How to Apply

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Graduate Admissions Undergraduate Admissions

Admissions Requirements

Admission to the MA or PhD programs in Political Science is open to students who hold a bachelor's degree. A minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) is recommended for admission to the graduate programs. 

Students admitted to the PhD program who do not already hold a master’s degree can earn the MA degree as part of their doctoral studies. 

Students in the master’s program who have completed, or are in the final stage of completing, the MA degree at the University at Buffalo must formally apply for admission to the PhD program in order to pursue the doctoral degree.

Please Note:

U.S. citizens may apply for admission on a part-time basis. However, doctoral students should be aware of the residency requirement and 7-year time limit to achieve the PhD. 

Application Deadlines

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The following deadlines are recommended. 

Fall Admission:

  • Applicants seeking financial assistance from the department: December 1
  • All other international applicants: March 1
  • All other domestic applicants: August 1

Spring Admission:

  • International applicants: October 1
  • Domestic applicants: November 1

Application Instructions

Step 1: Apply Online
 Students who wish to pursue a PhD, MA or joint JD degree in the Department of Political Science must submit an online application and copies of their unofficial transcripts* via the application system.

*Original, official transcripts are only required for all accepted students who intend to enroll.

PhD and MA Application  PhD and MA Application
How to Apply to the JD Degree

Step 2: Submit Additional Supplemental Materials

  • Personal Statement
  • Resume or CV
  • Writing Sample
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation written by persons able to discuss your qualifications for graduate work in political science. These must be submitted by your recommenders electronically.
  • GRE scores are not required but can be submitted electronically through ETS. (University code: 2925; Department code: 1999) 
Non-refundable application fee: $75

After you submit your UB graduate application, you’ll be prompted to make your payment online by credit card or ACH through Nelnet.

U.S. citizens or current permanent residents may request a fee waiver through the application portal after completing the graduate application and uploading all required materials.

International Admissions Requirements

In adddition to the above materials, international applicants must also provide the following:

  • Official results of the TOEFL or IELTS examination. Request official scores to be sent directly to the Department of Political Science. (University code: 2925; Department code: 1999). The University at Buffalo requires international students to have a minimum TOEFL score above 550 on the paper-based test (PBT) or 79 on the internet-based test (iBT). The department generally requires higher scores, especially for admission to the PhD program.***  
  • A certified copy of the International Applicant Financial Form (with applicable supporting documents and signatures). Applicants must show documentation of enough funds for one academic year, in U.S. dollars.
International Applicant Financial Form

***The Graduate Admissions Committee may waive these requirements if other application materials are deemed sufficient to warrant admission to the graduate program.

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