Frequently Asked Questions

The PhD Program

Q: Do you offer a Master's degree?

A: No, we only offer the PhD in Political Science. You will earn a Master's degree on your way to receiving the PhD, but we do not offer the MA for non-PhD students.

Q: How long will the program take?

A: You can reasonably expect to finish the program in 5-6 years. Political Science PhD students typically spend at least one year in the field conducting research, which is why it may take longer than for other social science doctorates.

Q: Do you offer dual degrees with other programs or departments at UC Berkeley?

A: Currently, the Political Science PhD program does not offer any formal dual degrees.

Application - Required Application Forms and Fees

Q: What forms am I required to fill out in order to apply?

A: You must fill out all sections of the online Graduate Division Application. Please view the application requirements page for additional details.

Q: Is there a Diversity office that can assist me with the application process?

A: You can find helpful resources, links, and tools for successfully completing the graduate application via the Graduate Diversity Program or the Social Sciences Diversity Office.

Q: I am unable to provide the associated application fee. Is there an application fee waiver available?

A: If you are a U.S. citizen or current permanent resident, the application fee is $135; for all others, the fee is $155.

• Fee Waiver (through the Graduate Division): U.S. citizens or permanent residents who can demonstrate financial need are eligible to apply for a waiver of the application fee. See guidelines for waivers.
• Fee Waiver (through the Department): open to all applicants who can demonstrate financial need and other criteria, see our department application fee waiver policy.

Q: Is there an " application checklist" available that can assist me with the application process?

A: An application checklist for Admissions Fall 2025 is available here. 

Transcripts

Q: Am I required to submit official transcripts?

A: Not unless you are admitted to the program and decide to enroll. However, in order to be considered for admission, we must have a digital copy of your unofficial transcripts for ALL courses that you received academic credit for toward a degree. All transcripts should be uploaded to your Graduate Division Online Application

Q: What is the difference between an official and unofficial transcript? Do you accept both?

A: An official transcript is issued directly by your registrar's office in a sealed envelope either to you or mailed directly to us. You are not permitted to see an official transcript. An unofficial transcript is one that you have seen, usually issued on paper or online from your school's registrar's office. You should upload your unofficial transcripts to your Graduate Division Online Application.

Q: I have taken courses at multiple institutions. Which transcripts do you need?

A: We need official transcripts for ALL courses that you received academic credit for toward a degree. A list of transferred courses on your degree transcript is not sufficient.

Q: My institution does not issue grades until after your deadline. What should I do?

A: We must have a transcript on file by the deadline to review your application. Submit a current transcript by the deadline, and send us an updated transcript as soon as grades become available. Please be aware that review of applications begins very soon after the deadline, so we cannot guarantee review of any materials received after that date.

Q: What can I do if I am in a Master's program, and won't have any grades until after the deadline?

A: Ask your registrar's office to send us an official document verifying your enrollment and current course list, as well as a date when we can expect your official grades.

Q: What are the transcript and translation requirements for international students?

A: Please refer to the instructions given by the graduate division about degree requirements for international applicants at http://grad.berkeley.edu/admissions/admis_require.shtml (external link).

GPA Calculation

Q: The online application asks for various GPAs, but my institution does not use a 4.0 GPA scale. What should I do?

A: Ask your registrar's office if they have a standard format for changing your grades to a 4.0 GPA scale. If it is not a simple conversion, you may leave these sections in the online application blank.

Q: In the online Graduate Division Application, they ask for the average GPA of my Upper Division coursework. How do I know which courses to include?

A: UC Berkeley refers to advanced level undergraduate courses as "Upper Division." Generally, these are the courses that may require prerequisites, junior or senior status, and/or are restricted to students within the major. Talk to your undergraduate advisor for further assistance in deciding which courses fit into this group.

Recommendation Letters

Q: How do my recommenders submit their letters?

A: In the online Graduate Division Application, you will be asked to submit the names and email addresses of your letter writers. Fill out the names and email addresses for each of your three recommenders, choose whether you waive your right to access the letters, and whether the recommenders will use the online system to submit letters. Follow the directions in the system closely to ensure that your professors will receive the email with instructions on how to submit their letters online.

Q: My professor would prefer to send the letter by mail. Is that OK?

A: While we strongly prefer to receive letters online, we can accept letters by mail. Ask your recommender to mail the letter directly to the Department of Political Science at the address at the bottom of this page. There is no additional form your recommender needs to fill out. Please remind him or her of our deadline, and that we need to have the letter in our office by that date.

Q: Do you accept letters from dossier services such as my university's career services center?

A: We are happy to accept recommendation letters from either your university's dossier service or Interfolio either as an online upload or by mail.

Q: How many recommendation letters should I submit?

A: We require three letters of recommendation, though you are welcome to submit more if you wish. Please keep in mind that we cannot guarantee that the committee will read more than three letters, so we recommend that you only ask recommenders to submit their letters if you believe they have something substantial to say about your application.

Q: May I ask my current or former employer or other non-academic references to submit letters?

A: We encourage you to select faculty and research mentors who can speak to your abilities to be a successful graduate student. The most informative letters tend to come from professors who you worked with closely and recently, though not all letters need to meet all of these criteria. As a general rule we suggest that at least one recommendation come from a faculty member of the last institution you attended as a full-time student. However, we recognize this may not be feasible if you have been out of school for a number of years.

Standardized Tests

Q: What standardized tests do you require?

A: For the Fall 2025 application cycle GRE scores are required with very few exceptions. If you feel you need a GRE exception, please email us at pscadmit@berkeley.edu. Our committee evaluates applications holistically, and we do not use any threshold of GRE scores to be considered for admission. Ultimately we want to be confident that applicants will be able to develop the technical and communication skills to succeed at doing research, and GRE scores are one indicator among many that we can use to make this determination.

International Applicants from countries where the official language is not English must also take the TOEFL or IELTS. Please refer to the graduate division's requirements for evidence of English language proficiency for exceptions to this requirement and more information at http://grad.berkeley.edu/admissions/admis_require.shtml

Q: What is the institution and department code for UC Berkeley, Political Science Department?

A: UC Berkeley's institution code is 4833. Please DO NOT include a department code or choose the Political Science department when selecting to which schools you would like ETS to send your scores. UC Berkeley receives all ETS scores electronically, which will then be automatically matched with your application and sent on to the department. Help save a tree, and prevent a duplicate printed version from being sent to the department by NOT entering a department code when you request your official GRE scores for UC Berkeley, Political Science Department. Note, for the Fall 2025 application cycle, GRE scores are required with very few exceptions. If you feel you need a GRE exception, please email us at pscadmit@berkeley.edu. Our committee evaluates applications holistically, and we do not use any threshold of GRE scores to be considered for admission. Ultimately we want to be confident that applicants will be able to develop the technical and communication skills to succeed at doing research, and GRE scores are one indicator among many that we can use to make this determination. 

Q: What are the minimum score requirements for the standardized tests?

A: We do not have minimum score requirements for the GRE. However, due to the highly competitive applicant pool we receive each year, the average scores of admitted students are typically in the 80th percentile or higher on each of the three sections of the GRE General Test. For the IELTS and TOEFL, please refer to the graduate division website at http://grad.berkeley.edu/admissions/admis_require.shtml (external link). Note, for the Fall 2025 application cycle, GRE scores are required with very few exceptions. If you feel you need a GRE exception, please email us at pscadmit@berkeley.edu.  Our committee evaluates applications holistically, and we do not use any threshold of GRE scores to be considered for admission. Ultimately we want to be confident that applicants will be able to develop the technical and communication skills to succeed at doing research, and GRE scores are one indicator among many that we can use to make this determination.

Q: My tests are scheduled before the deadline, but I don't think my official scores will reach you by the deadline. What should I do?

A: Immediately after you complete the computer based GRE test, you will receive your quantitative and verbal scores. Include these unofficial scores in the online application before you submit it by the deadline, and we will wait for your official scores from ETS.
Note, for the Fall 2025 application cycle, GRE scores are required with very few exceptions. If you feel you need a GRE exception, please email us at pscadmit@berkeley.edu. Our committee evaluates applications holistically, and we do not use any threshold of GRE scores to be considered for admission. Ultimately we want to be confident that applicants will be able to develop the technical and communication skills to succeed at doing research, and GRE scores are one indicator among many that we can use to make this determination.

Q: I plan to focus on political theory. Does the admissions committee consider the quantitative section of the GRE for my application as strongly as for non-theory applicants?

A: While the relative need for strong math skills for theory students is taken into consideration during the admissions review process, the admissions committee holds all applicants to extremely high academic achievement standards. We recommend you spend time mastering all skills tested in the GRE exam. Note, for the Fall 2025 application cycle, GRE scores are required with very few exceptions. If you feel you need a GRE exception, please email us at pscadmit@berkeley.edu. Our committee evaluates applications holistically, and we do not use any threshold of GRE scores to be considered for admission. Ultimately we want to be confident that applicants will be able to develop the technical and communication skills to succeed at doing research, and GRE scores are one indicator among many that we can use to make this determination. 

Essays

Q: In the online Graduate Division Application, I see that I am required to write a Personal History Statement AND a Statement of Purpose. What is the difference between the two?

A: The Personal History Statement is where you can inform the committee of your background, what makes you unique, and how you came to apply to a PhD program in Political Science. The Statement of Purpose is where you should focus more on your research interests and how you are a good fit with our department. Be sure to read the directions for each essay and answer the questions completely.

Q: There doesn't seem to be a limit on the length of my essays. How long should they be?

A: We do not have a minimum or maximum length for the essays. Focus on answering the questions completely in a concise, well-written manner.

Supplemental Documents

Q: Do I need to submit a writing sample in addition to the essays required in the online application?

A: Yes! You must submit a previously written political science or other social science research paper you have written, including a 250 word abstract on the paper. We also recommend that you submit a CV or resume. You can upload both of these document to the Graduate Division Online Application.

Q: May I mail my supplemental writing sample to the department instead of submitting them online?

A: Please do not submit any materials by paper except recommendation letters if necessary. We do NOT accept printed writing samples. We have limited resources and space, and cannot accommodate additional printed materials from applicants. You should follow the directions in the Graduate Division Online Application to submit your documents electronically.

Admissions Criteria and Application Review

Q: What are your minimum admissions criteria?

A: The department requires GRE scores from within the past five years, but does not have a minimum score requirement. Also, the university requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent with a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. However, due to the highly competitive applicant pool we receive each year, our admitted students typically far exceed the minimum requirements. For more information, please visit the Admission Requirements section on the Graduate Division website at http://grad.berkeley.edu/admissions/admis_require.shtml (external link) Click here for an application checklist. (Note, for the Fall 2025 application cycle, GRE scores are required to apply, with very few exceptions. If you feel you need a GRE exception, please email us at pscadmit@berkeley.edu. Our committee evaluates applications holistically, and we do not use any threshold of GRE scores to be considered for admission. Ultimately we want to be confident that applicants will be able to develop the technical and communication skills to succeed at doing research, and GRE scores are one indicator among many that we can use to make this determination. While we will give full consideration to applications with no GRE scores, in some cases this can make it harder for us to be confident enough to admit a student. GRE scores are most useful to the committee if you aim to do quantitative work, and have not taken much coursework or have other job experience which gives us alternative ways to evaluate your ability to develop these skills.) 

 

Q: How does the admissions process work?

A: A confidential committee of faculty reviews files beginning shortly after our application deadline. Decisions are made within the department and applicants are notified of the department's decision by email and/or phone. The Graduate Division Dean's office then reviews the department recommendations for admission, and notifies those applicants of their official admission by email.

Q: Is it an admission requirement to contact a particular faculty and gain their consent for supervision?

A: No. Students will spend the first three years in the program establishing relationships with faculty to eventually ask them to serve on their dissertation committee, and it is not necessary that you contact potential advisors prior to applying. However, it is required that you name faculty members who you would be interested in working with on your application. Please review faculty pages on our website to determine whose areas of expertise best match your interests. You can also browse our subfield pages and view a list of faculty members associated with each subfield. Ideally, you should be able to identify three or more faculty members with whom you would like to work. Should you have specific questions about their research, you may contact them directly.

Q: When can I expect to hear a decision on my application?

A: The department will contact you by email no later than March 1, usually by mid-February. The department is authorized only to recommend admission decisions to the Graduate Division Dean, but you will receive a final decision from the Dean's office if you are admitted shortly after you hear from the department.

Deadlines

Thank you for taking the time to consider our graduate program. Applications for Fall 2025 will open September 10th of 2024.

Q: When is your application deadline?

A: The deadline for Fall 2025 admissions will close December 2nd, 2024 at 8:59pm PST. We do not offer spring or summer admissions. 

Q: Do all of my materials need to be in by the deadline?

A: Yes! The committee begins the review process shortly after the deadline, so your application must be complete--including a complete application, GRE scores (unofficial scores are OK while we wait for the official scores from ETS), transcripts, and recommendation letters--by the deadline. We may accept transcripts which include Fall 2024 grades after the deadline, but you must send them as soon as possible once your grades are posted. We cannot guarantee that application materials received after the deadline will be reviewed by the admissions committee. Click here for an application checklist. (Note, for the Fall 2025 application cycle, GRE scores are required to apply, with very few exceptions. If you feel you need a GRE exception, please email us at pscadmit@berkeley.edu. Our committee evaluates applications holistically, and we do not use any threshold of GRE scores to be considered for admission. Ultimately we want to be confident that applicants will be able to develop the technical and communication skills to succeed at doing research, and GRE scores are one indicator among many that we can use to make this determination. While we will give full consideration to applications with no GRE scores, in some cases this can make it harder for us to be confident enough to admit a student. GRE scores are most useful to the committee if you aim to do quantitative work, and have not taken much coursework or have other job experience which gives us alternative ways to evaluate your ability to develop these skills.)

Q: What about my GRE scores? ETS says it takes a few weeks to send scores, which means they may arrive at Berkeley after your application deadline.

A: Don't worry about it! All we need to begin reviewing your application is your unofficial scores. As long as we have those by the application deadline, we are happy for wait for your official scores from ETS. Official scores received after the deadline will not affect the status of your application review as long as we have your unofficial scores by the deadline.

For the Fall 2025 application cycle, GRE scores are required to apply, with very few exceptions. If you feel you need a GRE exception, please email us at pscadmit@berkeley.edu. Our committee evaluates applications holistically, and we do not use any threshold of GRE scores to be considered for admission. Ultimately we want to be confident that applicants will be able to develop the technical and communication skills to succeed at doing research, and GRE scores are one indicator among many that we can use to make this determination. While we will give full consideration to applications with no GRE scores, in some cases this can make it harder for us to be confident enough to admit a student. GRE scores are most useful to the committee if you aim to do quantitative work, and have not taken much coursework or have other job experience which gives us alternative ways to evaluate your ability to develop these skills. 

Q: Is there an advantage to applying early?

A: Yes. Due to the huge volume of application materials we receive during the four weeks surrounding the application deadline, we may not be able to provide you with a status update on your application during this busy time. Therefore, it is in your best interest to submit your application and supplemental materials a few weeks early so you will have time to make sure your application is complete by the deadline. Submitting your application early does not improve your chances for admission, except by ensuring your complete application can be reviewed by the committee.

Q: What about my official GRE scores?

A: For the 2025 application cycle, if you plan on taking the GRE, your test date must be no later than December 1, 2024, NO EXCEPTIONS! Be sure to include your unofficial verbal and quantitative test scores in your online application by the deadline, and we will wait for your official scores from ETS. (Note, for the Fall 2025 application cycle, GRE scores are required to apply,with very few exceptions. If you feel you need a GRE exception, please email us at pscadmit@berkeley.edu. Our committee evaluates applications holistically, and we do not use any threshold of GRE scores to be considered for admission. Ultimately we want to be confident that applicants will be able to develop the technical and communication skills to succeed at doing research, and GRE scores are one indicator among many that we can use to make this determination. While we will give full consideration to applications with no GRE scores, in some cases this can make it harder for us to be confident enough to admit a student. GRE scores are most useful to the committee if you aim to do quantitative work, and have not taken much coursework or have other job experience which gives us alternative ways to evaluate your ability to develop these skills.)

If you have any further questions, please contact us at pscadmit@berkeley.edu.