1 GRADUATE COUNCIL MEETING 9 May 2012 102 Kern Graduate ...

I19
The graduate program in Political Science encourages the study of a variety of substantive
concerns, methodological approaches, and research skills. Among the department's special areas
of strength are United States politics and political behavior (legislative politics, public opinion
and voting, parties and interest groups, and judicial process); political and social theory;
international relations and peace science; and the politics of western and eastern Europe, Latin
America, and South Asia; international conflict; international political economy;
democratization; social movements; political culture; gender and politics. A dual-degree program
with Women's Studies and Asian Studies are now available.
Admission Requirements
Entrance to the Political Science graduate program occurs in the fall semester. Applications must
be received by the department not later than January 15 for fall admission. However, the
department will begin accepting applications as of September 1.
The Department of Political Science requires M.A. and Ph.D. program applicants to submit
transcripts, Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores (verbal, quantitative, and analytical), a
statement of career plans and proposed emphasis in political science, at least three letters of
recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant's academic performance, and a writing
sample demonstrating research and/or analytical skills.
The language of instruction at Penn State is English. International applicants must take and
submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS
(International English Language Testing System), with the exceptions noted below. The
minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 for the paper-based test, 213 for the computerbased
test, or a total score of 80 with a 19 on the speaking section for the internet-based test.
Applicants with iBT speaking scores between 15 and 18 maybe considered for provisional
admission, which requires an institutional test of English proficiency upon first enrollment and,
if necessary, remedial course work. The minimum composite score for IELTS is 6.5. Specific
graduate programs may have more stringent requirements.
International applicants are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement who have received a
baccalaureate or a master's degree from a college/university/institution in any of the following:
Australia, Belize, British Caribbean and British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England,
Guyana, Republic of Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, the United
States, and Wales.
Requirements listed here are in addition to general Graduate School requirements stated in the
GENERAL INFORMATION section of the Graduate Bulleting.
Students can be admitted to the master's program or, after passing a Ph.D. candidacy exam, can
be admitted to the Ph.D. program with a master's degree.