Applying to the Political Science Graduate Program
We are excited that you are thinking about graduate study in Political Science at Eastern Illinois University. Applying is a two step process, and everything is submitted through MyEIU.
Step 1: Apply to the Graduate School
Submit your application materials through MyEIU.
- International students should be sure to select the international option in MyEIU
- U.S. students should select the Graduate School when logging in
Step 2: Apply to the Political Science Graduate Program
After you are admitted to EIU, return to MyEIU to submit your materials for the Political Science Graduate Program.
Good news: applications to the Political Science Graduate Program are accepted year round.
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate Assistantships are available for full time students who can be on campus daily. These applications are also submitted through MyEIU.
- Spring assistantships: applications due November 1
- Fall assistantships: applications due February 16
Need to Make a Change or Have Questions?
We are happy to help and would love to see you join our program.
Admission Requirements
U.S. Residents
- Apply to the Graduate School
- Submit your application and $30 application fee through MyEIU
- Application fee waivers are available, especially for first-generation graduate students, individuals underrepresented in graduate study, and applicants whose life experiences add to the diversity of the program.
- The GRE is not required
- Transcripts and GPA
- Upload or mail undergraduate transcripts to the Graduate School
- Minimum GPA required is 2.75 on a 4.0 scale from an accredited institution
- Graduate School Contact Information
The Graduate School
Eastern Illinois University
600 Lincoln Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920
Email: graduate@eiu.edu
- Apply to the Political Science Graduate Program
- Once admitted to the Graduate School, submit the following in MyEIU:
- Two reference email addresses, ideally from professors or employers
- A professional goals statement
- Optional: Graduate Assistantship application
International Applicants
- Apply Through International Programs
- Submit application materials through MyEIU
- Upload or mail undergraduate transcripts and English language certification to the Office of International Students & Scholars
- Minimum GPA required is 2.75 on a 4.0 scale
- The GRE is not required
- International Office Contact Information
Office of International Students & Scholars
Eastern Illinois University
600 Lincoln Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920
Email: international@eiu.edu
- Tuition Support
- Apply to the Political Science Graduate Program
- After admission to EIU, submit the following in MyEIU:
- Two reference email addresses
- A professional goals statement
- Optional: Graduate Assistantship application
Please note that students cannot receive both a Graduate Assistantship and a scholarship. We recommend applying for both. If both are awarded, the tuition scholarship can be declined.
Application Fee Waiver
- Application fee waivers are available to eligible domestic applicants who are veterans or active military personnel in the United States, current EIU employees, or recipients of the McNair Scholars Program. Please contact Dr. Jin Hong Kim (jhkim2@eiu.edu) if you are eligible to request the fee waiver.
- Please note that receiving a fee waiver does not guarantee admission to the program.
For the 2026-2027 academic year, the application fee will be waived for all applicants during the following periods:
- November 1-December 1, 2026
- February 15-March 15, 2027
- Please note that the Graduate Assistantship (GA) application deadline is February 15 every year.
If you wish to receive an application fee waiver, please submit your application during one of the waiver periods.
