The Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science at Wayne State prepares students with a strong intellectual interest in political science for careers in academia, government, non-profit organizations and private-sector research firms. The Ph.D. degree in political science indicates not only the achievement of superior knowledge of the major theoretical approaches, research findings, and debates in the discipline but also the ability to initiate, design and carry out independent research.

The study of political science is aimed at understanding and illuminating the nature and problems of government and the role of politics in the modern world. This is accomplished through systematic exploration of the structure and processes of government at different levels and across nations, through the study of individual and collective political behaviour, and through analyses of policy problems and the processes through which public policies are formulated and administered. The field of political science is of special importance to students whose career goals include:

Professions likely to involve participation in public affairs, including law, engineering, criminal justice, public health, social welfare and education.

Administrative or executive positions in government — local, state or federal, and in non-profit organizations dealing with the public sector.

Teaching of political and social science at the secondary, community college and university levels.

Positions in the diplomatic, foreign and overseas programs of the U.S. Government and of large private concerns doing business abroad.

Leadership, research and staff roles in citizen organizations, political parties, economic and social interest groups, municipal research bureaus and nonprofit organizations.