UC MA/Ph.D. in Political ScienceUniversity of California, Santa Barbara · Santa Barbara, California, United States

Program Overview

Dates and tuition are specific to the 2027 intake

Please check the official program website (link below) for specific writing guidelines

Statement of purpose

Narrative essay; must not duplicate the Personal History Statement.

CV or resume

List positions of employment or volunteer work/community service since high school, including hours per week, nature, and dates.

Personal history statement

Minimum 250 words; typically 1–2 pages.

Recommendation letters x 3

Submitted online by recommenders.

Official transcript(s)

From all post-secondary institutions attended; unofficial copies accepted for review. Official transcripts required if admitted and enrolling.

Academic: Bachelor's degree with B average (GPA 3.0/4.0); Bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited university; at least a B average in undergraduate coursework.
IELTS: 7.0 overall; Required if prior study was not in English.
TOEFL: New scale: 4.0 overall | Old scale: 80 overall; For exams taken on or after 21 January 2026.; For exams taken before 21 January 2026.
GRE: Not considered

Historical admission data is not published.