The following materials are required for a complete application:
Letters of recommendation: Your three letters of recommendation should be written by individuals qualified to judge your potential as a researcher, scholar, or teacher. Generally speaking, letters from those in business, the military, or public service do not provide us with information that is useful in evaluating an applicant's potential for graduate work in political science. References will be contacted only after your application has been submitted.
Official Transcripts: Applicants are required to electronically upload copies of transcripts (or equivalent documents for institutions outside the U.S., e.g., degree/study certificates, diplomas, etc.) for all post-secondary institutions attended, in the language of instructions (and copies of an official English translation if English is not the language of instruction). See below for more information on this.
Statement of goals: This two-page statement should include: (1) a brief description of your educational background, with specific emphasis on political science and related fields, (2) a discussion of the major fields and specialties in political science that interest you the most, (3) why you wish to study political science at Penn State, and (4) your current career plans and aspirations.
Writing sample: Students should submit either a short paper or an excerpt from a longer paper (such as a senior honors theses, a seminar paper, or a master's thesis). The writing sample should, if possible, demonstrate your skills with data analysis or other research methods.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores: GRE scores are required (general test only). Please have ETS send official copies directly to Penn State (2660).
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores: International students are generally required to submit TOEFL scores. Please have ETS send official copies directly to Penn State. We typically look for a minimum combined score of 630 (paper) / 109 (iBT) score.