MS in Political Science Degree Requirements
Professional Politics Track
Requirements (5 courses, 15 credits):
-
GVT-723 Graduate Internship
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This internship option is recommended for students seeking careers in professional politics or international relations. Typically, an internship will involve supervised work at a professional level in a political campaign, on a legislative staff, in an international non-governmental organization, or in a legislative relations for a governmental agency or private organization. Internship placement must be approved by the students advisor, and will typically require at least 20 hours of work per week for the duration of a semester and the completion of a research paper based on the internship experience. The research paper must be approved by a departmental committee.
-
GVT-747 Seminar in Legislation & Lobbying
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Core course for the Professional Politics Concentration. Students will read and discuss current research on legislative politics and organization, including committees, interest groups and lobbying, legislative voting and decision making, and other topics. Students will conduct their own research and present it to the seminar. Prerequisites: Open to graduate students only; at least one previous course in legislatures or interest groups, or consent of the instructor.
-
GVT-755 Seminar Campaigns & Elections
Prerequisites:
At least one course in elections, voting behavior, or political parties.
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Core course for the Professional Politics Concentration. Students will read and discuss current research on campaigns and elections, voting behavior, and political parties, and will conduct their own research and present it to the seminar.
-
GVT-772 Ethical Issues in Professional Politics
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Core course for the Professional Politics Concentration. The purpose of campaigns is to win, while the purpose of elections is to maintain democracy. This course will focus on the tension between these two goals, on the assumption that a healthy democracy needs a well-developed ethical sense among political professionals. The course will combine consideration of fundamental ethical principles with class discussion of hard cases. Each student will be asked to study a case and present it to the class.
-
GVT-776 Advanced Research Methods in Professional Politics
Prerequisites:
Open to graduate students only; previous course in political science research methods or comparable course in another discipline or instructors consent.
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Core course for the MS in Political Science, Professional Politics track. The aim of the course is to give students the ability to conduct their own research and to understand and use the research of others, with a emphasis on relevant topics such as voting behavior, elections, polling, legislatures, and public policy. Both qualitative and quantitative methods will be covered including, archival research, legislative documents, election data, and multivariate analysis.
-
GVT-777 Adv Research Methods Poli Sci
Prerequisites:
Open to graduate students only; previous course in political science research methods or comparable course in another discipline or instructors consent.
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Core course for Spring admits of the MS in Political Science, Professional Politics and International Relations Tracks. The aim of this course is to give students the ability to conduct their own research and to understand and use the research of others, with an emphasis on topics relevant to professional politics: elections, legislatures, and public policy. Both qualitative and quantitative methods will be covered, including archival research, legislative documents, election data, and multivariate analysis.
*Prerequisite: Course in American Politics at the undergraduate level.
Electives (5 courses, 15 credits):
Electives can include any graduate course offered by the Government Department, or:
-
CJN-740 Political Communication
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Examination of the special circumstances created by politics and their impact on attempts at persuasion. Case studies of famous politicians and political speeches are combined with discussion of current political rhetorical trends.
Term:
Occasional
-
EC-710 Macroeconomics
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Study of macroeconomic models and the application of these analytical models to examine current and past world economic problems. Topics include fundamental macroeconomic models which explain the determination of equilibrium output, the price level, exchange rates and balance of payments adjustment. Topics also include effects of money creation, government spending and taxation in an open economy as well as a closed economy, and international economic interdependence. Normally offered every year
-
EC-730 International Trade Theory & Policy
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Analysis of the causes and consequences of international trade and international factor movements. Coverage of the neoclassical, the Heckscher-Ohlin and alternative theories of trade. Other topics include the instruments of trade policy, the impact of trade policies on economic welfare and income distribution, the political economy of protectionism, and the economics of integration.
-
EC-733 Public Choice
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course considers the degree to which it is possible to explain, predict, and guide political decision through the application of economic analysis. The course is organized around two competing visions of public choice: (1) a traditional organic approach that sees the core problem for public choice as requiring the maximization of social welfare and (2) a newer contractual approach that sees that problem as requiring attention to the institutional framework within which political decisions are made. Topics to be considered include the Arrow paradox and other problems in aggregating individual choices, rent-seeking, the Leviathan hypothesis, and non-market demand-revealing methods.
-
EC-740 International Money and Finance
Prerequisites:
EC 710
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Analysis of equilibrium in international financial markets; open economy macroeconomic models, exchange rate movements, foreign currency market behavior and the international monetary system. Topics include theoretical aspects and empirical evidence of basic equilibrium conditions in international financial transactions, balance of payment adjustments, various approaches to the determination of foreign exchange rates, an analysis of the behavior of the foreign currency market under uncertainty, and international monetary integration focused on the evaluation of the European Monetary Union. Prerequisite: EC 710. Normally offered every year.
-
P.AD-815 Nonprofit Management
Credits:
3.00
Description:
The primary focus will be on understanding the operational and strategic leadership aspects of managing mission driven, public service organizations. Specific emphasis will be placed on nonprofit corporations, including coursework that explores the legal, structural, and operational issues that are particular to such organizations.
Type:
MBA Public Management
-
P.AD-830 Public Liaison Strategies
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Students develop techniques and directives related to communication processing. Both interpersonal communication and electronic information flow will be examined. Communication skills, styles, and strategies will be stressed through the use of all forms of media. The role of information offers in the public sector and public affairs managers in the private sector will be examined and contrasted. Also covered are the management of public documents and the issues involved in Sunshine Laws and Privacy Acts.
Type:
MBA Public Management
-
P.AD-832 Health Policy
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Students examine disability issues of health, mental health, substance abuse, special education, long-term illnesses including HIV/AIDS, sensory impairments, and early-life and end-of-life issues, including genetics.
Type:
MBA Public Management
Other Suffolk University graduate courses may be taken as options with the approval of the program director.
Electives will be chosen to support your field of concentration and choice of internship area or thesis topic.
International Relations Track
Requirements (5 courses, 15 credits):
-
GVT-723 Graduate Internship
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This internship option is recommended for students seeking careers in professional politics or international relations. Typically, an internship will involve supervised work at a professional level in a political campaign, on a legislative staff, in an international non-governmental organization, or in a legislative relations for a governmental agency or private organization. Internship placement must be approved by the students advisor, and will typically require at least 20 hours of work per week for the duration of a semester and the completion of a research paper based on the internship experience. The research paper must be approved by a departmental committee.
-
GVT-761 Seminar: International Relations Theory
Prerequisites:
OPEN TO GRADUATE STUDENTS ONLY
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Core course for the concentration in North American Politics. This course will examine the key concepts of an approaches to world politics. Special attention will be given the application of these concepts and approaches to the relations among the nation-states of North America.
-
GVT-763 International Political Economy
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course introduces students to the study of international political economy (IPE). It addresses the interactive relationship between politics and economics in the historical and contemporary international system by exploring the effect of political factors on international economic relations as well as the impact of economic factors on domestic and international politics.
-
GVT-765 Seminar on Contemporary International Relations
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course will focus on three main areas: a) United Nations and NGOs; b) Current Relevant Issues, and c) Regions, examining current issues and debates in each area. The courses is team-taught by full-time faculty specializing in each area.
-
GVT-778 Advanced Research Methods in International Relations
Prerequisites:
Open to graduate students only; previous course in political science research methods or comparable course in another discipline or instructors consent.
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Core course for the MS in Political Science, International Relations track. The aim of the course is to give students the ability to conduct their own research and to understand and use the research of others, with an emphasis on topics relevant to the field of international relations. Both qualitative and quantitative methods will be covered, including archival research and the use documents and data from a variety of sources.
-
GVT-777 Adv Research Methods Poli Sci
Prerequisites:
Open to graduate students only; previous course in political science research methods or comparable course in another discipline or instructors consent.
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Core course for Spring admits of the MS in Political Science, Professional Politics and International Relations Tracks. The aim of this course is to give students the ability to conduct their own research and to understand and use the research of others, with an emphasis on topics relevant to professional politics: elections, legislatures, and public policy. Both qualitative and quantitative methods will be covered, including archival research, legislative documents, election data, and multivariate analysis.
Electives (5 courses, 15 credits):
Two courses (6 credits) must be chosen from one of the following focus areas:
InterAmerican Politics Focus
-
GVT-687 Reconciliation and Conflict in Central America
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Examines the social and economic conditions and current political trends in the Caribbean and in selected Central American nations. Emphasis will be placed on comparative analysis of public policies in the region, as well as on external factors which impact on politics in the Caribbean and central America. Students will use academic sources for the background of their analysis.
-
GVT-691 Canada: Multicultural Politics
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course examines the Canadian model of incorporating divers communities into its constitutional and political framework, including the founding British North American Act of 1867, the 1982 Constitution Act, and two later attempts at constitutional reform. Canadas role in balancing two official languages, English and French, is discussed, as is its recognition of a First Nations native-governed territory in the Arctic. This course introduces students to the Canadian polity and compares its parliamentary system with the U.S. separation of powers system.
-
GVT-693 Politics and Economics of Latin America
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Introduction to the government and politics of contemporary Mexico, with special attention to social and economic institutions, parties and social movements, and the influence of Mexicos revolutionary heritage. There will be some analysis of the interaction of US/Mexico relations and the impact of NAFTA on Mexican workers and the economy.
-
P.AD-840 Comparative Public Policy
Prerequisites:
Registration requires instructor approval
Credits:
3.00
Description:
An opportunity will provided for students to research, experience, analyze, and compare public policy development and implementation in the United States, and in other nations like Dublin, Ireland, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The course consists of classroom lectures and independent research on the Suffolk campus as well as at a university related center in another country. Students may pick their specific research topics from a variety of public policy and program subject areas. This course may be taken twice, for a maximum of 6 credits.
Type:
MBA Public Management
European Politics Focus
-
GVT-682 Crisis and Integration in Europe
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Why did 17 European countries surrender the sovereign control of their currency and create the Euro? Will Turkey become a member of the European Union? Will Europeans continue free riding the security protection of the United States? Is the integration process another layer of bureaucracy or an institutional instrument to deal with the permanent crises in Europe? These are some of the questions guiding the discussions in this class.
-
P.AD-840 Comparative Public Policy
Prerequisites:
Registration requires instructor approval
Credits:
3.00
Description:
An opportunity will provided for students to research, experience, analyze, and compare public policy development and implementation in the United States, and in other nations like Dublin, Ireland, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The course consists of classroom lectures and independent research on the Suffolk campus as well as at a university related center in another country. Students may pick their specific research topics from a variety of public policy and program subject areas. This course may be taken twice, for a maximum of 6 credits.
Type:
MBA Public Management
International Political Economy Focus
-
EC-730 International Trade Theory & Policy
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Analysis of the causes and consequences of international trade and international factor movements. Coverage of the neoclassical, the Heckscher-Ohlin and alternative theories of trade. Other topics include the instruments of trade policy, the impact of trade policies on economic welfare and income distribution, the political economy of protectionism, and the economics of integration.
-
EC-733 Public Choice
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course considers the degree to which it is possible to explain, predict, and guide political decision through the application of economic analysis. The course is organized around two competing visions of public choice: (1) a traditional organic approach that sees the core problem for public choice as requiring the maximization of social welfare and (2) a newer contractual approach that sees that problem as requiring attention to the institutional framework within which political decisions are made. Topics to be considered include the Arrow paradox and other problems in aggregating individual choices, rent-seeking, the Leviathan hypothesis, and non-market demand-revealing methods.
-
BLLS-830 Managing in the International Legal Environment
Prerequisites:
MBA 680 or MBA 730
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Students focus on the complex interactions among legal, political, economic and cultural forces. Students discuss contemporary international conflicts in the areas of trade, expropriation, political risk analysis, foreign direct investment, anti-dumping and countervailing duty laws, export control laws, extraterritoriality and taxation of income.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Type:
MBA International Business,MBA Business Law & Ethics
-
FNEC-810 The Manager in the Global Economy: Trade Issues and Policy
Prerequisites:
FNEC 700 or MBA 730 OR MBA-630
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Students examine the conflicts, constraints, opportunities, and economic and non-economic issues facing managers/organizations interested or engaged in international trade. Special attention will be given to the basis for trade, current trade disputes between the US and other countries, issues of international competitiveness, and the decision process for exportation versus on-site production through foreign direct investment.
Type:
MBA International Business
International Organizations Focus
-
GVT-663 International Legal Systems
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course explains the main components of the international legal system. It begins by exploring the rules, principles and norms that govern the relationship among states, the different cultural and philosophical legal perspectives and the history of the international legal system. The second part of the course covers the study of the sources and subjects of international law, the jurisdiction of states, the peaceful settlement of disputes, the use of force, and the legal personality of international actors. The third part of the course addresses a number of significant topics derived from the process of globalization legal norms: human rights, humanitarian intervention, law of the sea, environmental law, and economic relations.
-
GVT-665 International and Transnational Organizations
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course explores the institutional structures, political processes, and impact of international governmental and nongovernmental organizations. It analyses their increasingly prominent role in efforts to resolve a wide range of global problems and contribution to strengthen the current system of global governance. While the course covers the problems of international security, global distribution of wealth, deterioration of the environmental system and threats to social welfare, it focuses on the interaction between the United Nations System and regional organizations, on the one hand, and the role of non-governmental organizations in cooperating or something to solve specific problems in the area of international relations.
-
GVT-669 Human Rights
Credits:
3.00
Description:
An examination of human rights at the end of the 20th Century. Attention will be given to the origin and expansion of the concept of human rights, the place of human rights in different political systems, the link between culture and human rights, and the means and mechanisms for safeguarding rights with particular reference to the United Nations system.
-
CJN-750 Organizational Communication
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Explore historical development of the theory of organizations, examine information flow, network analysis, communication over- and under-load, decision-making, organizational effectiveness and change processes. Theoretical basis provided for the examination of case studies in organizational communication, including communication audits in organizational settings.
Term:
Offered Fall Term
-
P.AD-815 Nonprofit Management
Credits:
3.00
Description:
The primary focus will be on understanding the operational and strategic leadership aspects of managing mission driven, public service organizations. Specific emphasis will be placed on nonprofit corporations, including coursework that explores the legal, structural, and operational issues that are particular to such organizations.
Type:
MBA Public Management
East Asian Focus
GVT 610 Politics of Korea
GVT 617 Korean Summer Institute: East Asian Governance
GVT 618 Korean Summer Institute: East Asian Peace Culture
GVT 680 Politics of Japan
GVT 808 Political Economy of East Asia
-
GVT-689 Politics of China
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Emphasis on a particular approach to the problems of economic modernization and political development. Historical background; the revolutionary movement; present political structures and current issues.
Middle East Focus
GVT 685 Politics and International Relations of the Middle East
GVT 690 International Relations of the Middle East
GVT 692 Women and Politics in Islam
GVT 694 The U.S. and the Middle East
-
GVT-698 Islam & Politics
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course explores the political and cultural history of Islam, with emphasis on the contemporary Islamic resurgence in Muslim countries. The origins and causes of this resurgence, its aims, and its effects on domestic, regional, and world politics will be examined. Cultural Diversity B
Type:
Cultural Diversity Opt B
Individually Designed Focus
With approval of their advisor and the program director, students may design their own focus area from graduate courses offered at Suffolk University.
Thesis Option
Master’s students should normally choose the internship option. Students wishing to write a thesis instead must submit a proposal for approval by a faculty committee. Such applications will be considered only from students who have completed 14 credits, including two of their core courses, with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5. For students in the International Relations track, the topic of the thesis must be related to the student’s focus area.
The research, writing, and defense of a master’s thesis will normally require an additional year of study. Students approved for the thesis must enroll in GVT 907, followed by GVT 957. Completed theses must be defended before a committee of the faculty.
Total requirements (39 Credits)
-
GVT-907 Pre-Thesis Reading Course
Prerequisites:
completion of all other course work for the MSPS/ thesis option, with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or better, and permission of the departments Director of Graduate Studies.
Credits:
6.00
Description:
Intensive reading, under the guidance of a faculty member, of advanced scholarly literature in the subfield of the students intended masters thesis.
-
GVT-957 Thesis Research & Writing
Prerequisites:
GVT 907
Credits:
6.00
Description:
Completion of a Masters thesis. Students interested in writing a thesis should consult the department about requirements of the thesis option Government 957 can only be taken on a pass/fail basis.
Internship Option
The internship option is recommended for students seeking careers in professional politics or international relations. Typically, an internship will involve supervised work at a professional level in a political campaign, on a legislative staff, or in legislative relations, an international organization, or issue advocacy for a government agency, interest group, or non-governmental organization. Internships are available in Massachusetts, or in other countries, with suitable offices in New York or Washington. Internship placement must be approved by the student’s advisor and will typically require at least 20 hours of work per week for the duration of a semester and the completion of a research paper based on the internship experience. The research paper must be approved by a departmental committee.
Total requirements (30 Credits)
-
GVT-723 Graduate Internship
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This internship option is recommended for students seeking careers in professional politics or international relations. Typically, an internship will involve supervised work at a professional level in a political campaign, on a legislative staff, in an international non-governmental organization, or in a legislative relations for a governmental agency or private organization. Internship placement must be approved by the students advisor, and will typically require at least 20 hours of work per week for the duration of a semester and the completion of a research paper based on the internship experience. The research paper must be approved by a departmental committee.
Language Requirement
In addition to their coursework, all students concentrating in International Relations must demonstrate written and oral proficiency in a language other than English. Proficiency will be evaluated by a standardized examination approved by the department. Students may enroll in language courses for the purpose of mastering the chosen language, but credits in those courses will not be applied toward the degree. Language proficiency should be demonstrated as evidenced by test results either prior to admission or by the end of the first year in the program.
MPA/MSPS Curriculum
Eight (8) MPA Required Courses
-
P.AD-711 Foundations of Public Service and Administration
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This introductory graduate-level course provides an overview of public administration and service and serves as a basis for further advanced studies in the MPA program. This course covers the structure, functions, and process of public service organizations at various levels, including governments and nonprofit organizations. Students explore historical trends, ethical considerations, and political rationale for the present operations of public service.
-
P.AD-713 Managing Financial Resources
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course introduces the fundamentals of budgeting, financial management, and revenue systems. Course goals include: A heightened awareness of the democratic ideals and values that must inform budgeting and financial management decisions, including a commitment to ethics, transparency and accountability; an understanding of the budget process and the distinctive features of budgetary decisions making; an understanding of the critical linkage between budgeting and financial management systems and the capacity of an organization to achieve its strategic goals; the ability to use the budget and financial reports as planning and management tools; knowledge of the basic principles of taxation as well as the structures and functions of federal, state, and local revenue systems. The course emphasizes knowledge and skills essential to the full range of public service careers.
-
P.AD-715 Quantitative Analysis
Prerequisites:
PAD 712
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Pre-requisite: PAD 712 Quantitative analysis introduces basic statistical techniques used to analyze and draw conclusions from citizen and client surveys; program and policy evaluations; and performance and operations data. These techniques include chi square, lambda, gamma, correlations, and analysis of variance, t test correlations, and multivariate regression. Knowledge of these statistical techniques empowers managers by giving them the ability to evaluate the work of consultants, access the policy and management of literature, and analyze data using the analytical tools available in commonly uses statistical software, such as Microsoft Excel and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).
-
P.AD-716 Public Service Human Resource Management
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course will explore complex issues in public and non-profit human resource management (HRM) by examining policies and practices that support and enhance the value and contribution of individuals in these organizations.
-
P.AD-717 Organizational Change
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Students explore small groups and organization operations, practices, behaviors, and structures. They develop techniques for maximizing efficiency and/or effectiveness; evaluations analysis; concepts and applications of Classicists; leadership; organizational development, and result-oriented management; as well as elements of reorganization, innovation and change.
-
P.AD-718 Leadership Strategies for an Interconnected World
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Leadership is a critical ingredient of successful communities and organizations. This course develops a diagnostic framework as well as strategies and tactics to mobilized adaptive work, engage multiple government, no-profit, and business stakeholders, and build awareness and momentum for actions at all levels of government and community and in ones organization. It introduces the catalytic model of leadership and applies it to the ethical handling of societal and organizational problems. Students leadership competencies are reviewed and improved. This course is designed for people from diverse backgrounds with varied experienced in the leadership role.
-
P.AD-810 Public Sector Admin Law
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Students review the basis for administrative practice. They learn legal interpretation of statutes, regulations, and proposed legislation that impact public administration and public policy.
-
P.AD-890 Strategic Management
Prerequisites:
Restricted to students that have completed 30 credits.
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Prerequisite: Students must have completed 30 credit hours. Students will integrate the substance of previous courses in order to develop a capacity for strategic management based on a personal perspective of the role of the professional manager in the policy making process. This holistic perspective is expressed in an extensive research paper that describes the leadership role of the professional manager and defines a basis for ethical action. The course features the review of research articles, the discussion of case studies, and a consideration of future trends in public and non-profit management.
Type:
MBA Public Management
Two (2) MPA Elective Courses
Select any two (2) PAD 800 or 900 level elective courses
Students must complete 30 credits hours in the Institute for Public Service; PAD and GVT electives are not interchangeable
Students with no professional public management experience must take PAD 859 Public Service Internship. (This will count as an elective.) Students who take GVT 723 do not need to take PAD 859 and can take an additional MPA elective.
MS in Political Science
Five (5) Required Political Science/Government Courses
Professional Politics Track
-
GVT-723 Graduate Internship
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This internship option is recommended for students seeking careers in professional politics or international relations. Typically, an internship will involve supervised work at a professional level in a political campaign, on a legislative staff, in an international non-governmental organization, or in a legislative relations for a governmental agency or private organization. Internship placement must be approved by the students advisor, and will typically require at least 20 hours of work per week for the duration of a semester and the completion of a research paper based on the internship experience. The research paper must be approved by a departmental committee.
-
GVT-747 Seminar in Legislation & Lobbying
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Core course for the Professional Politics Concentration. Students will read and discuss current research on legislative politics and organization, including committees, interest groups and lobbying, legislative voting and decision making, and other topics. Students will conduct their own research and present it to the seminar. Prerequisites: Open to graduate students only; at least one previous course in legislatures or interest groups, or consent of the instructor.
-
GVT-755 Seminar Campaigns & Elections
Prerequisites:
At least one course in elections, voting behavior, or political parties.
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Core course for the Professional Politics Concentration. Students will read and discuss current research on campaigns and elections, voting behavior, and political parties, and will conduct their own research and present it to the seminar.
-
GVT-772 Ethical Issues in Professional Politics
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Core course for the Professional Politics Concentration. The purpose of campaigns is to win, while the purpose of elections is to maintain democracy. This course will focus on the tension between these two goals, on the assumption that a healthy democracy needs a well-developed ethical sense among political professionals. The course will combine consideration of fundamental ethical principles with class discussion of hard cases. Each student will be asked to study a case and present it to the class.
-
GVT-776 Advanced Research Methods in Professional Politics
Prerequisites:
Open to graduate students only; previous course in political science research methods or comparable course in another discipline or instructors consent.
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Core course for the MS in Political Science, Professional Politics track. The aim of the course is to give students the ability to conduct their own research and to understand and use the research of others, with a emphasis on relevant topics such as voting behavior, elections, polling, legislatures, and public policy. Both qualitative and quantitative methods will be covered including, archival research, legislative documents, election data, and multivariate analysis.
or
-
GVT-777 Adv Research Methods Poli Sci
Prerequisites:
Open to graduate students only; previous course in political science research methods or comparable course in another discipline or instructors consent.
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Core course for Spring admits of the MS in Political Science, Professional Politics and International Relations Tracks. The aim of this course is to give students the ability to conduct their own research and to understand and use the research of others, with an emphasis on topics relevant to professional politics: elections, legislatures, and public policy. Both qualitative and quantitative methods will be covered, including archival research, legislative documents, election data, and multivariate analysis.
OR
International Relations Track
-
GVT-723 Graduate Internship
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This internship option is recommended for students seeking careers in professional politics or international relations. Typically, an internship will involve supervised work at a professional level in a political campaign, on a legislative staff, in an international non-governmental organization, or in a legislative relations for a governmental agency or private organization. Internship placement must be approved by the students advisor, and will typically require at least 20 hours of work per week for the duration of a semester and the completion of a research paper based on the internship experience. The research paper must be approved by a departmental committee.
-
GVT-761 Seminar: International Relations Theory
Prerequisites:
OPEN TO GRADUATE STUDENTS ONLY
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Core course for the concentration in North American Politics. This course will examine the key concepts of an approaches to world politics. Special attention will be given the application of these concepts and approaches to the relations among the nation-states of North America.
-
GVT-763 International Political Economy
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course introduces students to the study of international political economy (IPE). It addresses the interactive relationship between politics and economics in the historical and contemporary international system by exploring the effect of political factors on international economic relations as well as the impact of economic factors on domestic and international politics.
-
GVT-765 Seminar on Contemporary International Relations
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course will focus on three main areas: a) United Nations and NGOs; b) Current Relevant Issues, and c) Regions, examining current issues and debates in each area. The courses is team-taught by full-time faculty specializing in each area.
-
GVT-778 Advanced Research Methods in International Relations
Prerequisites:
Open to graduate students only; previous course in political science research methods or comparable course in another discipline or instructors consent.
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Core course for the MS in Political Science, International Relations track. The aim of the course is to give students the ability to conduct their own research and to understand and use the research of others, with an emphasis on topics relevant to the field of international relations. Both qualitative and quantitative methods will be covered, including archival research and the use documents and data from a variety of sources.
or
-
GVT-777 Adv Research Methods Poli Sci
Prerequisites:
Open to graduate students only; previous course in political science research methods or comparable course in another discipline or instructors consent.
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Core course for Spring admits of the MS in Political Science, Professional Politics and International Relations Tracks. The aim of this course is to give students the ability to conduct their own research and to understand and use the research of others, with an emphasis on topics relevant to professional politics: elections, legislatures, and public policy. Both qualitative and quantitative methods will be covered, including archival research, legislative documents, election data, and multivariate analysis.
Political Science/Government Electives
Select any three Government courses (9 credits)
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Professional Politics
The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Professional Politics is an 18 credit program designed for students who already have a post-graduate degree, and either wish to prepare for a career in professional politics, or want to supplement their current career with specialized knowledge of professional politics. The program is ideal for lawyers, accountants, public relations professionals, and others who wish to improve their skills in politics, government relations, and issues management.
Certificate Requirements (4 courses, 12 credits)
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GVT-747 Seminar in Legislation & Lobbying
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Core course for the Professional Politics Concentration. Students will read and discuss current research on legislative politics and organization, including committees, interest groups and lobbying, legislative voting and decision making, and other topics. Students will conduct their own research and present it to the seminar. Prerequisites: Open to graduate students only; at least one previous course in legislatures or interest groups, or consent of the instructor.
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GVT-755 Seminar Campaigns & Elections
Prerequisites:
At least one course in elections, voting behavior, or political parties.
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Core course for the Professional Politics Concentration. Students will read and discuss current research on campaigns and elections, voting behavior, and political parties, and will conduct their own research and present it to the seminar.
-
GVT-772 Ethical Issues in Professional Politics
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Core course for the Professional Politics Concentration. The purpose of campaigns is to win, while the purpose of elections is to maintain democracy. This course will focus on the tension between these two goals, on the assumption that a healthy democracy needs a well-developed ethical sense among political professionals. The course will combine consideration of fundamental ethical principles with class discussion of hard cases. Each student will be asked to study a case and present it to the class.
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GVT-776 Advanced Research Methods in Professional Politics
Prerequisites:
Open to graduate students only; previous course in political science research methods or comparable course in another discipline or instructors consent.
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Core course for the MS in Political Science, Professional Politics track. The aim of the course is to give students the ability to conduct their own research and to understand and use the research of others, with a emphasis on relevant topics such as voting behavior, elections, polling, legislatures, and public policy. Both qualitative and quantitative methods will be covered including, archival research, legislative documents, election data, and multivariate analysis.
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GVT-777 Adv Research Methods Poli Sci
Prerequisites:
Open to graduate students only; previous course in political science research methods or comparable course in another discipline or instructors consent.
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Core course for Spring admits of the MS in Political Science, Professional Politics and International Relations Tracks. The aim of this course is to give students the ability to conduct their own research and to understand and use the research of others, with an emphasis on topics relevant to professional politics: elections, legislatures, and public policy. Both qualitative and quantitative methods will be covered, including archival research, legislative documents, election data, and multivariate analysis.
Suggested Electives (2 courses, 6 credits)
Choose two from the following:
GVT 654 New Directions in Electoral Politics
GVT 659 Race and Gender in U.S. Electoral Politics
GVT 785 Fundamentals of Political Fundraising
PAD 815 Nonprofit Organizations in the Community
PAD 830 Public Liaison Strategies
PAD 840 Comparative Public Policy
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CJN-740 Political Communication
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Examination of the special circumstances created by politics and their impact on attempts at persuasion. Case studies of famous politicians and political speeches are combined with discussion of current political rhetorical trends.
Term:
Occasional
-
GVT-606 Women and Public Policy
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course examines womens issues and roles in the public policy process. Topics will include policies that affect women, such as child care, sex discrimination, sexual harassment, womens health care and reproductive issues. Emphasis will also be placed on womens roles in the policy process, as citizens, voters and public officials.
-
GVT-623 Political Survey Research
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Everything needed to design, carry out, and interpret a political survey. Topics covered include questionnaire design, sampling, interviewing, coding data, and univariate and bivariate analysis of the results. Multivariate analysis will be discussed but not studied in depth. An actual survey will be conducted as a class project. Prerequisites: Open to graduate students, seniors, and juniors; previous course in political science research methods, or comparable course in another discipline and consent of instructor.
-
GVT-635 Health Care Policy
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Policies of present United States health care system critically analyzed and compared with other national systems. Current reform proposals receive special attention.
-
GVT-636 Race & Public Policy
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Public policys impact on Blacks, Chicanos, Native Americans, Puerto Ricans, and other minority groups; how public policy has contributed to racial oppression; policies for attaining racial equality; political strategies of minority groups.
-
GVT-637 Public Policy & Business
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Public Policy-makers interests in formulating and implementing policy in the areas of environmental protection, consumer protection, equal employment opportunity, health care, taxation and competition with a focus on business responsibility will be critically analyzed. Costs and benefits to the public and business will be evaluated.
Type:
Social Science
-
GVT-638 Environmental Policy & Politics
Credits:
3.00
Description:
From Rio to the Boston Harbor Project, this course examines the polices and politics of the environment. It examines the origins of the environmental movement in the United States focusing on the development and present function of government and non-government organizations responsible for the development and implementation of global, national, state and local environmental policies.
Type:
Expanded Classroom Requirement
-
GVT-639 Community Advocacy
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course represents a unique opportunity for students to develop a general understanding of the relationship between politics and the community; a systematic and holistic way of viewing and analyzing the impact of community-based, community-wide organizations and efforts.
-
GVT-645 New Directions in Advocacy and Lobbying
Credits:
3.00
Description:
In this course we will examine the latest developments in interest group politics, including trends in grassroots organization, mobilization, and lobbying: fundraising; advocacy by nonprofit organizations; the growth of issues management; changing regulations; ethical considerations; and the evolving relationships between advocacy and electoral organizations. We will make extensive use of amateur and professional advocates and lobbyists as guest speakers. Students will be expected to write a research paper on some aspect of the current politics of advocacy and lobbying.
Type:
Social Science
-
GVT-655 American Parties & Politics
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Historical overview of party development in the U.S. and of ideological and political trends as reflected in voting behavior. Recent developments in party structure, electoral strategies and political style. The party crisis vs. the art of political campaigning.
-
GVT-658 Politics and the Media
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course will explore the influence of media on contemporary political issues and public opinion; and the use of media in political campaigns, advertising, etc. Topics may include the impact of talk radio, the issue of media bias, the role of television, the Hollywood connection.
-
GVT-691 Canada: Multicultural Politics
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course examines the Canadian model of incorporating divers communities into its constitutional and political framework, including the founding British North American Act of 1867, the 1982 Constitution Act, and two later attempts at constitutional reform. Canadas role in balancing two official languages, English and French, is discussed, as is its recognition of a First Nations native-governed territory in the Arctic. This course introduces students to the Canadian polity and compares its parliamentary system with the U.S. separation of powers system.
-
GVT-693 Politics and Economics of Latin America
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Introduction to the government and politics of contemporary Mexico, with special attention to social and economic institutions, parties and social movements, and the influence of Mexicos revolutionary heritage. There will be some analysis of the interaction of US/Mexico relations and the impact of NAFTA on Mexican workers and the economy.
-
HLTH-825 Legal Environment of Healthcare
Prerequisites:
HLTH-701;
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Students investigate the structural and functional aspects of the legal, institutional, and political factors that condition the character of the US healthcare industry, the role of the healthcare manager, the legislative process, administrative policy-making, and national trends related to political parties and interest groups. Topics in healthcare law include medical malpractice, informed consent, confidentiality of patient information, healthcare liability, and administrative law.
Type:
MBA Health
-
HLTH-832 Health Policy
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Examines health policy development and implementation as well as important and cutting-edge U.S. health issues, including their policy and ethical implications. Topics may change each year, but usually include state and federal healthcare reform, access and health disparities, medical errors, healthcare quality, evidence-based practice and shared decision making, chronic illness and disabilities, behavioral health, stem cells and genetics, the consumer paradigm, emergency response management, and end-of-life issues.
Type:
MBA Health
Gainful Employment Disclosure
Federally Mandated Gainful Employment Disclosure
| Last Completed Award Year: |
2009-10 |
|
|
| Program Name: |
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Professional Politics |
|
|
| On-time Completion Rate: |
* |
| Placement Rate: |
* |
|
|
| Occupations by SOC Code: |
13-1031.01
onetoneline.org** |
|
|
| Total Estimated Tuition & Fee Costs: |
$22,600 |
| Books & Supply Costs: |
$1,200 |
| Room & Board Costs: |
$14,544 |
| Median Title IV Loan Debt: |
* |
| Median Private Loan Debt: |
* |
| Median Debt from Institutional Financing Plans or amount students were obligated to pay at program completion. |
* |
*If the number of students who completed the program during the award year was less than 10, for privacy reasons, this information is not disclosed to the public.
** The Occupational Information Network(O*NET Online) is a database developed by the Department of Labor as a primary source of occupational information.
