As the study of how geographical factors influence international relations, geopolitics may be helpful to political science majors. While many government courses focus on the politics within a country, geopolitics can focus on how a country’s borders may influence surrounding countries, creating power struggles within regions and economic discourse.

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.