Student Resources
The following resources aid current graduate students in planning their doctoral program, funding their attendance and conferences, and participating in the departmental community.
Graduate Student Manual
A detailed description of the graduate program in Political Science.
2019-2020 Comprehensive Exam Dates
- Saturday, September 7, 2019
- Saturday, January 25, 2020
- Monday, June 1, 2020
2020-2021 Comprehensive Exam Dates
- Saturday, September 5, 2020
- Saturday, January 16, 2021
- Tuesday, May 18, 2021
Comprehensive Examinations and Guidelines
- American Politics
- Comparative Politics
- Constitutional Studies
- International Relations
- Political Theory
- Previous Exam Questions
Field Expectations for Annual Reviews
- American Politics
- Comparative Politics
- Constitutional Studies
- International Relations
- Political Theory
Grants and Fellowships
A number of Notre Dame centers and institutes offer grants for students' research and professional development, as well as conference presentation. Visit the Office of Grants and Fellowships for more details on funding opportunities.
Forms
- Advising Agreement
- Publication Submission Form
- Grant Proposal Submission Form
- Transfer Credit Form
- Academic Year Funding Application & Progress Report
- Dissertation Year Fellowship Application
- Language Requirement Form
Travel and Expense Reporting
The University has converted to a mandatory electronic reporting system. Use the TravelND Guide to assist you in your expense reporting. Please direct any specific questions to the Graduate Program Coordinator.
- 2019-20 Department Conference Funding Policy
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Mileage Justification Form - The purpose of this form is to document mileage claimed when using a personal automobile for a business trip that is in excess of 1,000 miles (round-trip).
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Student Business Travel Certification Form - A completed Student Business Travel Certification Form must be submitted with a travel expense report when requesting reimbursement to a student for University business travel in order for the payment to be made on a tax-free basis under the University’s Accountable Plan rules. Please email a copy to the Graduate Program Coordinator in advance of submitting your expense report.
Gender Studies Minor
Graduate students pursuing a doctoral degree in Political Science have the opportunity to complete a minor concentration in the Gender Studies Program. A graduate minor gives students opportunities to interact with other students and faculty from numerous disciplines, contributing to the ability to expand and deepen their degree. For doctoral students, combining gender studies with political science can promote their candidacy for a wider range of tenure-track positions. For more information, visit the Gender Studies website.
Peace Studies Minor
Graduate students pursuing a doctoral degree in Political Science have the opportunity to complete a minor concentration in Peace Studies. The graduate minor gives students access to classes taught by core faculty members at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, who are among the premier scholars in the field. For doctoral students, combining concentrated coursework in peace studies with political science can enhance their scholarship and expand their professional opportunities. For more information, visit the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies website.
Graduate Career Services
Graduate students are encouraged to set up 1:1 appointments with Arts & Letters Graduate Career Consultant, Erik Simon, through the Graduate Career Services' career management system "Handshake." Erik works with students on career exploration, the application process, job search, and interviewing. He also works alongside the Director of Graduate Studies and Placement Director to support students in securing jobs both inside and outside of academia.