University Catalog 2007-2008

University Catalog > College of Humanities and Social Sciences > Public and International Affairs

Public and International Affairs

  • Graduate Programs

    • Phone: 703-993-1400

    Web: pia.gmu.edu

    Faculty

    Robinson Professors: Heclo, Paden

    Emeritus Faculty: Brown, Clark, Early, Gortner, Hart-Nibbrig, Knight, White

    Professors: Cioffi-Revilla, Conant, Conlan, Druckman, Dudley, Katz, Posner, Regan, Sockett, Wan, Wilsford

    Associate professors: Hackler, Harbour, Lukacs, Mahler, Mandaville, McFerson, Nguyen, Sacco, Snyder, Toepler, Travis

    Assistant professors: Balint, Benjamin, Brigety, Burt, Dueck, Koblentz, McDonald, McGlinchey, Miller, Tsvetovat

    Term assistant professors: Burroughs, Bushée, Feit, Robbins, Walker

    Adjuncts: Becelia, Butler, Combs, Day, Dinella, Edner, Fant, Froehlich, Ghosh, Hall, Hauss, Heniff, Long, Maslyn, Raffety, Sauer, Shafroth, Shiraev, Stahl, Swanson, Tadie, Taylor, Tibbets, Vance, Willett

    Affiliate faculty: Casamayou, Connolly, Rossell, Shogan

    Course Work

    The Public and International Affairs Department offers all course work designated BIOD, GOVT, and PUAD in the Course Descriptions chapter of this catalog.

    Undergraduate Programs

    Government and International Politics, BA

    In addition to satisfying university-wide general education requirements and requirements for the BA degree in CHSS, students majoring in government and international politics must complete the following. With careful planning, some courses required for the major may also fulfill college or university general education requirements. See an advisor before registering.

    Only courses passed with a grade of C (2.00) or better may be used to fulfill major requirements.

    Public Administration, BS

    In addition to satisfying university-wide general education requirements for the BS, students majoring in public administration must complete the following. With careful planning, some courses required for the major may also fulfill university or college general education requirements. See an advisor before registering.

    Option A

    Information technology: GOVT 359, 459; any CS, INFS, IT, or MIS course; STAT 362; SOCI 405

    Option B

    Foreign language: One modern foreign language through the intermediate level

    Only courses passed with a grade of C (2.00) or better may be used to fulfill major requirements (which include GOVT courses, major supporting courses, and Option A or B courses). The following courses can be applied to only one major requirement: IT/STAT250; GOVT 343, 358, and 464.

    Writing-Intensive Requirement

    The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated "writing intensive" in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in government and international politics, and public administration may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing the 300-level GOVT courses in their major programs.

    Honors Program

    Qualified students majoring in government and international politics, and public administration may pursue advanced work leading to graduation with honors from the Department of Public and International Affairs. Those highly qualified students selected for the honors program participate in a two-course sequence, GOVT 491 and 496. To graduate with honors, students must complete these courses with a GPA of at least 3.00.

    Teacher Licensure

    Students who wish to become teachers should consult the College of Education and Human Development chapter and attend an information session early in their undergraduate career. For more information, call 703-993-2892, e-mail gseadmit@gmu.edu, or go to gse.gmu.edu.

    Interdisciplinary Minors

    The department coordinates the interdisciplinary minors in Asia-Pacific studies, global systems, and urban and suburban studies. It participates with the Philosophy Department in the minor in political philosophy. See the Interdisciplinary Minors section in this chapter for descriptions.

    Minors

    For policies governing all minors, see the Academic Policies chapter of this catalog. All courses applied to any minor offered by Public and International Affairs require a grade of C (2.00) or better.

    Minor in American Government

    This minor develops knowledge of the principles, institutions, and behaviors of the American political system. Students must complete 18 credits of government courses, including GOVT 103 Introduction to American Government and five additional courses chosen from the following:

    Minor in International/Comparative Studies

    This minor increases students' awareness of the regions and current issues of the world on theoretical and practical levels. Students must complete 18 credits of government courses, including GOVT 132 or 133 Introduction to International/Comparative Politics, and five additional courses chosen from the following:

    Minor in Legal Studies

    This minor focuses on the constitutional foundations, interpretation, processes, and functions of domestic and international law. Students must complete 18 credits of government courses, including GOVT 103 Introduction to American Government and GOVT 301 Public Law and Judicial Process, and four additional courses from the following:

    Minor in Public Policy and Management

    This minor introduces students to the theory and process of policy formulation and implementation in the political and governmental arena. A minor in public policy and management requires 18 credits of government courses, including GOVT 103 Introduction to American Government, GOVT 351 Introduction to Public Administration, and four additional courses from the following:

    Accelerated Master's Program in Political Science

    Highly qualified undergraduates may apply to the accelerated master's degree program and obtain both BA and MA degrees after satisfactory completion of 150 credits. Well-prepared undergraduates are encouraged to apply as they near completion of 90 credits. Admitted students are able to use up to 6 graduate credits in partial fulfillment of requirements for the undergraduate degree. On completion and conferral of the undergraduate degree with satisfactory performance (3.00 in each course, grade of B or better) in graduate courses, students are given advanced standing in the master's program. All other master's degree requirements must be met.

    Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher and submit an application, two letters of recommendation (preferably from professors), and a resume. The one-page application can be obtained at the graduate admissions desk in the Department of Public and International Affairs.

    Accelerated Master's Program in Public Administration

    Highly qualified undergraduates may apply to the accelerated master's degree program and obtain both BA and MPA degrees after satisfactory completion of 150 credits. Well-prepared undergraduates are encouraged to apply as they near completion of 90 credits. Admitted students are able to use up to 6 graduate credits in partial fulfillment of requirements for the undergraduate degree. On completion and conferral of the undergraduate degree with satisfactory performance (3.00 in each course, grade of B or better) in graduate courses, students are given advanced standing in the master's program. All other master's degree requirements must be met.

    Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.40 or higher and submit an application, two letters of recommendation (preferably from professors), and a resume. The one-page application can be obtained at the graduate admissions desk in the Department of Public and International Affairs.

    Graduate Programs

    Biodefense, MS

    The MS in biodefense provides students with a background in the foundation of science and technology of biodefense and the specialized areas of threat assessment, nonproliferation, and medical and public health preparedness.

    Admission Requirements

    Students must meet the admission standards and application requirements of the university. See the Graduate Admission Policies section of the catalog. Because of the breadth of the program, students with backgrounds in science or other areas, such as international affairs, political science, law, public policy, and conflict resolution, are encouraged to apply.

    In addition to fulfilling the admission requirements for graduate study, applicants must submit:

    Degree Requirements

    Students must successfully complete 30 credits distributed as follows. Students may do an optional thesis or project with approval of the program director or complete the degree with additional electives.

    The thesis option involves original research and independent acquisition and interpretation of data. Students pursuing the thesis option must defend their thesis and present their results in a public seminar. The project option may be employment-related research, a comprehensive report resulting from an internship, or a publication-quality professional paper. Students pursuing the project option must successfully complete written and oral comprehensive exams. See the Academic Policies chapter of the catalog for policies governing all master's theses.

    Biodefense, PhD

    The doctoral program in biodefense integrates knowledge of potential pathogenic agents used in biological warfare with policies and strategies for enhancing biosecurity. Other areas of biodefense including nonproliferation, intelligence and threat assessment, and medical and public health preparedness are integral parts of the program.

    Admission Requirements

    Students must meet the admission standards and application requirements of the university. See the Graduate Admission Policies section of the catalog. Because of the breadth of the program, students with backgrounds in science and other areas, such as international affairs, political science, law, public policy, and conflict resolution, are encouraged to apply.

    In addition to fulfilling the admission requirements for graduate study, applicants must submit:

    Degree Requirements

    Students must successfully complete a minimum of 72 graduate credits. In addition to core courses and a colloquium, students develop a program of study in consultation with a faculty advisor. Following completion of all required course work, students pass a doctoral candidacy exam, are advanced to candidacy by the dean, and complete a dissertation. The dissertation consists of an original and independent research project in biodefense and demonstrates mastery of the subject matter, as well as required methodologies.

    Students must present the results of the dissertation research to their dissertation committee in a seminar and defend their dissertation to the university community. Successful completion of a dissertation is contingent on approval of the dissertation committee and the dean. The dissertation format must be reviewed and approved by the dissertation/thesis service coordinator in University Libraries. See the Academic Policies chapter of the catalog for policies governing all doctoral degrees and dissertations.

    Reduction of Credit

    For students entering the doctoral program with a master's degree or other graduate credit, the number of required credits may be reduced by a maximum of 30 credits with the approval of the director of the program and the dean.

    Political Science, MA

    This 36-credit degree program prepares students for advanced work in political science, teaching, and research about government; a career in government and politics; and work in domestic and international nongovernmental organizations. Students may specialize in American politics, or international relations and comparative politics. In addition, interdisciplinary opportunities allow students to take up to 9 credits in related fields such as history or public policy.

    The program is made up of four core courses in political science, two seminars in a field of specialization, advanced seminars in the Department of Public and International Affairs, and elective courses in other departments.

    The MA degree is the first step in an engaging and stimulating career. Students develop a deeper understanding of political ideas and institutions, more sophisticated research skills, a better grasp of the intricacies of governments abroad, and a deeper knowledge of the complexities of international politics. This degree can lead to a career teaching about government; working with legislative bodies, government agencies, and international organizations; or doing research and writing about politics and government.

    Application and Admission

    Admission is in the fall and spring. Late applications are considered on a space-available basis. In addition to university graduate admissions requirements, applicants to the master's in political science should submit three letters of recommendation, preferably from recent professors; GRE scores; resume listing employment and volunteer work; and a statement of interests and career goals. A writing sample is strongly recommended.

    Program Requirements

    Students complete 36 credits distributed as follows.

    Up to 9 credits of course work from other departments may be selected to complement the specialization and reflect the ideas, institutions, or processes of contemporary governance. Courses should be approved in an education plan designed by students and their advisor. Courses in other departments that complement an American specialization include HIST 628 Immigration and Ethnicity in the United States or ECON 828 Constitutional Economics. Courses that complement an international and comparative specialization include GEOG 581 World Food and Population or PUBP 550 Peace Operations.

    Students who wish to begin or alter their career in government and politics are encouraged to take a 3-credit internship in their area of interest. Internships can be arranged through the Department of Public and International Affairs.

    Political Science, PhD

    The PhD program is designed to prepare students for teaching and conducting research about government, careers in government and politics, and work in domestic and international nongovernmental organizations. The program allows students to combine their academic education with experience in the kinds of complex domestic and international political organizations they are studying. This model for political science education, patterned after the American Political Science Association's Congressional Fellows Program, is designed to foster scholarship and a firsthand understanding of domestic and international institutions such as think tanks, international bodies, nongovernmental organizations, journals of political opinion, and congressional and executive branch offices.

    Admission Requirements

    Applications will be accepted for the fall semester only. In addition to university graduate admissions requirements, applicants should submit three letters of recommendation from faculty members or those who can evaluate the applicant's academic potential, a statement of purpose of study, GRE scores, and a writing sample such as a full-length research paper. Usually, GRE scores up to five years old may be used.

    Program Requirements

    The degree requires 72 credits of course work divided among foundation courses, advanced courses in the student's major and minor fields, supporting courses that can be outside the department, research methods courses, courses in political theory, experiential learning, and dissertation guidance. The program allows students to specialize in one of three major fields: American politics and government, international relations and comparative politics, or public administration.

    The course work is distributed as follows:

    Students must demonstrate proficiency in the statistical, mathematical, and computational techniques used for political science research or in one foreign language at an advanced level of reading and comprehension. Proficiency will be determined by satisfactory course work in methods or exam at the time of the qualifying exam for language proficiency.

    Financial Assistance

    The program offers financial assistance on a competitive basis through graduate teaching assistantships. Students on financial assistance must show satisfactory progress in the degree program.

    Reduction of Credit

    For students entering the program with a master's or MPA degree, the number of credits required for the doctorate may be reduced by a maximum of 30 credits subject to approval of the graduate coordinator and the dean.

    Progress Review

    For students who have been admitted with a bachelor's degree, the Faculty Review Committee will review each student's progress after 30 credits of course work to determine whether the student will be allowed to continue their work toward the PhD. For students entering the program with a master's degree, this review will occur after 12 credits in this program. If this decision is negative, the student will continue to be eligible for the MA degree.

    Advancement to Candidacy

    After students have completed their course work and demonstrated proficiency in either quantitative methods or a foreign language, they take a written qualifying exam. Upon successful completion, the student is advanced to candidacy and may select a dissertation committee. The chair and one member must be from the Department of Public and International Affairs, and one member must be from the graduate faculty from outside the department. The student must offer a successful public defense of the dissertation proposal before registering for 999 dissertation credits.

    Public Administration, MPA

    This 36-credit program is designed to build the knowledge base and skills of people who are playing or intend to play a leadership role in organizations that develop or implement public policy. In addition, the program is among the first to address implications of the growing reliance of government on a wide range of third parties, including other governments, private contractors, and nonprofits, for public goals and accountability. In the required courses, emphasis is placed on the development of knowledge about public policy and management, as well as analytical problem-solving and communication skills, and third-party governance. Elective courses can be used by students to focus their knowledge and skill development within one of the following concentrations: public management, policy studies, public and nonprofit finance, nonprofit management, international management, state and local government, environmental science and public policy, human resources management, administration of justice, emergency management and homeland security, and third-party governance. Alternatively, the electives can be used to extend the breadth of study, with courses drawn from a variety of concentrations or even from other departments and schools within the university.

    MPA students at Mason have the research and cultural resources of the Washington, D.C., area at their disposal. Government agencies representing all levels in the U.S. federal system are located close to the campus, as are the National Archives, the Library of Congress, and the Smithsonian Institution. Another benefit is the wide range of internship opportunities available in governmental and nonprofit organizations. The MPA Program regularly has internship invitations from national, state, and local government organizations, as well as from nonprofit organizations whose principal work is at the local, state, national, or international levels. Many of these internships are paid positions.

    MPA courses are held at the Fairfax and the Arlington Campuses during the week and on the weekend in an accelerated format.

    Admission Requirements

    Students are admitted for fall or spring semesters. Late applications are considered on a space-available basis. In addition to the graduate application requirements specified in the Admission chapter of the catalog, students should submit three letters of recommendation; test scores from the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT; a resume listing work experience and volunteer activity, and a statement of professional goals. Applicants may petition the Admissions Committee by letter to waive the exam if the student has a master's degree or an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.30 or above from a U.S. institution of higher education. Students who want to be considered for an assistantship must submit a GRE score.

    Transfer of Credits

    Students may transfer credit into the MPA Program from graduate courses taken at other institutions or taken at Mason in nondegree status. Transfer credit is subject to university and college policies and must be approved by the MPA Program director and the dean. Students who enroll initially through nondegree studies should submit their application to the MPA Program in the first semester of study. Only 9 credits taken in nondegree status may be transferred to the degree program.

    Degree Requirements

    To receive an MPA, students must successfully complete 36 credits distributed as follows. The required courses are focused on the knowledge and skills needed by people who want to play a leadership role in organizations that develop and implement public policy. Through these courses, students develop a shared knowledge base and skill set.

    Students may take their elective courses within one of the concentrations listed below. Alternatively, with the approval of their advisor, students may select their elective courses from several concentrations or fields. Students may declare only one concentration. PUAD 794 Internship and PUAD 796 Directed Reading and Research may be applied to a concentration where content is appropriate and with prior written approval of the MPA director. Other courses may also be applied to a concentration with prior written approval of the director.

    Concentration in Administration of Justice

    Concentration in Emergency Management and Homeland Security

    Concentration in Environmental Science and Public Policy

    Concentration in Human Resources Management

    Concentration in International Management

    Concentration in Nonprofit Management

    Concentration in Policy Studies

    Concentration in Public Management

    Concentration in Public and Nonprofit Finance

    Concentration in State and Local Government

    Concentration in Third-Party Governance

    Certificate Programs

    The department offers four graduate certificates. Applications for admission are made through the Office of Graduate Admissions. Admission requirements for the certificate programs are the same as for the MPA Program.

    To receive a certificate, students must complete five courses (15 credits).

    Certificate in Administration of Justice

    Certificate in Association Management

    Certificate in Emergency Management and Homeland Security

    Certificate in Nonprofit Management

    This certificate is offered in class or online.