The doctoral program in Political Science provides students with the in-depth knowledge of domestic and international politics and the analytical skills required for careers in academia, the public sector, or private enterprise. Rigorous training and the applied nature of the courses and fields instill analytical expertise and practical experience for both academic and research-based positions. Students are prepared for academic careers, teaching, 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 vital importance.
Degree Requirements
Coursework. A minimum of 72 units are required for the doctorate degree. In addition to the tools requirements, students are required to complete six-course sequences in two of the program’s field offerings.
General Tool (4 units). TNDY 401i - The Nature of Inquiry: Transdisciplinary Perspectives, PP 481 - Quantitative Research Methods, or an approved substitute course.
Specialized Tool. Two or more courses from the sequences below. Students are expected to take courses for the methods to be used in composition of the doctoral dissertation, even if more than two additional tools must be taken after qualifying exams. Substitutes require advisor or department approval.
- Quantitative Methods: PP 482 - Advanced Quantitative Research Methods and PP 487 - Applied Data Analysis
- Qualitative Methods: PP 484 - Experimental and Qualitative Methods, and PP 483 - Legal Research Methods or PSYCH 315 - Advanced Qualitative Research Methods
- Formal Theory & Computational Modeling: SP&E 315 - Game Theory, and SP&E 471 - Strategic Modeling for Politics, Economics, and Business Decisions or SP&E 317 - Advanced Formal Models
Qualifying Examinations. Successful completion of the written qualifying examinations in each of two major fields. Qualifying examinations are offered once in each of the fall and the spring semesters. An oral examination, if required, is administered within two weeks of the written examination.
Dissertation. Campus policies and procedures are detailed in the Doctoral Degrees section of the Bulletin and on the registrar’s Completion of Degree webpage.
Final Paper Portfolio. All students are required to submit two papers to the program office. One paper must be written during the student’s first semester in the program. A second paper should represent the student’s best work and may come from a subsequent semester that the student is enrolled in the program. Papers are used for accreditation reviews of the program.
University Policies. University policies detailed in the Student Information section of the Bulletin apply.