APPLICANT INFO

For the Fall 2009-2010 term, your COMPLETE *application materials must be received by January 15, 2009.

Applicants to the graduate program in political science at the University of Pittsburgh may apply online (This is the application FORM only). However, your application is NOT considered COMPLETE until all *application materials are received.

Note: At present we are not admitting students whose first field of study is Normative Political Theory.

All applications must be submitted electronically. We will no longer process submitted paper applications.

COMPLETE *application materials include:
(a) Application form, (b) application fee $50 (NON REFUNDABLE), (c) career statement, (d) 3 recommendation letters, (e) undergraduate transcript (original), (f) graduate transcript (original), and (g) graduate record examination (GRE) score (original). Non-U.S. citizens applying to the graduate program must also submit (h) TOEFL score (original) as part of their application packet, unless the applicant receives a degree from a US institution. Foreign students who are offered admission must also complete and submit a Supplemental Application Packet for International Applicants, to enable the University of Pittsburgh to begin processing of registration and visa (if required).

GRE
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE), which measures verbal, quantitative, and analytical skills, is widely used by U.S. universities as an index of an applicant's potential for graduate study. The GRE is offered several times each year at sites in the United States and abroad. The annual schedules and other information about the tests can be obtained by mail from:
Educational Testing Service (ETS)
Graduate Record Examination, Box 6000
Princeton, NJ 08541-600, USA
(609) 921-9000 (NJ)
(510) 654-1200 (CA)
Or, more information about the GRE is available from Princeton Review.
University of Pittsburgh (Institution code #2927) (Department of Political Science code #1902)

TOEFL
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is offered several times each year at sites in the United States and abroad. Foreign students, except those who have received degrees from a US institution must submit TOEFL scores as part of their application to demonstrate a sufficient command of English ot meet the requirements of their field. If not available locally, the annual schedules an other information about the TOEFL can be obtained by mail from:
Educational Testing Service (ETS)
TOEFL, Box 6151
Princeton, NJ 08541-6151 USA
(609) 951l-1100

NOTE: GRE & TOEFL application booklets generally are available at U.S. colleges and universities and at U.S. consulates and U.S. Information Service offices abroad. Foreign students should check with these sources before writing to Princeton.

Application Requirements

The Department of Political Science requires

• a brief career statement;
• an official report of your performance on the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) sent directly from the Educational Testing Service. COPIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED;
• an official report of your performance on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if you are a non-U.S. citizen sent directly from the Educational Testing Service. COPIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED;
• official, certified transcripts in the native language accompanied by notarized English translations sent directly from all universities you have attended if you are a non-U.S. citizen;
• all foreign students MUST submit a Supplemental Application Packet for International applicants, including the Certification of Financial Responsibility. To ensure enough time to process the material, foreign applicants are encouraged to get their completed applications to the Department earlier than the official deadline of January 15;
• an application fee of $50 (payable to the University of Pittsburgh).

The career statement (approximately 500 words) should outline your intellectual and professional interests in political science, as well as your reasons for changing graduate programs if you are presently enrolled in an MA program at another institution.

The letters of recommendation are intended to provide independent evaluation of each applicant's potential. The department views submission of letters written by applicants as a form of cheating. Any applications containing letters written by applicants will be downgraded or disqualified.

Questions about the program may be e-mailed to polisci@pitt.edu. Written or telephone inquiries may be directed to:

University of Pittsburgh
Department of Political Science
4600 Wesley W. Posvar Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Attn: Admissions

Telephone: 412-648-7270

Review the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Bulletin online.

Campus Safety

As mandated by federal and state law, the University of Pittsburgh has published a brochure that describes safety and security policies, procedures, and programs, as well as campus crime statistics for the past three years. This information is available online. If you would like a printed copy, please write to:

Campus Safety Information
Mailing Services
University of Pittsburgh
400 N. Lexington Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15260