Program Overview
The Political Science PhD program aims to produce scholars with exceptional research and teaching abilities. It provides a solid foundation in research methods, substantive content, and specialization in American politics, comparative politics, international relations, or political theory. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in academia, public sector, and private sector, contributing original research and analysis to the field of political science.
Program Outline
Degree Overview
Overview:
The Political Science PhD program aims to produce scholars with outstanding research and teaching abilities in the field. It provides students with a solid foundation in research methods, substantive content, and the opportunity to specialize in one of four subfields: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory.
Objectives:
- Prepare graduates for careers in research and academia, holding positions as faculty members in universities and colleges.
- Equip students with the knowledge and skills to become successful researchers, contributing original work to the field of political science.
- Develop students' analytical and critical thinking abilities to understand and address complex political issues effectively.
Description:
The program boasts a low student-to-faculty ratio, offering students individualized attention and exceptional opportunities for research collaboration and guidance throughout their studies. The curriculum emphasizes rigorous coursework, advanced research methods, and the development of a specialized research agenda. Students benefit from the expertise of renowned faculty with diverse research interests, covering areas like Latino/a politics, women and politics, political economy, political psychology, human rights, and more.
Outline:
Content:
The program covers the core areas of political science, delving deeper into the chosen specialization. Students engage with various topics, including:
- American Politics: Examining political institutions, behavior, and policy-making processes within the United States.
- Comparative Politics: Studying political systems, institutions, and processes in different countries and regions, exploring themes like democratization, development, and conflict.
- International Relations: Analyzing the interactions between states, international organizations, and non-state actors, exploring issues like war, peace, security, and global governance.
- Political Theory: Examining fundamental questions about political power, justice, rights, and the nature of government, engaging with historical and contemporary debates.
Structure:
The program requires 84 credit hours of coursework, a written comprehensive exam, a dissertation prospectus, and a completed dissertation. However, the program likely includes various courses within each specialization area, covering theoretical frameworks, empirical analysis methods, research design, and case studies.
Assessment
Methods:
- Coursework: Regular assignments, exams, and projects assess student understanding and application of theoretical concepts and research methods.
- Comprehensive Exams: A written exam evaluates students' mastery of their chosen field of specialization.
- Dissertation: The dissertation serves as a culminating project, demonstrating the student's ability to conduct original research, analyze data, and present findings effectively.
Criteria:
Students are assessed based on their depth of understanding, analytical skills, critical thinking abilities, research design and methodology, writing proficiency, and the originality of their research contributions.
Teaching
Teaching methods:
The program utilizes various teaching methods, including:
- Lectures: Providing foundational knowledge and introducing key concepts and theories.
- Seminars: Engaging students in active discussion, debate, and critical analysis of course materials and research findings.
- Independent Research: Encouraging students to pursue their research interests under the guidance of faculty advisors.
Faculty:
The program boasts a distinguished faculty recognized for their research excellence and commitment to teaching. The faculty members bring diverse perspectives, expertise, and research strengths, fostering a vibrant and intellectually stimulating learning environment.
Unique approaches:
The program emphasizes individualized attention and mentorship, providing students with personalized guidance and support throughout their studies. The low student-to-faculty ratio allows for close collaboration and facilitates a more interactive and engaging learning experience.
Careers:
Career opportunities:
Graduates of the program typically pursue careers in:
- Academia: Holding faculty positions at universities and colleges, teaching courses and conducting research in their field of expertise.
- Public Sector: Contributing to policy analysis, research, and implementation within government agencies and international organizations.
- Private Sector: Working as research analysts, consultants, or data analysts in various organizations and industries.
Outcomes:
The program has a strong track record of placing graduates in prestigious positions across academia, government, and the private sector.
- Applicants to the program must hold a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution and meet specific GPA requirements.
- International students must provide proof of English proficiency, regardless of residency status.
