Loyola University Chicago

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Graduate Admission

Applicants for admission to graduate study must hold a bachelor's degree with at least 24 semester hours of undergraduate course work in political science or related fields.

M.A. Program

Acceptance into the master's program is based on a consideration of the following:

  • Undergraduate academic record, both overall and in political science
  • Scores on Graduate Record Examination (general section)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • A statement of purpose, not to exceed two double-spaced pages, describing academic interests and professional goals
Ph.D. Program

Acceptance into the doctoral program is based on a consideration of the following:

  • Undergraduate academic record, both overall and in political science
  • Graduate academic record, if applicable
  • Scores on Graduate Record Examination (general section)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • A statement of purpose, not to exceed two double-spaced pages, describing academic interests and professional goals
M.A. and Ph.D. applicants from abroad whose native language is not English are also required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as part of their application.

Students with M.A. degrees in political science may apply for admission into the Ph.D. program. Students may be allowed to transfer up to 30 credits of graduate work from another university program based on a department evaluation of the transcript and, when appropriate, a written examination in course-specific fields.

To apply for a graduate program in Political Science, please visit to the Graduate and Professional Enrollment. Application deadlines are as follows:

  • June 1 for Fall Semester registration
  • October 1 for Spring Semester registration
  • Ph.D. students applying for funding must enter the program in the Fall and must submit all application materials by February 15.


For further information, please contact Professor Peter J. Schraeder, Graduate Program Director.  Email: pschrae@luc.edu.  Office phone: 773-508-3070.

Department of Political Science
Loyola University Chicago · 1032 W. Sheridan Road, Damen Hall, 9th Floor, Chicago, IL 60660
Phone: 773.508.3047 · E-mail: smezey@luc.edu

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