The Doctoral Degree
The Ph.D. is the primary degree objective of the graduate program. Students complete a core curriculum in research methods in addition to seminars in areas of their specialization. After two years of course work each student is examined in two major fields of specialization. The student then proceeds to the dissertation stage of the Ph.D.
UCR's strength in research methodology is reflected in the fields of specialization in which students may examine. Currently these fields are - American politics, Mass Political Behavior, Comparative Politics, Political Theory and International Relations.
Political science in the United States is typically divided into five subfields: American politics, public policy, comparative politics, international relations (IR), and political theory. Our department has created a separate subfield for graduate studies of Mass Political Behavior, consistent with what we see as the meaningful intellectual distinctions among faculty research agendas. Students interested in public opinion, electoral behavior and related topics will thus study research about this behavior not only in the United States, but around the world.
UCR students also select a minor field of study. A popular choice among current students is that of political methodology. The minor field need not, however, be confined to political science but can be part of a much wider and more inter-disciplinary set of studies. One of the strengths of UCR's program lies in the ability of students to take classes in allied departments on campus. In the past few years graduate students have taken advantage of this flexibility to study with faculty in departments such as economics, sociology, philosophy and history. Click here for information concerning course requirements.
The doctoral program is organized into three stages. The first stage focuses on intensive course work and preparation for the Ph.D. examination. Normally taking two years, this period is devoted to the following:
- Obtaining substantive background in the discipline through completion of three graduate courses per quarter
- Selecting two major fields and one minor field of concentration
- Satisfying course requirements for the major fields
The major fields may be chosen from among American Politics, Mass Political Behavior, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory; the minor field, consisting of three courses, may be chosen from those above or, at the discretion of the Graduate Committee, a cognate field. During this stage, students are also expected to satisfy three required courses: POSC 201 (Introduction to Political Inquiry), and POSC 202A-POSC 202B (Survey of Quantitative Methods).
- Comparative Politics Students must complete the core course, POSC 217, and at least three additional courses in the field.
- International Relations Students must complete the core course, POSC 216, and at least three additional courses in the field.
- American Politics Students must complete the core course, POSC 249, and at least three additional courses in the field.
- Mass Political Behavior Students must complete the core course, either POSC 255 or POSC 256 and at least three additional courses in the field.
- Political Theory Students must complete the core course, POSC 212, and at least three additional courses in the field.
Minors selected from the fields listed above must include the core course, plus two additional seminars in the field.
Specific course work in a cognate minor field varies depending on the course list pre-approved by the Graduate Committee. POSC 290 courses may be accepted in lieu of seminars. However, prior to passing the Ph.D. examinations, no more than two POSC 290 courses are allowed, with no more than one in each field of examination. The limit can be exceeded if course staffing or scheduling problems require it. All POSC 290 courses must have prior approval of the graduate advisor. A POSC 290 course should only be taken if the material to be covered is not available in a scheduled course.
The second stage of the program is normally one year (Year 3). In the fall quarter, the student enrolls in POSC 291 (Individual Coordinated Study) and prepares for the comprehensive Ph.D. examination. Written examinations in the two major fields are normally taken in the fall quarter of the third year. Postponements to this schedule are allowed in exceptional circumstances; all delays in taking comprehensive examinations must be approved by the Graduate Committee. The winter and spring quarters are devoted in part to the preparation of the Professional Paper (POSC 285), which is required of all students, and Directed Research (POSC 297) to prepare a dissertation prospectus under the direction of the principal advisor. The purpose of the Professional Paper is the writing of a manuscript that demonstrates the capacity of the student to identify, implement, and report on a manageable research topic. Students also complete at least one additional course in both the winter and spring quarters. These courses are determined by the faculty and major advisor in consultation with the student and should be applicable either to completion of work in the minor field or to the dissertation project. In the spring quarter, students are advanced to candidacy upon successful completion of the oral defense of their dissertation prospectus.
Years 4 and 5 comprise the third stage of the program. Students are normally expected to complete their degree within this period. Additional time is provided if circumstances warrant it. Whether circumstances justify additional time is to be determined by the Graduate Committee, in cooperation with the thesis advisor.
Students who do not complete their degree requirements during this two-year period are closely reviewed on a biannual basis. These reviews are provided by the graduate advisor, after consultation with the dissertation advisor. Until completion of the Ph.D. requirements, each review includes targeted amounts of required progress, to be completed prior to the next review. Students who fail to complete their scheduled work are reviewed by the Graduate Program Committee for a recommendation of termination from the Political Science graduate program.
Normative Time to Degree 15 quarters.
General regulations applying to the dissertation and qualifying examinations are found in the Graduate Studies section of this catalog and in other Graduate Division and department publications.
For further information, contact Professor John N. Medearis, Graduate Advisor, Department of Political Science.
