Graduate Program
The department offers graduate programs leading to M.A., and Ph.D. degrees in Government and in Foreign Affairs. Each of the programs, while emphasizing a specialized study pattern, is based upon a curriculum composed of the following four major fields:
- American Politics
- Comparative Politics
- International Relations
- Political Theory
M.A. in Government
A Masters degree in Government requires 24 hours of course credit plus an additional 6 hours of non-topical research for a total of 30 credit hours. A thesis is required as well as demonstration of competence in either a foreign language or statistics and quantitative methods.
M.A. in Foreign Affairs
A Masters degree in Foreign Affairs requires 24 hours of course credit plus an additional 6 hours of non-topical research for a total of 30 credit hours. A thesis is required as well as demonstration of competence in either a foreign language or statistics and quantitative methods.
M.A.-J.D. in Government and Law
The Department of Politics, in cooperation with the School of Law, offers a combined program leading to the degrees of J.D. and M.A.
M.A.-M.B.A. in Government and Business
The Department of Politics in cooperation with the Darden Graduate School of Business Administration, offers a combined program leading to the degrees of M.B.A. and M.A.
Doctoral Programs
Before admission to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree, the student must have received the M.A. degree (either in the department or at another university); completed 54 credits of graduate courses at the 500 level and above (24 Masters credits and 30 Doctoral credits), and 24 credits of non-topical research, including one designated departmental research methods course; and demonstrated either a reading knowledge of one language and competence in statistics and quantitative methods or a reading knowledge of two languages; passed two comprehensive examination; and secured approval of a dissertation prospectus. Comprehensive exams are offered in the four fields of the Department. At the time of applying for each exam, students shall designate whether the field will represent the major or minor field of study.
Language Requirements
Competence in a foreign language is demonstrated by passing a test administered by the appropriate language department at this University (achieving a grade of B in a language course at the 202 level, taken at this University after admission to the graduate program is treated as equivalent to passing the test), or by presenting viva voce evidence to a person acknowledged by the department as capable of evaluating competence in the language.
Competence in statistics and quantitative methods may be demonstrated (a) by successfully completing two courses in the department in statistics and quantitative research; or (b) by a satisfactory performance on a test administered by the department.
Center for Public Service
Center for Public Service is described under Special Programs and Centers in the General Information for the School of Arts and Sciences.
White Burkett Miller Center of Public Affairs
White Burkett Miller Center of Public Affairs is described under Special Programs and Centers in the General Information for the School of Arts and Sciences.
Area Studies
The department participates in programs sponsored by interdepartmental committees on Asian, Latin American, and Russian and East European area studies.
Course Descriptions
Courses offered by the department are divided into the following fields: I. American politics, II. comparative politics, III. international relations, IV. political theory. Those listed in this catalog are all offered for graduate credit. Undergraduates may register for courses at the 500 level if they have completed 12 credits of work in the department, or with the permission of the instructor. Courses at the 700 or 800 level are exclusively for graduates.
Graduate students who lack a substantial undergraduate background in political science should consult the instructor before registering for a 500-level course. A corresponding 500-level course (or the equivalent) is ordinarily prerequisite for an 800-level course.
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