Graduate Studies in Political Science

The structure and scheduling of courses and requirements for the M.A. degrees are guided by the philosophy that students who receive an M.A. degree have been exposed to and should be conversant with the substantive and methodological concepts and theories central to their field of study. The structure of graduate education at the Ph.D. level is more diverse and flexible (within limited minimal threshold requirements) and agreed to by consultation between each student and her/his advisors and committee.

Graduate students work closely with faculty who have expertise in their areas of interest to develop the appropriate schedule of courses, relevant combinations of preliminary exam fields, and topics for M.A. theses and Ph.D. dissertations. For descriptions of specific areas of expertise and interest in the department students should follow the links to faculty vitae and departmental areas of specialization.