UT Dallas 2013 Graduate Catalog

School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences

Graduate Programs in Political Science

Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science

75 hours minimum beyond the baccalaureate degree

Faculty

Professors: Thomas L. Brunell, Anthony M. Champagne, Harold D. Clarke, Euel W. Elliott, Edward J. Harpham, L. Douglas Kiel, Robert C. Lowry, Marianne C. Stewart

Associate Professors: Patrick T. Brandt, Michael H. Crespin, Jennifer S. Holmes, Linda Camp Keith, Clint W. Peinhardt, Gregory S. Thielemann

Clinical Associate Professor: Brian Bearry

Assistant Professors: Brandon J. Kinne, Banks P. Miller

Senior Lecturer: Karl K. Ho

Mission Statement

The Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science provides a rigorous, disciplinary program with strong multidisciplinary links. The Program consists of innovative, state-of-the-science graduate education in political methodology and the fields of Comparative Politics and International Relations; Political Institutions and American Politics; and Law and Courts. In the first two years of the program, students acquire basic research skills and tools, and work on research projects. Later, they have opportunities to develop their instructional and presentation skills, to participate in summer methodology programs, and to interact with highly regarded scholars and practitioners in their fields of study.

Objectives

Students will engage in critical and constructive thinking, effective communication to academic audiences, and rigorous design and execution of research projects.
Students will describe, classify, and analyze the causes and consequences of the unprecedented unfolding of democracy on a global scale, its successes and failures, and its opportunities and problems during an era of globalization and of ongoing subnational, national, and transnational conflicts and negotiations.
Students will describe, classify, and analyze the major theories, methods, and findings that are used to explain the participation of individuals in a variety of institutional settings in the United States and elsewhere, how public institutions can be designed to promote both collective goods and individual gains, and how changes in institutions have consequences for individuals and public policy.
Students will describe, classify, and analyze the major theories and empirical findings about the behavior of judges, interactions between the judiciary and other institutions, and the role of courts in the evolution of public policy and the definition and protection of human rights around the world.
Students will acquire the professional socialization necessary to teach and to conduct research in American, comparative, or international government and politics; democratization, globalization and international relations; governmental and political institutions and processes; and public administration, decision making, and risk management.

Facilities

Many important data and reference materials are available online from professional associations or at UT Dallas via the Library's and School's memberships in the American Political Science Association, the European Consortium for Political Research (ECPR), the Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR), the Roper Center, the University Consortium for Geographic Information Science (UCGIS), and other organizations. The Library has a substantial number of political science journals and access to journals via loan from the University of Texas System.

Students have opportunities to participate in research programs directed by members of the faculty. As appropriate, some students may become involved in methodological development activities offered by the School's membership in the ECPR, ICPSR, and UCGIS. In addition, some students may be eligible to participate in the professional development activities provided by faculty who co-edit the journal Electoral Studies.

To attract the best students, editorial, research and teaching assistantships are available. Prospective students interested in teaching assistantships should apply for admission to start in the Fall by February 15. Editorial assistantships are available through several of the professional journals supported by the University. Research assistantships may be available with individual faculty who have funding from external sources. Other assistantships are provided to work with faculty at the Center for Texas Politics or on instructional activities.

Admission Requirements

The University's general admission requirements are discussed on the Graduate Admission page (catalog.utdallas.edu/2013/graduate/admission).

The Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science Program seeks applications from individuals with a baccalaureate, Master of Arts, or Master of Science degree in Government and Politics, Political Science, Public Administration, Public Affairs or a relevant discipline. The degree must be from an accredited college or university. An undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.2 and a combined quantitative and verbal Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score of 310 are desirable for students who expect to progress satisfactorily towards graduation. An analytical writing score of at least 4.5 in the GRE is considered desirable. Applicants also may submit their score from the writing component of the GRE as additional evidence of their admission eligibility. Applicants should submit all transcripts, three letters of recommendation (preferably from individuals who can evaluate the applicant's potential for graduate study and research), and a one-page essay describing educational and professional objectives. Grade point average, GRE score, and other information pertaining to the applicants' educational background and professional goals are among the factors that are considered in determining direct admission. Applications are reviewed by the Political Science Program Committee in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences.

Students who lack the necessary background to start the Program are advised to take courses that strengthen their preparation, but these courses do not receive credit towards the PhD Program.

Undergraduate students who are interested in completing their undergraduate degrees while simultaneously taking graduate courses in the Political Science PhD Program are expected to meet the School's "fast-tracking" requirements.

Degree Requirements

The University's general degree requirements are discussed on the Graduate Policies and Procedures page (catalog.utdallas.edu/2013/graduate/policies/policy).

On admission to the PhD in Political Science Program, the student earns a minimum of 75 semester credit hours of coursework and dissertation credit beyond the baccalaureate degree. Core hours include four courses in Political Science Methodology and Theory, and three proseminars in the Program fields. The three fields are Comparative Politics and International Relations; Political Institutions and American Politics; and Law and Courts. Additional coursework includes four courses in the major field, two courses in the minor field, and three to six courses of freely chosen credit. Students may use these electives to complete an optional concentration in research methods. Prior to admission to doctoral candidacy and further work on the dissertation or practicum, the student must pass examinations in the subjects covered by the core and field courses. Students must receive a grade of B- or better in all core courses and must maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average to graduate.

On examination completion, the student proceeds to present a doctoral dissertation or practicum proposal. The proposal must be approved by his/her Advisory Committee not later than two consecutive semesters after examination completion. Upon Committee approval, the student does further work on the doctoral dissertation or practicum while enrolling continuously for credit in research seminars and in dissertation or practicum research. The dissertation has multiple chapters that consist of a clear statement of the research problem, the theoretical framework and research design, the methods of analysis and findings, and an appropriately developed conclusion. The practicum consists of three papers that may or may not be thematically related and are informed by the theories and methodology of the student's major field. All three papers must be suitable for presentation at a major professional meeting and/or submission to a peer-reviewed professional journal.

Semester Credit Hour Requirements

Core Courses in Political Science Methodology and Theory: 12 hours

Field Proseminars: 9 hours

Courses in Major Field: 12 hours

Courses in Minor Field: 6 hours

Freely Chosen Elective Credit: 9-18 hours

Dissertation or Practicum Research: 18-27 hours

Total (Minimum): 75 hours

Major Core Courses

EPPS 7313 Descriptive and Inferential Statistics

EPPS 7316 Regression and Multivariate Analysis

PSCI 6300 Proseminar in Comparative Politics and International Relations

PSCI 6311 Proseminar in Law and Courts

PSCI 6347 Proseminar in Political Institutions and American Politics

PSCI 6350 Logic, Methodology, and Scope of Political Science

PSCI 6352 Empirical Democratic Theory

Students who lack the math background for EPPS 7313 and EPPS 7316 may need to do additional work before completing these requirements.

Comparative Politics and International Relations

PSCI 6309 International Political Economy

POEC 6319 Political Economy of MNCs

PSCI 6316 International Organizations

PSCI 6335 Institutions and Development

PSCI 6337 Comparative Institutions

PSCI 6357 Political Economy of Latin America

PSCI 6362 Political Development

PSCI 6363 Conflict and Development

PSCI 6361 Political Violence and Terrorism

PSCI 7330 Contemporary International Security

Political Institutions and American Politics

PSCI 6314 Policy Processes, Implementation and Evaluation

PSCI 6324 Local and State Government and Politics

PSCI 6330 Campaigns and Elections

PSCI 6331 Executives, Legislatures and Public Policy

PSCI 6333 Political and Civic Organizations

PSCI 6337 Comparative Institutions

PSCI 6323 Public Choice

PSCI 6339 Election Law and Electoral Systems

PSCI 6343 Law and the Policy Process

PSCI 7350 Institutions and Citizen Behavior

PSCI 7352 Choice and Decision Making

Law and Courts

PSCI 6301 Constitutional Law

PSCI 6305 Workshop in Constitutional Law Studies

PSCI 6306 Human Rights and International Law

PSCI 6342 Comparative Courts and Law

PSCI 6339 Election Law and Electoral Systems

PSCI 6343 Law and the Policy Process

Research Methods Concentration: optional

Students can complete a concentration in research methods by taking three courses from the following list. Students must consult with the Director of Graduate Studies in advance to determine which courses fit best with their research interests.

ECON 6306 Applied Econometrics

ECON 6309 Econometrics I

ECON 7309 Econometrics II

ECON 6311 Statistics for Economists

ECON 6316 Spatial Econometrics

ECON 6320 Game Theory for the Social Sciences

ECON 6380 Experimental Economics I

ECON 7315 Econometrics III

ECON 7316 Game Theory

EPPS 6310 Research Design I

EPPS 6342 Research Design II

EPPS 6346 Qualitative Research Methods

EPPS 6352 Evaluation Research Methods in Economic, Political and Policy Sciences

EPPS 7304 Cost-Benefit Analysis

EPPS 7318 Structural Equation and Multilevel (Hierarchical) Modeling

EPPS 7344 Categorical and Limited Dependent Variables

EPPS 7370 Time Series Analysis

EPPS 7390 Bayesian Analysis for the Social and Behavioral Sciences

GISC 6301 GIS Data Analysis Fundamentals

GISC 6317 Computer Programming for GIS

GISC 7310 Regression Analysis with GIS Applications

PSCI 6325 Decision Theory

PSCI 6353 Mathematical Models in Political and Social Science

PSCI 6364 Public Opinion and Survey Research

PSCI 7352 Choice and Decision Making

PSCI 7372 Game Theory for Political Scientists

Other courses as approved by the Director of Graduate Studies.

Master of Arts in Political Science

30 hours minimum

Faculty

Professors: Thomas L. Brunell, Anthony M. Champagne, Harold D. Clarke, Euel W. Elliott, Edward J. Harpham, L. Douglas Kiel, Robert C. Lowry, Marianne C. Stewart

Associate Professors: Patrick T. Brandt, Michael H. Crespin, Jennifer S. Holmes, Linda Camp Keith, Clint W. Peinhardt, Gregory S. Thielemann

Clinical Associate Professor: Brian Bearry

Assistant Professors: Brandon J. Kinne, Banks P. Miller

Senior Lecturer: Karl K. Ho

Mission

The mission of the Master of Arts in Political Science (MAPS) degree is to offer advanced instruction in the social science literature and theories about politics, citizenship and governance. The program serves the interests and needs of talented students who can commit initially to a 30-hour program but may be attracted subsequently to the PhD program, as well as those who can commit initially to the doctoral program but subsequently decide not to complete the program. The Master of Arts in Political Science further can satisfy the interests and talents of students who "fast-track" in the Political Science undergraduate program and who want an additional year of more rigorous, sharply focused graduate coursework in Political Science.

Objectives

Students in the Master of Arts in Political Science program will:

Demonstrate the ability to apply political science theories and concepts to the study of citizenship, governance and politics.
Develop a competency in one of the fields of Comparative Politics and International Relations; Political Institutions and American Politics; or Law and Courts.
Develop basic skills in professional communication appropriate to political science research and analysis.
Develop competency in analysis, evaluation, and research design relevant to political science research and analysis.

Facilities

Students have access to the computing facilities in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences and the University's Computer Labs. The School has two computing laboratories that have over 30 computers that are network linked and equipped with major social science software packages, including EViews, R, RATS, SPSS, and Stata. A computerized geographic information system, the LexisNexis database, and Westlaw are also available for student use. The University's Computer Labs provide personal computers and UNIX workstations. Many important data and reference materials are available online from professional associations or at UT Dallas via the library's and School's memberships in the American Political Science Association, the European Consortium for Political Research, the Inter University Consortium for Political and Social Research, the Roper Center, and the University Consortium for Geographic Information Systems, and other organizations.

Admissions Requirement

The University's general admission requirements are discussed on the Graduate Admission page (catalog.utdallas.edu/2013/graduate/admission).

The Master of Arts in Political Science seeks applications from students with a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university or college. Although applications will be reviewed holistically, in general, entering students have earned a 3.0 undergraduate grade point average (on a 4.0 scale), and a combined verbal and quantitative score of at least 300 on the Graduate Records Examination (GRE). Standardized test scores are only one of the factors taken into account in determining admission. Applicants should also submit all transcripts, three letters of recommendation (preferably from individuals who can evaluate the applicant's potential for graduate study), and a one-page essay outlining the applicant's background, education, and professional objectives. Applications are reviewed by the Political Science Program Committee in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences.

Undergraduate students who are interested in completing their undergraduate degrees while simultaneously taking graduate courses in the MA in Political Science program are expected to meet the School's "fast-tracking" requirements.

Prerequisites

While there are no specific course prerequisites, entering students will benefit from exposure to undergraduate courses in the Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, statistics, and research design. In cases where undergraduate preparation is not adequate, students may be required to take additional course work before starting the master's program.

Transfer Policies

Students who have previous graduate work pertinent to the requirements of a master's program may be given up to 6 hours of transfer credit, and the hours of coursework required for the degree will be reduced accordingly. Students desiring to transfer graduate courses thought to be equivalent to core courses may be required to demonstrate competency through examination. The award of such transfer credit must be consistent with the University's "Transfer of Credit" policy.

Degree Requirements

The University's general degree requirements are discussed on the Graduate Policies and Procedures page (catalog.utdallas.edu/2013/graduate/policies/policy).

Students seeking a Master of Arts in Political Science must complete at least 30 semester credit hours of work in the program, must receive a grade of B- or better in all required courses, and must maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average to graduate.

The curriculum has two components:

Fifteen semester hours of required coursework
Fifteen semester hours of prescribed electives

Required Courses: 15 hours

All students should complete the core courses as soon as possible.

All of the following:

EPPS 6313 Introduction to Quantitative Methods

PSCI 6350 Logic, Methodology, and Scope of Political Science

PSCI 6352 Empirical Democratic Theory

Two of the following:

PSCI 6300 Proseminar in Comparative Politics and International Relations

PSCI 6311 Proseminar in Law and Courts

PSCI 6347 Proseminar in Political Institutions and American Politics

Prescribed Electives: 15 hours

Two additional courses at the 5000 or 6000 level in one of the following fields: Comparative Politics and International Relations; Political Institutions and American Politics; or Law and Courts.

Three additional political science courses at the 5000 or 6000 level, or methodology courses such as applied regression (EPPS 6316) or other methods courses offered throughout the School, or up to three credits of optional thesis (independent study).

Master of Arts in Political Science - Constitutional Law Studies

30 hours minimum

Faculty

Professors: Thomas L. Brunell, Anthony M. Champagne, Marianne C. Stewart, John L. Worrall

Associate Professors: Denise Paquette Boots, Patrick T. Brandt, Linda Camp Keith

Assistant Professors: Banks P. Miller

Mission

The mission of the Master of Arts in Political Science - Constitutional Law Studies degree is to provide students with the reasoning and analytic skills necessary to understand the technical rules of law, legal practices and policies, and law more generally as a social phenomenon. It serves the interests and needs of students who want an intellectually rigorous legal education as preparation for law school, for more advanced graduate learning, or for law-related careers in teaching, journalism, government, policy-making, or the private sector.

Objectives

Students in the Master of Arts in Political Science - Constitutional Law Studies program will:

Acquire detailed knowledge of the role of the judicial system in the evolution of public policy in the United States.
Acquire detailed knowledge of the roles played by practicing attorneys in the development and application of public law in the United States.
Demonstrate basic skills in legal research and writing.
Develop competency in the application of theories of the evolution of constitutional law to United States Supreme Court decisions.
Demonstrate the ability to conduct original research on law and courts using skills in legal research and writing, quantitative research or field research.

Facilities

The Center for American and International Law, an internationally known organization that provides professional development to lawyers, judges, and law enforcement officers, helps to administer the Capstone Seminar in Constitutional Law Studies in which leading lawyers and judges provide lectures on law and the legal process.

Admissions Requirement

The University's general admission requirements are discussed on the Graduate Admission page (catalog.utdallas.edu/2013/graduate/admission).

Undergraduate students who are interested in completing their undergraduate degrees while simultaneously taking graduate courses in the MA in Political Science - Constitutional Law Studies program are expected to meet the School's "fast-tracking" requirements.

Prerequisites

Transfer Policies

Degree Requirements

The University's general degree requirements are discussed on the Graduate Policies and Procedures page (catalog.utdallas.edu/2013/graduate/policies/policy).

Students seeking a Master of Arts in Political Science - Constitutional Law Studies must complete at least 30 semester credit hours of work in the program, must receive a grade of B- or better in all required courses, and must maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average to graduate.

The curriculum has two components:

Eighteen semester hours of required coursework
Twelve semester hours of prescribed electives

Major Required Courses: 18 hours

All students should complete the core courses as soon as possible.

One of the following:

EPPS 6313 Introduction to Quantitative Methods

PSCI 6350 Logic, Methodology, and Scope of Political Science

All of the following:

PSCI 5306 The American Legal System and the Practice of Law

PSCI 5307 Legal Reasoning and Writing

PSCI 6301 Constitutional Law

PSCI 6305 Workshop in Constitutional Law Studies

PSCI 6343 Law and the Policy Process

Prescribed Electives: 12 hours

Four of the following:

CRIM 6311 Criminal Justice Policy

CRIM 6317 Courts

CRIM 6348 Drugs and Crime

EPPS 6316 Applied Regression

PA 6319 Topics in Public Affairs

PSCI 5308 Immigration Law

PSCI 6306 Human Rights and International Law

PSCI 6311 Proseminar in Law and Courts

PSCI 6331 Executives, Legislatures, and Public Policy

PSCI 6339 Election Law and Electoral Systems

PSCI 7320 International Negotiations

Other courses as approved by the Director of Graduate Studies.

Master of Arts in Political Science - Legislative Studies

30 hours minimum

Faculty

Professors: Thomas L. Brunell, Anthony M. Champagne, Harold D. Clarke, Euel W. Elliott, Edward J. Harpham, Robert C. Lowry, Marianne C. Stewart

Associate Professors: Patrick T. Brandt, Michael H. Crespin, Linda Camp Keith, Gregory S. Thielemann

Mission

The mission of the Master of Arts in Political Science - Legislative Studies degree is to offer pre-professional instruction for students interested in positions as legislative staff, political consultants, or other careers in professional politics. Students will receive instruction that moves beyond the standard coursework in American and Texas government and politics by advancing their knowledge of legislative processes and the role that legislatures play at the local, state, and national levels of government. Graduates will have the communication, research, and project management skills that are necessary for undertaking policy or political analysis in legislative and/or public affairs offices of the state of Texas and elsewhere.

Objectives

Students in the Master of Arts in Political Science - Legislative Studies program will:

Demonstrate knowledge of subnational political institutions and processes in the United States and their effects on politics and policy
Demonstrate knowledge of normative issues in contemporary democracies involving representation, influence, and the balance of majority and minority interests and the ability to evaluate political institutions and processes in the United States.
Demonstrate proficiency in skills required for at least one position in the practice of politics by successfully completing an internship.

Facilities

Students also have access to the non-partisan Center for the Study of Texas Politics. The Center develops opportunities for North Texans to interact with Texas' leading policy-makers while simultaneously enhancing the quality of instruction, research, and service that exists in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences.

Admissions Requirement

The University's general admission requirements are discussed on the Graduate Admission page (catalog.utdallas.edu/2013/graduate/admission).

The Master of Arts in Political Science seeks applications from students with a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university or college. Although applications will be reviewed holistically, in general, entering students have earned a 3.0 undergraduate grade point average (on a 4.0 scale), and a combined verbal and quantitative score of at least 300 on the Graduate Records Examination (GRE). Standardized test scores are only one of the factors taken into account in determining admission. Applicants should also submit all transcripts, three letters of recommendation (preferably from individuals who can evaluate the applicant's potential for a career in professional politics), and a one-page essay outlining the applicant's background, education, and professional objectives. Applications are reviewed by the Political Science Program Committee in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences.

Undergraduate students who are interested in completing their undergraduate degrees while simultaneously taking graduate courses in the MA in Political Science - Legislative Studies program are expected to meet the School's "fast-tracking" requirements.

Prerequisites

Transfer Policies

Degree Requirements

The University's general degree requirements are discussed on the Graduate Policies and Procedures page (catalog.utdallas.edu/2013/graduate/policies/policy).

Students seeking a Master of Arts in Political Science - Legislative Studies must complete at least 30 semester credit hours of work in the program, must receive a grade of B- or better in all required classes, and must maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average to graduate.

Major Required Courses: 9 hours

EPPS 6313 Introduction to Quantitative Methods

PSCI 6352 Empirical Democratic Theory

One of the following:

PSCI 6347 Proseminar in Political Institutions and American Politics

PA 6313 Public Policymaking and Institutions

Prescribed Electives: 9 hours

Three from the following list of courses:

PSCI 6314 Policy Processes, Implementation and Evaluation

PSCI 6324 Local and State Government and Politics

PSCI 6330 Campaigns and Elections

PSCI 6331 Executives, Legislatures and Public Policy

PSCI 6332 The U.S. Congress

PSCI 6333 Political and Civic Organizations

PSCI 6339 Election Law and Electoral Systems

PSCI 6341 Texas Legislative Process

PSCI 7350 Institutions and Citizen Behavior

PSCI 6364 Public Opinion and Survey Research¹

or EPPS 7386 Survey Research¹

Free Electives: 6 hours

Two additional courses at the 5000-level or above offered by programs in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, subject to approval by the Director of Graduate Studies. These may include additional courses from the list above.

Internship: 6 hours

PSCI 6V42 Legislative Affairs Internship (6 hours total; can be spread over more than one semester). Internships can be done in Austin, TX or Washington, DC, or with another state or local government agency or political organization.

1. Students cannot receive credit for both courses, PSCI 6364 and EPPS 7386.

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