in American Politics, Comparative Politics, and International Relations, working closely with faculty members in these areas.

Admission to the Political Science Graduate Program at the University of Kentucky is internationally competitive. We only accept applications for matriculation in the Fall semester (rather than Spring or Summer). Applicants should submit their materials by January 15 to ensure a complete review. Applications are accepted after this date,however later applications may miss key financial aid and admission decisions. For more information click here.

Graduate student support is a significant part of PhD study in Political Science at UK. This support can range from resources like skills workshops and computing facilities to housing and financial aid. In the department, students have the opportunity to present their work for feedback during our weekly research colloquium. As a result, graduate students regularly publish in leading journals such as International Studies Quarterly, Comparative Political Studies, and Political Research Quarterly, often working in collaboration with faculty. For more information on the support UK provides please click here. 

Our placement record is perhaps the strongest area of growth within our graduate program.  Our recent placements (within the last three years) include tenure-track positions at the University of Idaho, Virginia Military Institute, Hawaii Pacific University, and Radford University. Click here to see where some of our previous graduate students are currently working.