Government and Politics, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Students are required to complete 42 credits of coursework, in addition to 12 credits of GVPT899. The doctoral program is intended to provide students with the knowledge, methodological skills and research experience appropriate for persons who intend to enter the discipline of political science. Students must complete 42 hours of graduate work including courses in political theory and research methods and pass written comprehensive examinations in two fields. Although formal coursework and field examinations are important components of the doctoral program, the research component, especially in the form of the dissertation, is paramount. Consequently, students who are able to demonstrate an interest in quality research activities and desire to become creators as well as consumers of knowledge are appropriate for the doctoral program.
Advance to Candidacy: In addition to course requirements, students are also required to complete two comprehensive exams, a research paper, and pass the Prospectus Defense.
Post-Candidacy: Complete at least 12 credits of GVPT899 as well as successfully defend and submit an original dissertation.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses: | ||
| GVPT622 | Quantitative Methods For Political Science | 3 |
| GVPT722 | Advanced Quantitative Methods For Political Science | 3 |
| Complete courses in one of the following fields: | 36 | |
American Politics | ||
International Relations | ||
Comparative Politics | ||
Political Philosophy/Normative Political Theory | ||
| Dissertation Research Requirements | ||
| GVPT899 | Doctoral Dissertation Research | 12 |
| Total Credits | 54 | |
Field Options
American Politics
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GVPT770 | Seminar in American Political Institutions | 3 |
| GVPT771 | Seminar in American Political Behavior | 3 |
| Select 30 additional credits of GVPT courses at the 600 level or above | 30 | |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
International Relations
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GVPT708 | Seminar in International Relations Theory (GVPT708A - Seminar in International Relations Theory) | 3 |
| Select 33 additional credits of GVPT courses at the 600 level or above | 33 | |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
Comparative Politics
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GVPT888 | Selected Topics in Comparative Governmental Institutions | 12 |
| Select 24 additional credits of GVPT courses at the 600 level or above | 24 | |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
Political Philosophy/Normative Political Theory
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 36 credits of GVPT courses at the 600 level or above | 36 | |
| Total Credits | 36 | |