How to Apply and FAQ

_{How big is the program? When can I start?}

We accept applications for both a fall and spring start (when space allows), and typically receive over 50 applications to the MA program each year. Our target fall class size is typically 7-10 students, while our target spring class size is no more than 2-3 students. 

• Applications for spring admission are due October 1 of the calendar year prior to admission.  
• Applications for fall admission are due in February of the calendar year of admission. 

_{How long does it take?} 

The Master of Arts in Political Science program is typically completed in 2 years. Graduate-level courses are not typically offered in the summer, so the shortest possible time to completion would be 1.5 years.

_{Do you offer an online degree?}

The Duke Graduate School requires all master's students to be enrolled full-time for at least 3 semesters.  Our department does not offer online courses, therefore the MA program is only offered in-person. 

_{Do I have to submit GRE scores? Can the GRE requirement be waived?}

Our Department requires ALL PhD and MA applicants to report GRE Scores as part of the application process. 

We do not allow waivers or exemptions to the GRE requirement. We also cannot accept scores from another standardized test in place of the GRE.

_{How do I send my GRE scores to Duke?}

The code number for Duke University Graduate School is 5156. Because you are applying for admission to the Graduate School at Duke University, you do not need a department code.

Further detailed instructions on submitting GRE scores can be found in the Application Instructions on the Graduate School admissions website.

Your three letters of recommendation should come from people qualified to speak to your ability to engage in academic work at the graduate level.

Remember to give your recommenders plenty of notice ahead of the application deadline.

Ideally, applicants should obtain letters of recommendation from faculty members, especially those within the political science field. If you are not currently a student, one of your letters of recommendation should come from your current employer (if applicable), in addition to the recommendation letters from faculty members.

All letters of recommendation must be received through the electronic online recommendation system as part of your application. See the Graduate School website for instructions on requesting and submitting letters of recommendation

Submission of a writing sample is required for all Political Science Department Ph.D. and master’s program applicants. This is generally a seminar paper written for a political science class or an article you have written/co-written and/or published/co-published.

• Writing samples should be limited to fewer than 12,000 words.  
• Works Cited and appendices do not count towards this limit.  
• Samples should be uploaded to the Departmental Requirements section of the application. 

Your résumé/curriculum vitae (CV) document should demonstrate your preparedness for graduate study, particularly as it relates to research.

This document should summarize your education, academic achievements, work history, and professional accomplishments, but may also include a list of skills, publications, research experiences, and other credentials.

As part of your application, you will be asked to identify at least one subfield or "specialization" that describes to your area(s) of interest.

Our department is organized around six research fields of study within political science:

1. Normative Political Theory & Philosophy
2. Political Behavior and Identities
3. Political Institutions
4. Political Economy
5. Political Methodology
6. Security, Peace & Conflict

The Duke Graduate School requires that any applicant whose native language is not English submit scores from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the academic modules of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Duolingo English Test with subscores.

_{English Language Proficiency Test Waivers}

You may be eligible for a TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo English Test waiver if you studied full-time for two years at a college or university where the sole language of instruction is English and if the college or university was located in a country where English is the primary spoken language. The two years of study must be completed prior to the start of the program.

For more information, please refer to the Graduate School Application Policies regarding English Language Proficiency Test Scores.

The Duke University Graduate School application fee is $95. 

In order for your application to be considered for review, the application fee must be submitted prior to the posted application deadline for your intended program.

The application fee is nonrefundable and is payable using Visa, Discover, or Mastercard. 

_{Application Fee Waivers}

A limited number of application fee waivers are available to help support prospective students experiencing economic stresses. Fee waiver requests are “first-come, first-serviced” so, we strongly encourage you to apply early.

US Citizens and Permanent Residents: 

Application fee waiver requests for US Citizens and Permanent Residents are processed by the Duke Graduate School Admissions office. Visit the Graduate School Admissions website for information about fee waiver eligibility and instructions for submitting a request. 

All other applicants

Non-US Citizens and other applicants who do not qualify for an application fee waiver through the Graduate School may contact our department directly to request an application fee waiver.  Please note that Department fee waivers are also very limited. 

To request an application fee waiver, please contact the Director of Graduate Studies for your intended program: