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2010-2011 University Catalog
Political Science, PhD
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Banner Code: LA-PHD-POS
Web: pia.gmu.edu
The doctoral program in political science 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
Applicants must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Admission chapter of the catalog. Applicants to the PhD in political science 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 (from tests taken in the past five years), and a writing sample such as a full-length research paper.
Applications are accepted for fall semester only. 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 course work for the degree is divided among core courses, advanced courses in two major fields and one minor field, research methods courses, experiential learning, and dissertation. A total of 12 credits of supporting courses may be taken in other departments to fulfill a minority of the credits for any of the requirements below, including the methodology requirement, with prior written approval of the director. All the courses should be planned with an advisor and appear on a program of study, which requires the approval of the director. Three core courses (9 credits) chosen from:
Seven advanced courses (21 credits) in two major fields
Students choose two major fields from the four fields below. 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)
3 advanced courses (9 credits) in a minor field
Students choose one minor field in consultation with an advisor. The courses in the minor field should complement the two major fields and need the prior written approval of the advisor. Three advanced methodology courses (9 credits)
Two required methodology courses (6 credits)
One elective methodology course (3 credits)
Students choose an elective methodology course to meet their dissertation research needs. Course work in language or to help achieve proficiency in quantitative or qualitative research techniques may be used to meet this requirement with prior written 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. 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. 3-6 credits of dissertation proposal
Continuous enrollment for the PhD in political science begins with GOVT 998. Once enrolled in 998, students must maintain continuous registration in 998 or 999 each semester (not including summers) until the dissertation is submitted to and accepted by the University Library. 15 credits of dissertation
Students must follow the dissertation enrollment policies of the university as specified in the Academic Policies chapter of the catalog. Continuous enrollment for the PhD in political science begins with GOVT 998. Once enrolled in 998, students must maintain continuous registration in 998 or 999 each semester (not including summers) until the dissertation is submitted to and accepted by the University Library. 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. |
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