The PhD program in Political Science at York University is offered through the Faculty of Graduate Studies and takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of politics, with an emphasis on critical thinking and political change. The credential awarded is a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Students are admitted for Fall entry and may study full-time or part-time. The application file includes a resume or CV, a statement of interest of 500 words describing the applicant's research focus, and a seminar paper or a chapter from an MA thesis of under 7,500 words, together with three letters of recommendation. Admission also requires a strong graduate-level academic record, expressed by the program as a minimum B+ average, and, for applicants whose first language is not English, one of several accepted English-language proficiency test scores.
Requirements
Admission Requirements: Applicants require a strong academic record with a minimum B+ average. English-language proficiency is required for applicants whose primary language is not English: TOEFL iBT 100 (or 5 on the new MyBest scale for tests taken from January 2026), IELTS Academic 7.5, Duolingo English Test 140, PTE Academic 76, or CAEL 70 overall with no component below 60. The application requires three letters of recommendation, a resume or CV, a statement of interest (500 words), and a seminar paper or MA thesis chapter (under 7,500 words). Admission is for Fall entry, full-time or part-time.
