Government (Graduate Field)

Program Website

Field Description

Students are expected to acquire a thorough knowledge of the discipline of political science, including substantial theoretical, conceptual, and substantive competence in a major subject; to provide a clear demonstration of the methodological, linguistic, and other skills needed to conduct original scholarly research; and to acquire at least one semester's experience as a teaching assistant.

Numerous interdisciplinary programs are available to support students’ training and research, including the Cornell Center for Social Sciences, the Mario Einaudi Center for International Studies, the Society for the Humanities, the Peace Studies Program, and various area programs.

Doctoral students are assigned an interim supervisor upon admission. In the second year, students assemble a temporary Special Committee which guides and supervises subsequent academic preparation and assists in preparation for Q exam and field paper (if required). In the third year, students assembled their final Special Committee which supervises the A exam (prospectus defense) and all subsequent dissertation research.

By the end of the second year, students are expected to have taken the Qualifying Field Examination (Q exam). The exam consists of a written exam in the student's major subject. Additionally, before being admitted to candidacy and by the beginning of the third year, students specializing in International Relations and Comparative Politics are required to compose an extended research paper in the student's specialized field of interest. All students are also required to complete their A exam (prospectus defense) by the end of the third year. At this oral exam, the student presents a thesis proposal outlining the hypothesis, data, methods, and resources needed to carry out the dissertation research.

Data and Statistics

Field Manual