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Home > Degree Programs > Doctoral Programs > PhD in Political Economy & Government > Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
For questions regarding deadlines and the application process for the PhD in Political Economy and Government, please visit the GSAS Office of Admissions.
Q. What is the size of the applicant pool? How many will be accepted?
A. Between 125-150 applications are anticipated. Four students will be accepted.
Q. Can I study part-time or is distance learning available?
A. There are no part-time or distance learning options. All course work must be completed in residence full-time at Harvard.
Q. Can the LSAT be submitted in place of the GRE?
A. No.
Q. Is the application deadline the same for the PhD in Political Economy and Government and the PhD in Public Policy?
A. No. The Political Economy and Government application deadline is January 2, 2009. The PhD in Public Policy application deadline is December 12, 2008.
Q: Can a writing sample be submitted in a language other than English?
A. No.
Q: Can a writing sample be co-authored?
A: No.
Q. How long does it take to complete the PhD in Political Economy and Government?
A. The average time to completion is 5.5 years.
Q. What do “full course” and “half-course” mean?
A. A full course is a year-long course that meets several times a week. (There are only a few such courses, all of which are taught at the undergraduate level.) A half-course is a semester course that meets several times a week. (This is the standard structure for a Harvard course.) Note: Some half-courses are taught over the entire academic year. These courses must be taken for the full year in order to get half-course credit.
Q. Must I have an advisor or mentor before I enter?
A. No. The Standing Committee will assign advisors after admissions decisions have been finalized.
Q. Can I change tracks after being accepted into the program?
A. No. Once admitted, degree candidates must remain on the same academic track.
Q. How long do you have to be in residence?
A. A minimum of three years in residence is required.
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- Q. What is the size of the applicant pool? How many will be accepted?
- Q. Can I study part-time or is distance learning available?
- Q. Can the LSAT be submitted in place of the GRE?
- Q. Is the application deadline the same for the PhD in Political Economy and Government and the PhD in Public Policy?
- Q: Can a writing sample be submitted in a language other than English?
- Q: Can a writing sample be co-authored?
- Q. How long does it take to complete the PhD in Political Economy and Government?
- Q. What do “full course” and “half-course” mean?
- Q. Must I have an advisor or mentor before I enter?
- Q. Can I change tracks after being accepted into the program?
- Q. How long do you have to be in residence?