See separate instructions for MPA and Public Management Certificate programs.
Eligibility Requirements:
To be eligible to apply to our MA and PhD programs, you must meet the following minimum requirements:
- an accredited bachelor's degree in a closely related discipline (as reflected in official transcripts submitted to the NAU Graduate College), with a completion date prior to the beginning of the first term of graduate study
- cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 OR at least 6 units of subsequent coursework at the graduate level with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
Applications which do not meet these criteria will not be considered.
Applicants are not required to have a master's degree to apply for admission to the PhD program. The admissions committee may, dependent upon the applicant's academic record, elect to offer such students admission to the MA program.
Required Materials for Application:
- Application to the NAU Graduate College: submit on-line application, pay application fee, and have prior institution(s) send official transcripts to the Graduate College. The on-line application is the preferred method; for those who cannot use the online method, a paper alternative is available. For detailed instructions see Graduate College application procedures at http://www.nau.edu/gradcol/appoptions.htm. International Applicants: You must also submit TOEFL scores and meet all other requirements of the Graduate College for foreign applicants (http://home.nau.edu/gradcol/international.asp). The department minimum TOEFL score is 237 (computer-based), 580 (paper-based), or 93 (internet-based).
- Department of Political Science application: If you use the on-line application process to apply to the Graduate College, that application serves as the Department application as well. The online application is the preferred method. If you must apply on paper, two separate application forms (available on the Graduate College and Department websites, respectively) are required. Please use the paper application process only if you cannot use the online method, and carefully follow the instructions for those applying on paper.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores: Have your official scores reported to NAU (Institution Code 4006; Department Code 1999 or 1902). There is no set minimum score; ranking at the 70th percentile in each testing area is preferred. Scores must be no more than 5 years old as of the application deadline.
- All the items listed below: Submit electronically in conjunction with the online application process, or if you are sending hard copies, mail to the Department of Political Science, at Post Office Box 15036, Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5036 (address for in-person delivery or express services is NAU Political Science Dept., Social & Behavioral Sciences Bldg. #65, Room 224, Flagstaff, AZ 86011). See additional instructions regarding recommendation letters.
Short essay (2-5 pages) discussing academic & research interests and long-range plans
Sample of your written work demonstrating your analytical and writing skills
Resume or curriculum vitae detailing relevant academic experience and employment
Three letters of recommendation from writers acquainted with your ability to successfully pursue graduate study (and, if applicable, your ability to perform duties as a graduate assistant). IF your recommenders are submitting their letters electronically in conjunction with the online application process, they use only the online form; no additional forms are required. The electronic option is available to your recommenders ONLY if you apply online. IF you apply on a paper application, the recommendation letters must include the department recommendation form, available on our website at http://www4.nau.edu/sbs/pos/Grad%20Forms/letterrecom.pdf in addition to a narrative letter.
Application Deadline and Cycle:
- There is one admission review period per year, in spring for the following academic year (fall and spring).
- February 15 is the deadline for receipt of all admissions materials. Files must contain ALL required materials on that date. Applications lacking any required items on Feb. 16 will NOT be considered.
- The admissions cycle (open period for receiving applications) is Oct. 1 through Feb. 15. Between Feb. 16 and Sept. 30 the department may implement changes to its programs and/or the application procedure, and therefore does not accept applications during that time.
- The department does not admit MA and PhD students provisionally, except that students who will complete a required degree in spring or summer are admitted conditional upon completion of that degree.
- Admitted students who cannot begin their graduate study in the semester of admission may request a deferral of one year. To wait longer than a year, students must reapply and meet current requirements.
- Materials received in connection with an application for admission become the property of NAU. If an applicant is not admitted or does not attend, admissions documents will be destroyed per NAU policy.
Financial Aid - Assistantships and Scholarships
Applicants who wish to be considered for a Graduate Assistantship and/or a Graduate Scholarship (tuition waiver) may so indicate on the admission application; no separate form is required. Applicants may apply for both forms of assistance (though only one type can be awarded in any given term). A limited number of assistantships is available each year, and the selection process is highly competitive.
Admissions Decision Process
The department's Graduate Programs Committee gives full consideration to all applications that meet the submission deadline and eligibility requirements. The committee considers the strengths and weaknesses of the application as a whole. The decision process is usually completed by mid-March, and the Graduate College notifies students of the decision.
If you do not meet the minimum GPA requirements:
Candidates whose undergraduate GPA is under 3.0 may resolve the deficiency by completing two Political Science graduate courses (6 credit hours) in which they earn a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. The courses must be completed PRIOR to the application deadline; coursework in progress at the time of the filing deadline or anticipated after the deadline is not applicable.
Additional Info:
If you have further questions about the application process, please check out our Frequently Asked Questions page, or contact us directly if you do not find the information you need (Graduate Programs Administrator, 928-523-6544, political.science@nau.edu).
