Foreign Affairs

Master of Arts

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Of the 30 credits required for the degree, students are expected to complete a minimum of 24 credits of graded coursework, including either PLAD 7090 (Research Methods in Political Science) or PLPT 5010 (The Nature of Political Inquiry).

Students are expected to demonstrate reading proficiency in one foreign language by passing a test administered by the appropriate language department at the University, passing an oral examination by an individual acknowledged by the department as capable of evaluating competence in the language, or achieving a minimum grade of B in a 2020-level language course taken at the University. International students whose first language is not English may use their native language in order to fulfill this requirement. Alternatively, students may demonstrate proficiency in a quantitative method by completing PLAD 7100 (Political Research with Quantitative Methods).

Students are expected to complete a thesis.

Doctor of Philosophy

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Of the 72 credits required for the degree, students are expected to complete a minimum of 54 credits of graded coursework, including either PLAD 7090 (Research Methods in Political Science) or PLPT 5010 (The Nature of Political Inquiry) and particular course requirements for one major and one minor field.  In the field of American Politics, majors are expected to complete PLAP 7000 (American Politics Core Seminar) plus two additional courses from different areas of American Politics (Behavior, APD, Institutions); minors are expected to complete PLAP 7000 and one additional American Politics course.  In the field of Political Theory, minors are expected to complete PLPT 7000 (Introduction to Political Theory) and two courses that require term papers from among PLPT 5010 (Foundations of Political Inquiry) and 7000- and 8000-level PLPT offerings.  Minors in Political Methodology are expected to complete PLAD 7100 (Political Research with Quantitative Methods) and PLAD 8310 (Advanced Quantitative Applications in Political Science: Linear Models).

Students are expected to demonstrate reading proficiency in one foreign language by passing a test administered by the appropriate language department at the University, passing an oral examination by an individual acknowledged by the department as capable of evaluating competence in the language, or achieving a minimum grade of B in a 2020-level language course taken at the University. International students whose first language is not English may use their native language in order to fulfill this requirement. Alternatively, students with specializations other than political theory may demonstrate proficiency in a quantitative method by completing PLAD 7100 (Political Research with Quantitative Methods).

Students who major and minor in the fields of American Politics, Comparative Politics and International Relations and students who major in Political Theory are expected to pass comprehensive examinations.  Students who minor in Political Theory and Political Methodology are expected to submit a portfolio of qualifying materials for review by the faculty.

Students are expected to write and obtain approval of a dissertation prospectus and submit at least one proposal for funding from a source outside of the department.

Students are expected to complete all requirements stated above prior to the start of their seventh semester of study.

Students are expected to write and defend a dissertation.