Political Science

A minimum of 36 hours of graduate level course work is required.

For instructional purposes, the graduate curriculum in Political Science has been divided into four fields:
Field 1 Comparative Politics      (courses with a CPO prefix) 
Field 2 International Relations                               (courses with an INR prefix)
Field 3 American Government                               (Courses with a PUP, POS, or URP prefix)
Field 4 Political Theory                                           (courses with a POT prefix)

Students must take the core seminar in each of these four fields and then select one field as a major area in which to concentrate. They must consult with the graduate coordinator to map out a course plan. 

Required Research Methods Sequence

6

POS6735
POS6736

Foundations of Political Inquiry
Research Design
 

3
3
 

Core Seminar Requirements (12 hours)

POS 6045      Seminar in American Government      (3)
POT 6007      Seminar in Political Theory      (3)
INR 6007      Seminar in International Relations      (3)
CPO 6091      Seminar in Comparative Politics      (3)

Major Field

9

Thesis/Non-Thesis (minimum)

POS6971

Thesis: Master's

6

Thesis: Students must provide new insight into a relevant topic in political science or international studies. As students approach the thesis stage, they need to compose a thesis committee consisting of a major professor, who must be a member of the Department of Government and International Affairs, and two readers. One of the two readers can be from another department, but that person must first be approved by the program director. The tesis committee must approve proposals before students embark on their projects. Students must prepare a written thesis and defend their work in a formal oral presentation before their committee.

Non-Thesis:

Non-thesis option: Elective structured class approved by the Graduate Program Director – 3 hours
Independent Research – Literature Review of approximately 50 pages – 3 hours

Students who choose a non-thesis option will be required to complete an additional 6 hours of course work at the 6000 level in place of the thesis. (Choose 1 of the below courses to fulfill 3 of your required non-thesis option. Other courses may satisfy this requirement and must be approved by the Graduate Program Director.

The second course determines competency and serves as the equivalent of a comprehensive examination. The student is required to demonstrate competency by successfully completing a substantial literature review in his or her major field. The student will enroll in:

• POS 6909 Independent Study 3

Comprehensive Examination

For students in the thesis program, successful completion of the Thesis serves in lieu of the Comprehensive Exam. For students in the non-thesis program, the second course determines competency and serves as the equivalent of a comprehensive examination. The student is required to demonstrate competency by successfully completing a substantial literature review in his or her major field.

Course Listings

MINIMUM TOTAL PROGRAM CREDITS (beyond baccalaureate degree)

39