Degree Requirements, Government

Graduate handbook information is updated and maintained by each program. Graduate handbooks are available within each program's office and online at https://utexas.box.com/v/UTAustinGraduateHandbooks. Please contact the program with concerns or questions.

Master of Arts

The master’s degree program requires either 24 semester hours of coursework and Government 698, the thesis course; or 30 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 42 hours of coursework while fulfilling the following general requirements: (1) complete foundation courses in political science and more specialized coursework in major and minor fields of study; (2) participate in a second-year review; (3) pass a written examination in the major field; (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.