Department of Political Science

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN POLITICAL SCIENCE

The Department of Political Science at UIC offers graduate training for a master's degree in political science and a doctorate in political science. These programs provide intensive study in the theoretical and methodological foundations of political science, with an emphasis on policy and governance. Both degree programs prepare students for careers in teaching and research, public service and government and non-profit organizations and agencies.

All political science graduate courses are offered from mid-afternoon through early evening hours to accommodate part-time students. Although they typically take only one to two courses per semester, part-time students in the M.A. and Ph.D. programs are required to enroll in sequence in the courses normally taken by full-time students. Students enrolling part-time should work with the graduate advisor to devise a plan of study.

The University of Illinois at Chicago is located one mile southwest of Chicago's Loop at the intersection of three major expressways. The Behavioral Sciences Building (BSB) at the intersection of Harrison and Morgan Streets, 1007 West Harrison Street, is the home of the Department of Political Science. Ample parking is available. Public transportation to the campus includes subway trains, buses and nearby commuter railways. The Graduate Advisor, James Nell can be reached at 312.996.8660.

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This information reflects current programs and requirements. Courses, faculty, prerequisites, graduation or completion requirements, standards, tuition and programs may change from time to time. Students may choose to be governed by the rules in effect at the time of their original enrollment.

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN POLITICAL SCIENCE

The Ph.D. in Political Science emphasizes the study of policy and governance. The distinguishing characteristic of this program is the commitment of the faculty to a wide range of theoretical and methodological approaches. By taking advantage of its Chicago location and its status as a land-grant urban university with a diverse student body and world-class faculty, the department has become a leader in research and doctoral training in policy and governance. All students in the program receive policy-oriented training and have the opportunity to choose among five subfield specialties: political theory, international relations, comparative politics, American politics, and urban politics.

PROGRAM DEADLINES AND GENERAL INFORMATION

Students who enter the program with a Baccalaureate Degree are required to satisfactorily complete a minimum of 96 semester hours of graduate course work and dissertation hours to earn the Ph.D. degree.

Students who enter the program with a Masters Degree approved by the department are required to satisfactorily complete a minimum of 72 semester hours of graduate course work and dissertation hours to earn the Ph.D. degree. Credit hours used to obtain an M.A. degree cannot be reapplied to meet credit hour requirements for a Ph.D.

First-year Ph.D. students must take required core courses. In years two through five, students design a course of study in consultation with an advisory committee selected by the student. After completing coursework and fulfilling the department’s Research Requirement, students take preliminary examinations in their chosen subfields. Within three months of passing preliminary examinations, students must successfully defend a Dissertation Proposal before a dissertation committee selected by the student. Under the guidance and supervision of the committee, students then begin work on the dissertation.

Ph.D. Core Curriculum

Fall Semester Spring Semester

PolS 401 Data Analysis I PolS 501 Data Analysis II

PolS 500 Introduction to Policy & Governance             PolS 504 Theoretical Approaches to
                                                                                                Policy & Governance* (or)
PolS 506 Profession of Political Science                     PolS 505 Research Methods & Design*

*Pols 504 and Pols 505 are offered in alternating years, students must take both of these courses at their first opportunity.

The Graduate College requires that Preliminary Examinations must be completed within five years of program entry and that the Ph.D. degree must be awarded within seven years from entry with a Masters degree or within nine years from entry with a Bachelors degree.

COMMITTEE ON INSTITUTIONAL COOPERATION (CIC)
TRAVELING SCHOLARS PROGRAM

UIC is a member of a consortium of universities that enables doctoral-level students who have completed their core (first year) coursework to spend up to two semesters as visiting scholars at any CIC university. CIC visiting scholars may take advantage of specialized courses, unique university library collections, and research collaborations. CIC member universities include all “Big Ten” schools including Penn State, plus the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, the University of Chicago, and UIC. Many students have taken advantage of this program, frequently attending classes at the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and some University of Michigan summer programs. Visiting scholars register at and pay the rate of tuition at their home university. See the CIC web site for more information.