Politics and Policy

Chair: Jennifer Merolla
(909) 621-8171
spe@cgu.edu
www.cgu.edu/spe

Faculty

Academic Program

The programs in politics and policy weave together broad theoretical concerns about politics and political values with more focused questions of applied policy analysis. The purpose is to prepare students for a variety of careers in university teaching, nonprofit organizations, government, consulting, and business. A significant number of students direct their studies and careers toward participation in the international arena.

In the master’s degree programs—international studies; international political economy; politics; public policy; public policy and evaluation and politics, economics, and business—students concentrate on one primary area of study. In the Ph.D. degree program, students are expected to become proficient in two areas of study. The areas most frequently chosen for study are American politics, comparative politics, political philosophy, public policy, world politics and methods. In addition to these areas, students may develop individualized programs of study tailored to their special interests and career objectives. The personalized style of work at Claremont Graduate University enables students in the programs to complement their studies with work in history, economics, psychology, and related fields.

Among the distinctive features of the program are its emphasis on the connection between values and practice; policy internships; policy research clinics; and various research projects in which faculty join with students to examine a wide range of domestic and international policy issues. Additionally, the department is housed together with the Department of Economics in the School of Politics and Economics, allowing for interdisciplinary study in the fields of political economy, policy, and comparative politics.

Degrees Offered

Master’s Degrees

The Department of Politics and Policy offers six master’s degree programs. Each is designed to provide a blend of applied and analytical skills appropriate to their respective discipline. Students study toward immediate career goals, or further advanced academic work.

Master of Arts in International Studies (36 units + research paper or 48 units without a paper)
Master of Arts in Politics (36 units + research paper or 48 units without a paper)
- American Politics (concentration of the degree)
  - Political Thought and Development (emphasis of the concentration)
  - National Institution (emphasis of the concentration)
  - Individual and Collective Behavior (emphasis of the concentration)
- Political Philosophy (concentration of the degree)
Master of Arts in Public Policy (48 units)
Master of Arts in Public Policy and Evaluation (48 units)
Master of Arts in International Political Economy (48 units)
- Possible concentrations include: international trade, economic growth, money and finance, regional integration, international regimes and negotiations, globalization, foreign investment, and the economic determinants of regime changes, or regions of the world, such as Latin America, the Pacific Rim, the Middle East, Africa, or Europe
Master of Arts in Politics, Economics, and Business (48 units)

Doctoral Degrees

Doctoral Philosophy in Political Science

The rigorous training and applied nature of the department’s core offerings and eight (8) doctoral fields provide the analytical expertise and practical experience for both academic and research-based positions. Students typically fulfill a standard set of core requirements.

The Department of Politics and Policy offers a PhD in Political Science, requiring a concentration in any two of the following fields: American Politics, Comparative Politics, Methods, Political Philosophy, Public Policy, World Politics, and an independently constructed field approved by the Faculty Advisor.

In addition, the Department offers, in conjunction with other departments and schools, an interfield PhD in Political Science/Economics and a dual degree PhD in Political Science/MBA and a dual degree PhD in Political Science/EMBA.

These degree programs attract students interested in academic careers, teaching and research, government and public service, and positions in the private sector where an in-depth knowledge of domestic and international politics, economics and business is of importance.

Jointly Offered Programs

Master of Arts in Politics, Economics, and Business (MAPEB)

The Department of Politics and Economics jointly offers a Master of Arts in Politics, Economics, and Business with the Peter F. Drucker and Masatoshi Ito Graduate School of Management. Information is provided under the Jointly Offered Programs section.

Master of Arts in Public Policy and Evaluation (MAPPE)

The Department of Politics and Policy jointly offers a Master of Arts in Public Policy and Evaluation with the Peter F. Drucker and Masatoshi Ito Graduate School of Management. Information is provided under the Jointly Offered Programs section.

Master of Arts in Religion and Politics

The Department of Politics and Economics jointly offers a Master of Arts in Religion and American Politics with the School of Religion. Information is provided under the Jointly Offered Programs section.

Special Programs: BA/MA Program

Undergraduates enrolled in The Claremont Colleges who are interested in pursuing a career in government, politics, policy, economics, consulting, advocacy, or the non-profit sector should consider enrolling in the Accelerated BA/MA Programs in the Department of Politics and Policy. The joint program is open to qualified juniors and seniors at The Claremont Colleges. Students have the option of enrolling in classes in the Department of Politics and Policy during thier junior or senior years, at no additional cost. Some of the advanced courses offered at the undergraduate institutions may, with approval, be counted for graduate credit. Courses completed at CGU, or accepted as equivalents, may be counted toward both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs (12 -16 units.) In this way, Claremont Colleges’ undergraduates get an advanced start on completing their graduate requirements. Normally, students who receive their BA having completed the necessary graduate or equivalent units may be able to complete their master’s degree program with only two additional semesters of enrollment at CGU.