The following links contain helpful information for students interested in admission into graduate school in the department of political science:

Please use Apply Web.

If you are an international student, please review the instructions listed at: http://www.uh.edu/admissions/international/how-to-apply/steps-applying.

After completing the application form online, please proceed to “Admission Information” for the graduate program in political science. Note that there are different application requirements for U.S. citizens and international students.

Application Deadline

Applicants for the fall semester should submit completed applications by February 15.

The department of political science occasionally admits students in the spring semester, particularly candidates who have started graduate study at other universities. The deadline for spring admission is October 15.

If you need further assistance with the application process, please contact Bryan Cole, interim graduate adviser, at jbcole@central.uh.edu.

Application Requirements (U.S.)

Applicants who are U.S. citizens must submit the following items for admission into the graduate studies program:

• Graduate Application: Apply Online.
• Statement of Purpose: A brief essay (a few paragraphs should suffice) stating why you want to get a graduate degree, what you will do with it once you graduate and how your scholarly interests fit with the resources of the department. The statement of purpose not only serves as a writing sample, it allows us to evaluate whether you are a good candidate for this program. The statement, along with any other writing samples, must be uploaded via myUH. Please see the Graduate School Application and make sure to upload the statement under “Optional-Misc. Items.”
• Three letters of recommendation, preferably from past instructors who can comment on your academic work in detail. Your online application will request the names and contact information of three references. Once you submit the application, a message will be sent to each of them requesting the letter.
• A non-refundable $65 application fee is required. Payment must be made in the form of credit card.
• Official GRE scores: Applicants should send their official GRE scores to the University of Houston Graduate School (ETS School Code: 6870). GRE scores are only mandatory for applicants to the PhD program. Students who have earned or are about to receive an MA in Political Science or a closely related field, or a law degree are not required to submit GRE scores. At this time applicants to the MA program are not required to submit GRE scores.

All transcripts must be mailed to the following address:

UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON
GRADUATE ADMISSIONS
P.O. BOX 3947 
HOUSTON, TX 77253-3947

Application Requirements (International)

In addition to the application requirements for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, applicants who are international students must submit the following items for admission into the graduate studies program:

• Evidence of satisfactory English proficiency. All graduate applicants, regardless of citizenship status, must demonstrate proficiency in English to obtain admission to the University. Please visit the Graduate School's website for international students to find current rules including specific criteria for satisfying the English proficiency requirement.
• Original or certified transcripts of previous education both in the original language and the English translation. The graduate program will evaluate the coursework for the last 60 semester hours completed and the degree in addition to test scores and letters of reference to determine an applicant's admissibility. If you have any questions about the credentials required, please contact the office of international admissions.
• Syllabus, catalog or bulletin translated into English from the foreign college or university attended that describes coursework taken will be required before a transfer credit evaluation can be completed.
• Statement of Understanding The Statement of Understanding is a form explaining the conditions of acceptance into the University of Houston graduate studies program. This form must be signed by all international students.
• Letter of Financial Backing The University of Houston requires confirmation of financial resources for each applicant who is not a U.S. citizen.
• Two Passport-Sized Photos
• Applicants who hold student (F-1) or other temporary visas should refer to the Information for International Students brochure and application booklet available from the office of admissions. (See the important contact addresses and phone numbers section.)
• All transcripts, along with all other supporting documentation listed below, must be mailed to the following address:

UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON
GRADUATE ADMISSIONS
P.O. BOX 3947
HOUSTON, TX 77253-3947

A non-refundable $140 application fee is required. Payment must be made in the form of credit card.

Acceptance

When all required documents are on file, an admission decision will be made by the department. If you have been notified of your acceptance, you will also receive information regarding orientation, which occurs prior to the start of the semester. The University encourages students to apply well in advance of the deadlines to ensure a complete review of all qualifications. 

Applications are valid only for the specific semester applied.

Residency Requirements

Generally, applicants who have resided and been employed in the state of Texas for 12 consecutive months prior to the time of enrolling in an institution of higher learning are entitled to be classified as residents. Foreign nationals who hold F-1 or any other temporary visas are considered nonresidents and are required to pay the nonresident/foreign tuition charges.

Students granted teaching or research assistantships from the department of political science are eligible for a waiver of nine hours per semester of nonresident tuition. For more information, please contact the Interim Graduate Adviser Bryan Cole at jbcole@central.uh.edu.

Students are responsible for registering under the proper residency classification. If there is a question regarding residency classification, students are responsible for raising the issue with the appropriate administrative officials at least three weeks prior to registration.

Contact Information

For further information, please contact:

Mailing Address

University of Houston
Department of Political Science
3551 Cullen Boulevard, Room 447
Houston, TX 77204-3011
Tel:  713.743.3890 
Fax: 713.743.3927

Online: uh.edu/class/political-science/

International Students

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

GRE Applications may be obtained from: