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Graduate
Study
Purpose
The Department of Political Science brings together an undergraduate
and graduate program in political science. Undergraduate students
have the opportunity to learn the political dimensions of life
in modern society. The purpose of the course of study is to provide
a learning experience of basic politics in the context of a liberal
arts education. Students will also study history and economics.
The Department offers a wide range of courses covering international
politics, comparative politics, U.S. government and politics,
African Politics, public policy, political theory, the scope
and methods of political science, urban politics, and public
law. At the undergraduate level the Department shares in the
teaching of the required course in social science for all students.
At the graduate
level the Department's purpose is to provide graduate study for
students who wish to become professional political scientists.
The Department is especially pleased to have among its students
many from abroad who have come here for study. The graduate curriculum
begins with facts and knowledge of the political experience of
black people in the U.S. and in the world, and expands toward
a universal understanding of political experiences. The contradictions
of the U.S. and other political-economic systems are analyzed
from a multicultural perspective seeking understanding and alternatives
which will produce desired social changes. Special attention
is given to focus on the Third World. This program leads to the
degrees of Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy. The Department
seeks to carry out its program through a pattern of human relationships
that stress openness, honesty, and a cooperative spirit.
Admission Requirements
Students beginning graduate work in the Department should have
completed an undergraduate major in political science--approximately
twenty-four (24) hours--with an overall "B" average.
Consideration may be given to other applicants whose academic
preparation in related social sciences suggests that they are
capable of successfully pursuing the Master of Arts degree in
Political Science. The above requirements are considered minimal
for admission to the department. Fulfillment of these requirements
does not assure admission.
Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Political Science
For the Master of Arts degree, the Department requires a minimum
of twenty-four (24) graduate hours of course work and a thesis.
Six (6) additional graduate hours are given upon completion of
the thesis. A final oral examination, covering the thesis and
courses taken by the student, is required. The courses, Blacks
and the American Political System and Scope and Methods of Political
Inquiry, are required of all students pursuing the Master of
Arts degree in Political Science. Students pursuing a degree
in political science who accumulate more than eight (8) graduate
semester hours of Cs on their post undergraduate transcript will
not be retained in the Department.
Research
Tool
Candidates for the Master of Arts degree must demonstrate proficiency
in the use of one research tool from among the following: foreign
language, statistical analysis, or computer science. Each student
in consultation with the faculty will decide which research tool
will best facilitate his or her program of study.
Requirements for the Doctor of Philpsophy Degree in Political
Science
The prerequisites for this degree are a master's degree in political
science and an overall academic average of "B" or better
for work beyond the baccalaureate degree. Consideration may be
given to other applicants who have earned a master's degree in
one of the related social sciences. The above requirements are
minimal for consideration for admission, and fulfillment of them
does not assure admission.
Each candidate must complete a minimum of thirty (30) graduate
semester hours beyond the master's degree. Twelve (12) additional
semester hours of credit are given upon completion of the dissertation.
Research Tool
The School of Arts and Sciences requires that candidates
for the Ph.D. degree demonstrate a reading knowledge in two foreign
languages. The language requirement may be satisfied by passing
a University Examination or a noncredit course in the language(s)
chosen. Candidates may, upon the recommendation of the faculty,
substitute courses in statistical analysis and/or computer science
for the foreign languages.
Required Courses
Before being
admitted to candidacy students must pass the following courses:
Scope and Method of Political Inquiry, Blacks and the American
Political System, and Government and Politics of Modern Africa.
Preliminary
Examination
This examination
must be passed prior to admission to candidacy. Students must
take written and oral examinations in four subfields of their
choice. The political science curriculum is divided into seven
sub-fields:
- U.S. Government
and Politics,
- African Politics,
- Urban Politics,
- International
Politics,
- Theory and
Methodology,
- Public Administration,
and
- Comparative
Politics.
Students are
permitted two attempts to pass their preliminary examination.
Failure to pass the exam will result in dismissal from the Ph.D.
Program.
Dissertation
This is a scholarly
presentation of a research problem.
Final Examination
The final examination
is an oral defense of the dissertation. |
