Doctor of Philosophy - Political Science

Plan Description

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The Department of Political Science offers a general Ph.D. degree with concentrations in American politics (inlcuding public law and public policy), comparative politics, international relations, and political theory. 

The Ph.D. program is intended to prepare its graduates for careers in academic institutions, government (at all levels), and business and industry. 

For more information about your program, including your graduate program handbook and learning outcomes, please visit the Degree Directory.

Plan Admission Requirements

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Application deadlines

Applications available on the UNLV Graduate College website.

1. The following department application materials must be uploaded into the online application:
   1. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test scores
   2. Three letters of recommendation by recommendation providers (academic references preferred)
   3. A personal statement explaining why you want to enter the doctoral program
   4. A writing sample
2. Applicants must submit satisfactory Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test scores. The recommended score is a total of 160 on the verbal and 148 on the quantitative sections. We also pay attention to the analytical score. The applicant’s undergraduate record is examined in conjunction with the GRE scores. The former is weighed more heavily than the latter: an outstanding undergraduate record may well allow the admission of an applicant with GRE scores somewhat below the recommended level.
3. Applicants must possess a B.A. or equivalent from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.30, or M.A. or equivalent from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.50. Under special circumstances the department may consider applicants with lower GPAs.
4. Applicants must have completed 12 credits of course work at the upper-division or graduate level in comparative politics and international relations combined. At the discretion of the department, students who lack such course work may be admitted on the condition that they remedy that deficiency.
5. All domestic and international applicants must review and follow the  Graduate College Admission and Registration Requirements. 

Students are accepted into a degree program as described in the Graduate Catalog. The faculty and corresponding sub-disciplines and sub-plans within the described programs are subject to change at any time.

Plan Requirements

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See Subplan Requirements below.

Subplan 1: Post-Bachelor’s - American Politics Track
Subplan 2: Post-Bachelor’s – Comparative Politics Track
Subplan 3: Post-Bachelor’s – International Relations Track
Subplan 4: Post-Bachelor’s - Political Theory Track
Subplan 5: Post-Master’s - American Politics Track
Subplan 6: Post-Master’s – Comparative Politics Track
Subplan 7: Post-Master’s – International Relations Track
Subplan 8: Post-Master’s - Political Theory Track

Subplan 1 Requirements: Post - Bachelor’s American Politics Track

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Total Credits Required: 60

Course Requirements 

Methods in Political Science Courses – Credits: 6

PSC 701 - Research Design and Methodology  

PSC 702 - Advanced Quantitative Methods I  

Proseminar Courses – Credits: 12

PSC 710R - Proseminar in American Politics  

PSC 740 - Proseminar in International Relations  

PSC 760R - Proseminar in Comparative Politics  

PSC 780R - Proseminar in Political Theory  

American Politics Field Courses- 9

PSC 713 - American National Government: Principles  

PSC 714 - American National Government: Structure and Processes  

PSC 719 - Advanced Studies in American Politics  

PSC 721 - Public Policy Process   

PSC 723 - Policy Analysis     

PSC 729 - Advanced Studies in Public Policy   

PSC 732 - Constitutional Law    

PSC 739 - Advanced Studies in Public Law  

 

Second Field – Credits: 9

Select one of the following second fields and complete three courses:

Second Field Comparative Politics

PSC 761 - Middle Eastern and North African Politics  

PSC 762 - African Politics  

PSC 763 - European Politics  

PSC 764 - Latin American Politics  

PSC 767 - Comparative Democratization  

PSC 775 - Comparative Political Behavior  

PSC 779R - Advanced Studies in Comparative Politics  

Second Field International Relations

PSC 741 - U.S. Foreign Policy  

PSC 746 - Middle East in World Affairs  

PSC 747 - Pacific Rim in World Affairs  

PSC 751 - International Political Economy  

PSC 754 - Global Governance  

PSC 755 - International Security  

PSC 759 - Advanced Studies in International Relations  

Second Field Political Theory

PSC 781 - Political Theory before 1500  

PSC 782R - Political Theory from 1500 to 1900  

PSC 783 - Political Theory since 1900  

PSC 789R - Special Topic: Advanced Studies in Political Theory 

Elective Courses – Credits: 12

Complete 12 credits of 700-level Political Science courses, or other advisor-approved courses.

Dissertation – Credits: 12

PSC 799 - Dissertation  

Degree Requirements 

1. A minimum of 60 credits beyond the B.A. must be completed.
2. A minimum grade point average of 3.00 is required for all course work.
3. Research Tool: The research tool can be fulfilled with one of three options:
   1. Foreign Language: Students must demonstrate knowledge of the equivalent of two years of a single foreign language, through either an examination or 12 credits of college-level course work. Those credits would not count toward the required total. This requirement must be met prior to admission to candidacy. No grade below “B-” will be accepted. The foreign language selected must be approved by the department as relevant for the student’s research.
   2. Quantitative Methods: With approval from the department, a student may demonstrate advanced quantitative methods necessary for his or her doctoral research.
   3. Qualitative Methods: With approval from the department, a student may demonstrate advanced qualitative methods necessary for his or her doctoral research.
4. This requirement must be met prior to admission to candidacy. No grade below “B-” will be accepted.
5. In consultation with his/her advisor, a student will organize a dissertation committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member outside the department will be assigned by the Graduate College. Another outside member may be added at the department’s discretion.
6. Comprehensive written and oral examinations will be taken during or following the semester in which the student completes required course work. They will be divided into two parts, corresponding to the student’s major fields. Within those fields the content of the examinations will be determined by the student’s graduate coordinator.
7. The student will write the dissertation of original research and interpretation on a topic in the field of American politics.

Graduation Requirements 

1. The student must submit all required forms to the Graduate College and then apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing his/her degree requirements.
2. The student must submit and successfully defend his/her dissertation by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
3. The student must submit his/her approved, properly formatted  dissertation to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.

Subplan 2 Requirements: Post-Bachelor’s - Comparative Politics Track

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Total Credits Required: 60

Course Requirements 

Methods in Political Science Courses – Credits: 6

PSC 701 - Research Design and Methodology  

PSC 702 - Advanced Quantitative Methods I  

Proseminar Courses – Credits: 12

PSC 710R - Proseminar in American Politics  

PSC 740 - Proseminar in International Relations  

PSC 760R - Proseminar in Comparative Politics  

PSC 780R - Proseminar in Political Theory  

Comparative Courses – Credits: 9

PSC 767 - Comparative Democratization  

PSC 775 - Comparative Political Behavior  

PSC 779R - Advanced Studies in Comparative Politics  

PSC 761 - Middle Eastern and North African Politics  

PSC 762 - African Politics  

PSC 763 - European Politics  

PSC 764 - Latin American Politics  

Second Field – Credits: 9

Select one of the following second fields and complete three courses:

Second Field American Politics  

PSC 713 - American National Government: Principles  

PSC 714 - American National Government: Structure and Processes  

PSC 719 - Advanced Studies in American Politics  

PSC 721 - Public Policy Process   

PSC 723 - Policy Analysis  

PSC 729 - Advanced Studies in Public Policy   

PSC 732 - Constitutional Law  

PSC 739 - Advanced Studies in Public Law  

Second Field International Relations

PSC 741 - U.S. Foreign Policy  

PSC 746 - Middle East in World Affairs  

PSC 747 - Pacific Rim in World Affairs  

PSC 751 - International Political Economy  

PSC 754 - Global Governance  

PSC 755 - International Security  

PSC 759 - Advanced Studies in International Relations  

Second Field Political Theory

PSC 781 - Political Theory before 1500  

PSC 782R - Political Theory from 1500 to 1900  

PSC 783 - Political Theory since 1900  

PSC 789R - Special Topic: Advanced Studies in Political Theory  

Elective Courses – Credits: 12

Complete 12 credits of 700-level Political Science courses, or other advisor-approved courses.

Dissertation – Credits: 12

PSC 799 - Dissertation  

Degree Requirements 

1. A minimum of 60 credits beyond the B.A. must be completed.
2. A minimum grade point average of 3.00 is required for all course work.
3. Research Tool: The research tool can be fulfilled with one of three options:

   1. Foreign Language: Students must demonstrate knowledge of the equivalent of two years of a single foreign language, through either an examination or 12 credits of college-level course work. Those credits would not count toward the required total. This requirement must be met prior to admission to candidacy. No grade below “B” will be accepted. The foreign language selected must be approved by the department as relevant for the student’s research.

   2. Quantitative Methods: With approval from the department, a student may demonstrate advanced quantitative methods necessary for his or her doctoral research.

   3. Qualitative Methods: With approval from the department, a student may demonstrate advanced qualitative methods necessary for his or her doctoral research.
4. This requirement must be met prior to admission to candidacy. No grade below “B” will be accepted.
5. In consultation with his/her advisor, a student will organize a dissertation committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member outside the department will be appointed to represent the Graduate College. Another outside member may be added at the department’s discretion.
6. Comprehensive written and oral examinations will be taken during or following the semester in which the student completes required course work. They will be divided into two parts, corresponding to the student’s major fields. Within those fields the content of the examinations will be determined by the student’s graduate coordinator.
7. The student will write the dissertation of original research and interpretation on a topic in the field of comparative politics.

Graduation Requirements 

1. The student must submit all required forms to the Graduate College and then apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing his/her degree requirements.
2. The student must submit and successfully defend his/her dissertation by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
3. The student must submit his/her approved, properly formatted dissertation to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.

Subplan 3 Requirements: Post-Bachelor’s - International Relations Track

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Total Credits Required: 60

Course Requirements 

Methods in Political Science Courses – Credits: 6

PSC 701 - Research Design and Methodology  

PSC 702 - Advanced Quantitative Methods I  

Proseminar Courses – Credits: 12

PSC 710R - Proseminar in American Politics  

PSC 740 - Proseminar in International Relations  

PSC 760R - Proseminar in Comparative Politics  

PSC 780R - Proseminar in Political Theory  

International Relations Field Courses – Credits: 9

Complete three of the following courses:

PSC 741 - U.S. Foreign Policy  

PSC 746 - Middle East in World Affairs  

PSC 747 - Pacific Rim in World Affairs  

PSC 751 - International Political Economy  

PSC 754 - Global Governance  

PSC 755 - International Security  

PSC 759 - Advanced Studies in International Relations  

Second Field – Credits: 9

Select one of the following second fields and complete three courses:

Second Field American Politics  

PSC 713 - American National Government: Principles  

PSC 714 - American National Government: Structure and Processes  

PSC 719 - Advanced Studies in American Politics  

PSC 721 - Public Policy Process   

PSC 723 - Policy Analysis  

PSC 729 - Advanced Studies in Public Policy   

PSC 732 - Constitutional Law  

PSC 739 - Advanced Studies in Public Law  

Second Field Comparative Politics

PSC 761 - Middle Eastern and North African Politics  

PSC 762 - African Politics  

PSC 763 - European Politics  

PSC 764 - Latin American Politics  

PSC 767 - Comparative Democratization  

PSC 775 - Comparative Political Behavior  

PSC 779R - Advanced Studies in Comparative Politics  

Second Field Political Theory

PSC 781 - Political Theory before 1500  

PSC 782R - Political Theory from 1500 to 1900  

PSC 783 - Political Theory since 1900  

PSC 789R - Special Topic: Advanced Studies in Political Theory  

Elective Courses – Credits: 12

Complete 12 credits of 700-level Political Science courses, or other advisor-approved courses.

Dissertation – Credits: 12

PSC 799 - Dissertation  

Degree Requirements 

1. A minimum of 60 credits beyond the B.A. must be completed.
2. A minimum grade point average of 3.00 is required for all course work.
3. Research Tool: The research tool can be fulfilled with one of three options:
   1. Foreign Language: Students must demonstrate knowledge of the equivalent of two years of a single foreign language, through either an examination or 12 credits of college-level course work. Those credits would not count toward the required total. This requirement must be met prior to admission to candidacy. No grade below “B” will be accepted. The foreign language selected must be approved by the department as relevant for the student’s research.
   2. Quantitative Methods: With approval from the department, a student may demonstrate advanced quantitative methods necessary for his or her doctoral research.
   3. Qualitative Methods: With approval from the department, a student may demonstrate advanced qualitative methods necessary for his or her doctoral research.
4. This requirement must be met prior to admission to candidacy. No grade below “B” will be accepted.
5. In consultation with his/her advisor, a student will organize a dissertation committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member outside the department will be appointed to represent the Graduate College. Another outside member may be added at the department’s discretion.
6. Comprehensive written examination will be taken during or following the semester in which the student completes required course work. They will be divided into two parts, corresponding to the student’s major fields. Within those fields the content of he examinations will be determined by the student’s graduate coordinator.
7. The student will write the dissertation of original research and interpretation on a topic in the field of international relations. 

Graduation Requirements 

1. The student must submit all required forms to the Graduate College and then apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing his/her degree requirements.
2. The student must submit and successfully defend his/her dissertation by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
3. The student must submit his/her approved, properly formatted dissertation to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.

Subplan 4 Requirements: Post - Bachelor’s Political Theory Track

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Total Credits Required: 60

Course Requirements 

Methods in Political Science Courses – Credits: 6

PSC 701 - Research Design and Methodology  

PSC 702 - Advanced Quantitative Methods I  

Proseminar Courses – Credits: 12

PSC 710R - Proseminar in American Politics  

PSC 740 - Proseminar in International Relations  

PSC 760R - Proseminar in Comparative Politics  

PSC 780R - Proseminar in Political Theory  

Political Theory Field Courses – Credits: 9

Complete three of the following courses:

PSC 781 - Political Theory before 1500  

PSC 782R - Political Theory from 1500 to 1900  

PSC 783 - Political Theory since 1900  

PSC 789R - Special Topic: Advanced Studies in Political Theory  

Second Field – Credits: 9

Select one of the following second fields and complete three courses:

Second Field American Politics 

PSC 713 - American National Government: Principles  

PSC 714 - American National Government: Structure and Processes  

PSC 719 - Advanced Studies in American Politics  

PSC 721 - Public Policy Process   

PSC 723 - Policy Analysis  

PSC 729 - Advanced Studies in Public Policy   

PSC 732 - Constitutional Law  

PSC 739 - Advanced Studies in Public Law  

Second Field Comparative Politics

PSC 761 - Middle Eastern and North African Politics  

PSC 762 - African Politics  

PSC 763 - European Politics   

PSC 764 - Latin American Politics  

PSC 767 - Comparative Democratization  

PSC 775 - Comparative Political Behavior  

PSC 779R - Advanced Studies in Comparative Politics  

Second Field International Relations

PSC 741 - U.S. Foreign Policy  

PSC 746 - Middle East in World Affairs  

PSC 747 - Pacific Rim in World Affairs  

PSC 751 - International Political Economy  

PSC 754 - Global Governance  

PSC 755 - International Security  

PSC 759 - Advanced Studies in International Relations  

Elective Courses – Credits: 12

Complete 12 credits of 700-level Political Science courses, or other advisor-approved courses.

Dissertation – Credits: 12

PSC 799 - Dissertation  

Degree Requirements 

1. A minimum of 60 credits beyond the B.A. must be completed.
2. A minimum grade point average of 3.00 is required for all course work.
3. Research Tool: The research tool can be fulfilled with one of three options:
   1. Foreign Language: Students must demonstrate knowledge of the equivalent of two years of a single foreign language, through either an examination or 12 credits of college-level course work. Those credits would not count toward the required total. This requirement must be met prior to admission to candidacy. No grade below “B” will be accepted. The foreign language selected must be approved by the department as relevant for the student’s research.
   2. Quantitative Methods: With approval from the department, a student may demonstrate advanced quantitative methods necessary for his or her doctoral research.
   3. Qualitative Methods: With approval from the department, a student may demonstrate advanced qualitative methods necessary for his or her doctoral research.
4. This requirement must be met prior to admission to candidacy. No grade below “B” will be accepted.
5. In consultation with his/her advisor, a student will organize a dissertation committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member outside the department will be appointed to represent the Graduate College. Another outside member may be added at the department’s discretion.
6. Comprehensive written examination will be taken during or following the semester in which the student completes required course work. They will be divided into two parts, corresponding to the student’s major fields. Within those fields the content of he examinations will be determined by the student’s graduate coordinator.
7. The student will write the dissertation of original research and interpretation on a topic in the field of political theory. 

Graduation Requirements 

1. The student must submit all required forms to the Graduate College and then apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing his/her degree requirements.
2. The student must submit and successfully defend his/her dissertation by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
3. The student must submit his/her approved, properly formatted dissertation to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.

Subplan 5 Requirements: Post - Master’s American Politics Track

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Total Credits Required: 48

Course Requirements 

Methods in Political Science Courses – Credits: 6

PSC 701 - Research Design and Methodology  

PSC 702 - Advanced Quantitative Methods I  

Proseminar Courses – Credits: 12

PSC 710R - Proseminar in American Politics  

PSC 740 - Proseminar in International Relations  

PSC 760R - Proseminar in Comparative Politics  

PSC 780R - Proseminar in Political Theory  

American Politics Field Courses – Credits: 9

Complete three of the following courses: 

PSC 713 - American National Government: Principles  

PSC 714 - American National Government: Structure and Processes  

PSC 719 - Advanced Studies in American Politics  

PSC 721 - Public Policy Process   

PSC 723 - Policy Analysis     

PSC 729 - Advanced Studies in Public Policy   

PSC 732 - Constitutional Law    

PSC 739 - Advanced Studies in Public Law  

PSC 779R - Advanced Studies in Comparative Politics  

Second Field  Courses – Credits: 9

Complete 3 of the following courses:

Second Field Comparative Politics

PSC 761 - Middle Eastern and North African Politics   ​

PSC 762 - African Politics  

PSC 763 - European Politics  

PSC 764 - Latin American Politics  

PSC 767 - Comparative Democratization  

PSC 775 - Comparative Political Behavior  

PSC 779R - Advanced Studies in Comparative Politics  

Second Field International Relations

PSC 741 - U.S. Foreign Policy  

PSC 746 - Middle East in World Affairs  

PSC 747 - Pacific Rim in World Affairs  

PSC 751 - International Political Economy  

PSC 754 - Global Governance  

PSC 755 - International Security  

PSC 759 - Advanced Studies in International Relations  

Second Field Political Theory

PSC 781 - Political Theory before 1500  

PSC 782R - Political Theory from 1500 to 1900  

PSC 783 - Political Theory since 1900  

PSC 789R - Special Topic: Advanced Studies in Political Theory  

Dissertation – Credits: 12

PSC 799 - Dissertation  

Degree Requirements 

1. A minimum of 48 credits beyond the M.A. must be completed.
2. A minimum grade point average of 3.00 is required for all course work.
3. Research Tool: The research tool can be fulfilled with one of three options:
   1. Foreign Language: Students must demonstrate knowledge of the equivalent of two years of a single foreign language, through either an examination or 12 credits of college-level course work. Those credits would not count toward the required total. This requirement must be met prior to admission to candidacy. No grade below “B” will be accepted. The foreign language selected must be approved by the department as relevant for the student’s research.
   2. Quantitative Methods: With approval from the department, a student may demonstrate advanced quantitative methods necessary for his or her doctoral research.
   3. Qualitative Methods: With approval from the department, a student may demonstrate advanced qualitative methods necessary for his or her doctoral research.
4. This requirement must be met prior to admission to candidacy. No grade below “B” will be accepted.
5. In consultation with his/her advisor, a student will organize a dissertation committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member outside the department will be appointed to represent the Graduate College. Another outside member may be added at the department’s discretion.
6. Comprehensive written and oral examinations will be taken during or following the semester in which the student completes required course work. They will be divided into two parts, corresponding to the student’s major fields. Within those fields the content of the examinations will be determined by the student’s graduate coordinator.
7. The student will write the dissertation of original research and interpretation on a topic in the field of American politics.

Graduation Requirements 

1. The student must submit all required forms to the Graduate College and then apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing his/her degree requirements.
2. The student must submit and successfully defend his/her dissertation by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
3. The student must submit his/her approved, a properly formatted dissertation to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.

Subplan 6 Requirements: Post-Master’s - Comparative Politics Track

---

Total Credits Required: 48

Course Requirements 

Methods in Political Science Courses – Credits: 6

PSC 701 - Research Design and Methodology  

PSC 702 - Advanced Quantitative Methods I  

Proseminar Courses – Credits: 12

PSC 710R - Proseminar in American Politics  

PSC 740 - Proseminar in International Relations  

PSC 760R - Proseminar in Comparative Politics  

PSC 780R - Proseminar in Political Theory  

Comparative Field Courses – Credits: 9  

PSC 761 - Middle Eastern and North African Politics  

PSC 762 - African Politics  

PSC 763 - European Politics  

PSC 764 - Latin American Politics  

PSC 767 - Comparative Democratization  

PSC 775 - Comparative Political Behavior  

PSC 779R - Advanced Studies in Comparative Politics  

Second Field – Credits: 9

Select one of the following second fields and complete three courses:

Second Field American Politics 

PSC 713 - American National Government: Principles  

PSC 714 - American National Government: Structure and Processes  

PSC 719 - Advanced Studies in American Politics  

PSC 721 - Public Policy Process   

PSC 723 - Policy Analysis  

PSC 729 - Advanced Studies in Public Policy   

PSC 732 - Constitutional Law  

PSC 739 - Advanced Studies in Public Law  

Second Field International Relations

PSC 741 - U.S. Foreign Policy  

PSC 746 - Middle East in World Affairs  

PSC 747 - Pacific Rim in World Affairs  

PSC 751 - International Political Economy  

PSC 754 - Global Governance  

PSC 755 - International Security  

PSC 759 - Advanced Studies in International Relations  

Second Field Political Theory

PSC 781 - Political Theory before 1500  

PSC 782R - Political Theory from 1500 to 1900  

PSC 783 - Political Theory since 1900  

PSC 789R - Special Topic: Advanced Studies in Political Theory  

Dissertation – Credits: 12

PSC 799 - Dissertation  

Degree Requirements 

1. A minimum of 48 credits beyond the M.A. must be completed and the department will determine the distribution of the 42 credits, based on the student’s transcripts of prior work.
2. A minimum grade point average of 3.00 is required for all course work.
3. Foreign language requirement: Students must demonstrate knowledge of the equivalent of two years of a single foreign language, through either an examination or 12 credits of college-level course work. Those credits would not count toward the required total. This requirement must be met prior to admission to candidacy. No grade below “B-” will be accepted.
4. In consultation with his/her advisor, a student will organize a dissertation committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member outside the department will be assigned by the Graduate College. Another outside member may be added at the department’s discretion.
5. In consultation with his/her advisor, a student will organize a dissertation committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member outside the department will be appointed to represent the Graduate College. Another outside member may be added at the department’s discretion.
6. Comprehensive written examination will be taken during or following the semester in which the student completes required course work. They will be divided into two parts, corresponding to the student’s major fields. Within those fields the content of he examinations will be determined by the student’s graduate coordinator.
7. The student will write the dissertation of original research and interpretation on a topic in the field of comparative politics.

Graduation Requirements 

1. The student must submit all required forms to the Graduate College and then apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing his/her degree requirements.
2. The student must submit and successfully defend his/her dissertation by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
3. The student must submit his/her approved, properly formatted dissertation to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.

Subplan 7 Requirements: Post-Master’s - International Relations Track

---

Total Credits Required: 48

Course Requirements 

Methods in Political Science Courses – Credits: 6

PSC 701 - Research Design and Methodology  

PSC 702 - Advanced Quantitative Methods I  

Proseminar Courses – Credits: 12

PSC 710R - Proseminar in American Politics  

PSC 740 - Proseminar in International Relations  

PSC 760R - Proseminar in Comparative Politics  

PSC 780R - Proseminar in Political Theory  

International Relations Field Courses – Credits: 9

Complete three of the following courses:

PSC 741 - U.S. Foreign Policy  

PSC 746 - Middle East in World Affairs  

PSC 747 - Pacific Rim in World Affairs  

PSC 751 - International Political Economy  

PSC 754 - Global Governance  

PSC 755 - International Security  

PSC 759 - Advanced Studies in International Relations  

Second Field – Credits: 9

Select one of the following second fields and complete three courses:

Second Field American Politics 

PSC 713 - American National Government: Principles  

PSC 714 - American National Government: Structure and Processes  

PSC 719 - Advanced Studies in American Politics  

PSC 721 - Public Policy Process   

PSC 723 - Policy Analysis  

PSC 729 - Advanced Studies in Public Policy   

PSC 732 - Constitutional Law  

PSC 739 - Advanced Studies in Public Law  

Second Field Comparative Politics

PSC 761 - Middle Eastern and North African Politics  

PSC 762 - African Politics  

PSC 763 - European Politics  

PSC 764 - Latin American Politics  

PSC 767 - Comparative Democratization  

PSC 775 - Comparative Political Behavior  

PSC 779R - Advanced Studies in Comparative Politics  

Second Field Political Theory

PSC 781 - Political Theory before 1500  

PSC 782R - Political Theory from 1500 to 1900  

PSC 783 - Political Theory since 1900  

PSC 789R - Special Topic: Advanced Studies in Political Theory  

Dissertation – Credits: 12

PSC 799 - Dissertation  

Degree Requirements 

1. A minimum of 48 credits beyond the M.A. must be completed.
2. A minimum grade point average of 3.00 is required for all course work.
3. Research Tool: The research tool can be fulfilled with one of three options:
   1. Foreign Language: Students must demonstrate knowledge of the equivalent of two years of a single foreign language, through either an examination or 12 credits of college-level course work. Those credits would not count toward the required total. This requirement must be met prior to admission to candidacy. No grade below “B” will be accepted. The foreign language selected must be approved by the department as relevant for the student’s research.
   2. Quantitative Methods: With approval from the department, a student may demonstrate advanced quantitative methods necessary for his or her doctoral research.
   3. Qualitative Methods: With approval from the department, a student may demonstrate advanced qualitative methods necessary for his or her doctoral research.
4. This requirement must be met prior to admission to candidacy. No grade below “B” will be accepted.
5. In consultation with his/her advisor, a student will organize a dissertation committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member outside the department will be appointed to represent the Graduate College. Another outside member may be added at the department’s discretion.
6. Comprehensive written examination will be taken during or following the semester in which the student completes required course work. They will be divided into two parts, corresponding to the student’s major fields. Within those fields the content of he examinations will be determined by the student’s graduate coordinator.
7. The student will write the dissertation of original research and interpretation on a topic in the field of international relations.

Graduation Requirements 

1. The student must submit all required forms to the Graduate College and then apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing his/her degree requirements.
2. The student must submit and successfully defend his/her dissertation by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
3. The student must submit his/her approved, properly formatted dissertation to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.

Subplan 8 Requirements: Post - Master’s Political Theory Track

---

Total Credits Required: 48

Course Requirements 

Methods in Political Science Courses – Credits: 6

PSC 701 - Research Design and Methodology  

PSC 702 - Advanced Quantitative Methods I  

Proseminar Courses – Credits: 12

PSC 710R - Proseminar in American Politics  

PSC 740 - Proseminar in International Relations  

PSC 760R - Proseminar in Comparative Politics  

PSC 780R - Proseminar in Political Theory  

Political Theory Field Courses – Credits: 9

Complete three of the following courses:

PSC 781 - Political Theory before 1500  

PSC 782R - Political Theory from 1500 to 1900  

PSC 783 - Political Theory since 1900  

PSC 789R - Special Topic: Advanced Studies in Political Theory  

Second Field – Credits: 9

Select one of the following second fields and complete three courses:

Second Field American Politics 

PSC 713 - American National Government: Principles  

PSC 714 - American National Government: Structure and Processes  

PSC 719 - Advanced Studies in American Politics  

PSC 721 - Public Policy Process   

PSC 723 - Policy Analysis  

PSC 729 - Advanced Studies in Public Policy   

PSC 732 - Constitutional Law  

PSC 739 - Advanced Studies in Public Law  

Second Field Comparative Politics

PSC 761 - Middle Eastern and North African Politics  

PSC 762 - African Politics  

PSC 763 - European Politics  

PSC 764 - Latin American Politics  

PSC 767 - Comparative Democratization  

PSC 775 - Comparative Political Behavior  

PSC 779R - Advanced Studies in Comparative Politics  

Second Field International Relations

PSC 741 - U.S. Foreign Policy  

PSC 746 - Middle East in World Affairs  

PSC 747 - Pacific Rim in World Affairs  

PSC 751 - International Political Economy  

PSC 754 - Global Governance  

PSC 755 - International Security  

PSC 759 - Advanced Studies in International Relations  

Dissertation – Credits: 12

PSC 799 - Dissertation  

Degree Requirements 

1. A minimum of 48 credits beyond the M.A. must be completed.
2. A minimum grade point average of 3.00 is required for all course work.
3. Research Tool: The research tool can be fulfilled with one of three options:
   1. Foreign Language: Students must demonstrate knowledge of the equivalent of two years of a single foreign language, through either an examination or 12 credits of college-level course work. Those credits would not count toward the required total. This requirement must be met prior to admission to candidacy. No grade below “B” will be accepted. The foreign language selected must be approved by the department as relevant for the student’s research.
   2. Quantitative Methods: With approval from the department, a student may demonstrate advanced quantitative methods necessary for his or her doctoral research.
   3. Qualitative Methods: With approval from the department, a student may demonstrate advanced qualitative methods necessary for his or her doctoral research.
4. This requirement must be met prior to admission to candidacy. No grade below “B” will be accepted.
5. In consultation with his/her advisor, a student will organize a dissertation committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member outside the department will be selected to represent the Graduate College. Another outside member may be added at the department’s discretion.
6. . Comprehensive written and oral examinations will be taken during or following the semester in which the student completes required course work. They will be divided into two parts, corresponding to the student’s major fields. Within those fields the content of the examinations will be determined by the student’s graduate coordinator.
7. The student will write the dissertation of original research and interpretation on a topic in the field of political theory. 

Graduation Requirements 

1. The student must submit all required forms to the Graduate College and then apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing his/her degree requirements.
2. The student must submit and successfully defend his/her dissertation by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
3. The student must submit his/her approved, properly formatted dissertation to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.

Plan Graduation Requirements

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Refer to your subplan for Graduation Requirements.

Subplan 1: Post-Bachelor’s - American Politics Track
Subplan 2: Post-Bachelor’s – Comparative Politics Track
Subplan 3: Post-Bachelor’s – International Relations Track
Subplan 4: Post-Bachelor’s - Political Theory Track
Subplan 5: Post-Master’s - American Politics Track
Subplan 6: Post-Master’s – Comparative Politics Track
Subplan 7: Post-Master’s – International Relations Track
Subplan 8: Post-Master’s - Political Theory Track