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2009-2010 University Catalog
Political Science, PhD
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Banner Code: LA-PHD-POS
The doctoral 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.
This program of study is offered by the Department of Public and International Affairs .
For policies governing all graduate degrees, see the Academic Policies chapter of the catalog. |
Application 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. 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. Students that are not allowed to continue to work toward the PhD, will be allowed to complete the MA degree. Degree Requirements
The degree requires 72 credits of course work divided among core 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. The program allows students to specialize in two major fields. A total of 12 credits may be taken in other departments to fulfill a minority of the credits for any of the requirements below, including the methodology requirement, with approval of the director. Three core courses (9 credits) chosen from:
At least seven advanced courses (21 credits) divided between two major fields:
American government and politics
Two required field seminars (6 credits) chosen from:
One to three elective courses (3 to 9 credits)
Two required field seminars (6 credits) chosen from:
One to three elective courses (3 to 9 credits)
Two required field seminars (6 credits) chosen from:
One to three elective courses (3 to 9 credits)
Two required field seminars (6 credits) chosen from:
One to three elective courses (3 to 9 credits)
At least 3 advanced courses (9 credits) in a minor field
The courses in the minor field are chosen by the student and advisor to complement the two major fields. They require the written approval of the advisor and are included on the student’s program of study. Three advanced methodology courses (9 credits):
The last of the three methodology courses should be tailored to the student’s dissertation research needs. Course work in language or to help achieve proficiency in research techniques (see below) may count as the third methodology course with approval of the program director. Up to 6 credits of experience in government and politics
Students do 20 hours per week in the field for one semester or 10 hours per week for two semesters. They produce an academic paper at the conclusion of the experience discussing the implications of their observations for research in the field and how scholarship in the field might be applied to an issue faced by the organization. 3-6 credits of dissertation proposal
15 credits of dissertation research
Doctoral research skills
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 given at the time of the qualifying exam for language proficiency. Certification that this requirement has been met must be completed before advancement to candidacy. Advancement to Candidacy
To advance to candidacy, students must complete all course work required on their approved program of study. Students must also successfully complete and pass two qualifying exams in major fields. In addition, students must have an approved dissertation committee as well as an approved proposal. Evidence of the approved proposal must be on file in the Dean’s Office before a student can advance to candidacy. Continuous Registration
Once enrolled in 998, a student must maintain continuous registration in 998 or 999 each semester until the dissertation is submitted to and accepted by the University Library. |
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