Degree Requirements

Master of Arts

The master’s degree program requires either twenty-four semester hours of coursework and Government 698, the thesis course; or thirty hours of coursework and Government 398R, the report course. At least six hours must be taken as supporting work outside the department.

Doctor of Philosophy

A doctoral degree candidate must earn credit for a minimum of 57 hours of coursework while fulfilling the following general requirements: (1) complete foundation courses in political science and more specialized coursework in two fields of study; (2) demonstrate language proficiency or competence in quantitative research methods; (3) pass written examinations in two fields; (4) prepare and defend a dissertation proposal; and (5) write an original dissertation and successfully defend it in oral examination. Additional information on specific requirements and procedures is available from the department.