PhD Political Science

Program Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science program provides a comprehensive foundation in political science, allowing students to specialize in areas such as American politics, comparative politics, and international relations. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary research, international study opportunities, and career preparation in academia, government, and the private sector. Students receive funding support and access to state-of-the-art research facilities.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Program: Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science
• Overview: The program provides a broad foundation in classic and contemporary theoretical, empirical, and methodological debates in political science, while allowing for specialization in chosen areas of interest.
• Objectives:
• Understand and critically evaluate the scholarly literature of political science.
• Attain expertise in a chosen subfield and another subfield.
• Become proficient in a variety of research methods.
• Conduct independent research in the field.
• Develop effective teaching and research skills.
• Understand the function of the political science profession.
• Program Description: Students can specialize in American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, public law, and public policy.

Outline:

• Structure: 60 credits beyond the bachelor's degree.
• Coursework:
• Major and Second Field coursework
• Comprehensive Exams in the Major and Second Field
• Doctoral Dissertation (two options: book-format or three article-format)
• Content:
• American Politics: national institutions, sub-national governance, mass behavior.
• Comparative Politics: similarities and differences of state politics, state formation, political mobilization, etc.
• International Relations: political interactions between individuals, groups, states, and institutions, global governance, global security, international political economy.
• Political Theory: history of political thought, critical, democratic, feminist, and interpretive theories, American political thought.
• Public Law: public law as a site for political contestation, execution of power, institutional development and destruction.
• Public Policy: concrete cases of public policy in American and comparative contexts, government operation, politics' effect on citizens' lives.
• Modules:
• Each field of study has specific modules covering different sub-areas within that field.

Assessment:

• Methods:
• Comprehensive exams in the major and second field.
• Evaluation of doctoral dissertation by dissertation committee.
• Criteria:
• Demonstrated understanding of the chosen field(s) of study.
• Ability to conduct independent research and analyze data.
• Effective communication of research findings in written and oral format.

Teaching:

• Methods:
• Traditional lectures and seminars.
• Independent research under the guidance of faculty advisors.
• Faculty:
• Renowned scholars with expertise in various subfields of political science.
• Unique Approaches:
• Emphasis on interdisciplinary research and collaboration.
• Opportunities for international research and study abroad.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and resources.

Careers:

• Potential Paths:
• University Faculty
• Research Director
• Legislative Writer
• Public Policy Analyst
• Campaign Consultant
• Teaching Professor
• Public and Private Sector Opportunities:
• Government agencies, NGOs, international organizations, political consulting firms, research institutions.

Other:

• Funding: Most students receive 3-4 years of funding including tuition waiver and stipend.
• Career Services: Departmental and College support in preparing for the job market.
• Fieldwork: Opportunities for research and internship experiences.
• Admission requirements and application materials are not covered in this section.