Atlantic International University
Doctorate in Political Science
Honolulu, USA
PhD
DURATION
LANGUAGES
English, Spanish, Portuguese
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
STUDY FORMAT
Key Summary
About: Doctorate of Political Science at Atlantic International University is an online, distance-learning doctoral programme based on self-instruction, individualized curriculum, and flexible time-and-place study. AIU evaluates academic record and life experience; faculty and academic advisors help design a custom programme. There are no classrooms and attendance isn't required. Keywords: governance, public policy, international relations, political theory.
Career Outcomes: Most political scientists work in colleges and universities as researchers and teachers. Others join government agencies, consultancies, research organisations, civic associations, unions, firms, or media. Graduates may become faculty, policy analysts, political consultants, think-tank researchers, government advisors, management trainees, or research assistants.
Doctorate of Political Science at AIU:
The Doctorate of Political Science program provides students with valuable, comprehensive knowledge of government and global politics, preparing them to analyze complex political problems and recognize potential solutions in both the public and private sectors. The Doctorate of Political Science program is offered online via distance learning. After evaluating both academic record and life experience, AIU staff working in conjunction with Faculty and Academic Advisors will assist students in setting up a custom-made program, designed on an individual basis. This flexibility to meet student needs is seldom found in other distance learning programs. Our online program does not require all students to take the same subjects/courses, use the same books, or learning materials.
Watch and learn more about AIU today!
Instead, the online Doctorate of Political Science curriculum is designed individually by the student and academic advisor. It specifically addresses strengths and weaknesses with respect to market opportunities in the student’s major and intended field of work. Understanding that industry and geographic factors should influence the content of the curriculum instead of a standardized one-fits-all design is the hallmark of AIU’s unique approach to adult education. This philosophy addresses the dynamic and constantly changing environment of working professionals by helping adult students in reaching their professional and personal goals within the scope of the degree program.
Important: Below is an example of the topics or areas you may develop and work on during your studies. By no means is it a complete or required list as AIU programs do not follow a standardized curriculum. It is meant solely as a reference point and example. Want to learn more about the curriculum design at AIU? (Course and Curriculum)
Core Courses and Topics in Political Science:
- Public Administration
- Organizational Behavior
- Presidency
- Legislation
- Government
- Foundations
- Research Methods
- Political Theory
- Quantitative Methods
- 20th Century Political Thought
- West European Politics
- East European Politics
- Middle Eastern Politics
- Asian Politics
- Political Protest & Revolutions
- International Relations
- International Law
- Foreign Policy
- World Politics
- Judicial Systems
Orientation Courses:
- Communication & Investigation (Comprehensive Resume)
- Organization Theory (Portfolio)
- Experiential Learning (Autobiography)
- Seminar Administrative Development (Book Summary)
- Seminar Cultural Development (Practical Experience)
- Seminar International Development (Publications)
Research Project in Political Science:
- Doctorate Thesis Project
- MBM300 Thesis Proposal
- MBM302 Doctorate Thesis (5,000 words)
Publication: Each Doctorate of Political Science graduate is encouraged to publish their research papers either online in the public domain or through professional journals and periodicals worldwide.
Career Center Doctorate of Political Science
Job Description
Political scientists are social scientists who study government and politics. They analyze many areas of political behaviour, including voting, public opinion, taxation, and public administration. Knowledgeable in different forms of government that have existed throughout histories, such as democracies, republics, and monarchies, political scientists also examine the ideas and theories behind these political systems. They analyze the structure and operation of governments at all levels and the effects that these governments have on the people who live under them. Political scientists also study the patterns, sources, and psychology of political power. They collect large amounts of information and then try to organize it into a theory or system that will explain some areas of politics or government. Political scientists often make use of computerized data in the course of their work.
Professional Associations
- The American Political Science Association (APSA)
- Public Choice Society (PCS)
- American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR)
Resources and Tools
Political Science Resources
Skills Obtained
Political scientists often read books, look up facts in libraries, study voting records, survey public opinion, analyze proposed legislation or laws already passed, interview public officials, and observe political meetings. They usually write reports, articles, or books on their findings. They may also give lectures and oral reports to legislative staffs or committees.
The majority of all political scientists are employed by colleges and universities. They do research and teach political science. Sometimes they also teach related subjects, such as economics or history, especially in smaller colleges. Other political scientists work for government agencies. Some work in state capitals or overseas. The remainder of political scientists works either as consultants or full-time staff members for political or research organizations, civic associations, labor unions, large private companies, management consulting firms, radio and television stations, newspapers, or magazines. People with a Doctorate's degree in political science can get jobs as management trainees or research assistants.
