The Political Science Graduate Application Process

The Fall 2008 Ph.D. Program Application Deadline has passed.

Applications are no longer being accepted by the department.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Do you offer a Master's Degree (MA) in Political Science?
A: No. The Political Science department does not offer a terminal Master's degree. Graduate students usually complete an MA degree during their PhD program, but we do not accept students who only want to pursue a Master's degree.
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Q: Do I need to complete both the graduate division online application AND the department supplement?
A: YES. You must complete the online UC Berkeley Graduate Application AND the online Political Science Application Supplement .
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Q: May I submit a paper application?
A: No. The department expects all prospective graduate students to use the online application, and the online departmental supplement.
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Q: May I send my official transcripts and test scores to the Political Science Department before submitting the application?
A: Yes. We will place them on file and retain them for a period of two years. 
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Q: Where do I mail my transcripts?
A: Mail official transcripts to Graduate Admissions, Department of Political Science, 210 Barrows Hall #1950, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-1950. You should also send unofficial transcripts as pdf. files through the required departmental supplement.
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Q: What is an "unofficial" transcript? NEW
A: Most colleges and universities provide online access to your courses and grades, or will provide you with a student copy of your transcripts. You can scan and email either of these and include them with your required departmental application supplement. You are also required to have your institution(s) issue official transcripts to be sent directly to the department.
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Q: How do I convert my grades to the 4.0 GPA scale asked for in the online application? NEW
A: First, check with your registrar's office to ask if they have tools to help you convert your grades to the 4.0 scale since not all institutions use the same grading systems. You may also use the Graduate Division's GPA worksheet found on our department website HERE, or refer to one of many conversion charts accessible online (such as through the Princeton Review).

Q: How should my recommenders send their letters? UPDATED
A: The Graduate Division online application does NOT accept letters of recommendation for political science applicants. Instead, ask your letter writers to send their letters as PDF files to the address listed on our department supplement page. If your recommenders are unable to send letters by email, they may mail them to: Graduate Admissions, Department of Political Science, 210 Barrows Hall #1950, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-1950.
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Q: Is there a form that recommenders need to fill out and include with their letters? NEW
A: Recommenders who plan to mail the letters directly to the department should include the recommender waiver and evaluation form found HERE. However, we strongly prefer that recommenders email their letters to us as PDF files (the department supplement and email address for recommenders can be found HERE). Since the evaluation form cannot be filled out online at this time, they may send their letters without the form if they do not have easy access to a PDF scanner. If this is the case, please be sure to indicate whether you waive your right to access the letters in your online application, and inform your letter writers of your decision. They may then email us the letter without the waiver and evaluation form.
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Q: How do I convert my documents (transcripts, etc.) to PDF format?
A: Please go to http://www.polisci.berkeley.edu/grad/pdfTips.html for more information.
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Q: Will you accept official GRE scores after the December 4 deadline? NEW
A: We require that you TAKE THE EXAM and send us your unofficial scores no later than the December 4 deadline. At the time you take the exam, be sure to include our institution and department code as one of your choices for reporting official scores (UC Berkeley code: 4833; Political Science department code: 1901), which will ensure that we receive your official scores in time to make a decision on your application. We will NOT accept scores from tests taken after the December 4 deadline.
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Q: Do I have to take the TOEFL?
A: Applicants from countries in which the official language is not English or who have not studied for at least one (1) year in a country where English is the official language of instruction are required to submit official evidence of English proficiency - either the TOEFL exam (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Tests taken before June 2006 will not be accepted. The TOEFL iBT testemphasizes integrated skills so that its format and scoring are different from either the CBT or the paper version of the TOEFL. The Graduate Division of the University of California has established a minimum required score of at least 68 / 120 for the purposes of admission for the 2007-2008 cycle. UC Berkeley code: 4833; Political Science department code: 1901.
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Q: If I am a current or former UCB graduate student, how do I apply for doctoral study in Political Science?
A: You will need to petition to change your major or degree goal. The steps are described here.
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Q: If I am a current UCB graduate student in another department, can I earn a master's degree in Political Science?
A: Yes, although there is an application process. See here for information.
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Q: How long will it take to get my PhD?
A: A reasonable estimate of the time necessary for completion of the graduate program is six years; three years of coursework and three years of dissertation research and writing. Students whose dissertations involve more extensive research may take longer to earn their degrees.
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Q: I have completed graduate coursework at another school. Will my credits transfer or the program be any shorter?
A: No. At the doctoral level, UC Berkeley does not accept transfer credits or credits for previous graduate work, which includes work from previous Master's degree programs. All doctoral students must meet the same requirements.
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Q: How will my international degree be viewed in my application?
A: Please read Graduate Division's Statement for International Applicants for information about international degree requirements.
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Q: Does the department or university offer any financial aid for doctoral students?
A: Yes. You are encouraged to apply for financial aid. The required documents to apply for financial aid are included in the online application. US citizens and Permanent Residents of the US must complete the FAFSA at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. See http://students.berkeley.edu/fao/graduate/ for more information and instructions. The Graduate Fellowships Office also offers information on funding opportunities
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Q: Where can I find information about the doctoral program?
A: On this website, you will find information about PhD program requirements for Political Science at Berkeley, as well as information about applying to the program. We no longer mail informational packet and the campus no longer produces paper applications. General information about graduate admissions at UC Berkeley can be found on the Graduate Division's graduate admissions webpage.
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More questions? Contact the Admissions Office: pscadmit@berkeley.edu

Charles and Louise Travers
Department of Political Science
210 Barrows Hall
UC Berkeley
Berkeley, CA 94720-1950

Main Office: 510-642-6323

Admissions: 510-643-4408
Fax:510- 642-9515
pscadmit@berkeley.edu