We require a bachelor’s or equivalent from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.3, or master’s or equivalent from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.5. Under special circumstances the department may consider applicants with lower GPAs. Applicants must have completed 12 credits of coursework at the upper-division or graduate level in Political Science. At the discretion of the department, students who lack such course work may be admitted on the condition that they remedy that deficiency.

Download Program Handbook
Degree Information

Application Process

  1. Deadlines

    See Graduate College for dates (please note that International students have different deadlines).

  2. Graduate College Application

    Apply online through the Graduate College website. Follow the instructions at that site.

    All required materials must be uploaded into the online application before the department will make a decision on your application.

    Send official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended showing all degrees and dates awarded to the following address:

    University of Nevada, Las Vegas
    Graduate College
    Box 451017
    4505 S. Maryland Pkwy.
    Las Vegas, NV 89154-1017

    (unofficial transcripts: upload to online application)

  3. GRE Scores

    Since 2023, the Political Science Department has not required the GRE for applications to any graduate program. If you would like us to consider your GRE score, you may submit it. Not submitting a GRE score will not be considered a negative factor in the admissions decision. If you have any questions, please contact the graduate coordinator (psc.gradcoord@unlv.edu). If you wish to have your GRE scores considered, you should have your scores sent to (address below).

    University of Nevada, Las Vegas
    Department of Political Science
    Box 455029
    4505 S. Maryland Pkwy.
    Las Vegas, NV 89154-5029

    OR

    Institution Code for UNLV is 4861
    Department/Major Code is 1902

  4. Personal Statement

    The personal statement gives you the opportunity to share why you think you are a good fit and will be successful in our graduate program. Discuss why you are pursuing a graduate degree in political science, and how our department aligns with your academic interests and professional goals. You may also include additional information that you would like the committee to consider, such as personal and professional experiences that have helped prepare you for graduate studies, as well as how you will contribute to a diverse and inclusive academic community at UNLV. Please be concise and limit the statement to 1,000 words.

  5. Writing Sample

    Upload a writing sample to the online application under 'Other Required Documents'. The writing sample should represent your best scholarly effort so far.

  6. Letters of Recommendation

    Use recommendation provider list to input the names and contact information for each recommender (minimum 3 required). Recommendation provider should be former instructors indicating you can do doctoral-level work in comparative and international relations. Recommender provider must submit the letter of recommendation online.

  7. Graduate Assistantships

    If you are a new student to UNLV please complete the graduate assistantship portion in the online application. If you are a current student (you must create a new log-in) and want to apply for a graduate assistantship, follow the process detailed at the Graduate College website. The deadline for assistantship applications is March 1 for the following academic year.