Admission Information
Admissions information for interested students can be found in the links listed below.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Program
Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program
Admission Process
Applicants for admission to the MA and PhD programs must submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test. GRE scores are not required for the MPA program. They should arrange to have three letters of recommendation submitted in support of their application. Applicants should follow our guidelines for writing a Statement of Purpose. Strong statements will clearly express what the applicant wants to study, who they want to study under, and why that faculty member is a good fit for their research interests. Applicants should be aware that if they do not articulate who among our faculty shares their research interests, we are likely to conclude that they are not a good fit for our program. All admission materials are submitted to the Graduate School. Letters of recommendation may either be submitted online by the letter writer, or sent directly to this address:
Mr. Trey Adams
Department of Political Science
Box 870213
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
Deadlines
Applications for fall admission are due by December 1 for full funding consideration. Otherwise, applications for fall admission are due by February 15.
Funding
Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs) are available through the Department on a competitive basis for PhD students, or, very rarely, for exceptional MA or MPA students. All new applicants will automatically be considered for funding. Most GTA positions are awarded beginning in the fall term.
International students who are awarded GTA positions should be aware that they must enroll in the International Teaching Assistant Program (ITAP) and pass a proficiency exam before teaching their own courses. They must pass this exam by the end of the summer following their second year of funding or risk loss of funding.