GRADUATE STUDY IN POLITICAL SCIENCE

Wondering what to do with a bachelor's degree in Political Science? While you are pondering that question you could be getting another Political Science Degree. The Political Science Department at Utah State University offers a Master's degree program in Political Science with a focus on political economy, the nexus between politics and economics.

The program is designed to train people for careers as (1) scholars who teach and conduct research at universities and (2) policy analysts who help shape public policies and analyze policy alternatives from positions in government and in research institutes. Our program has been in place for only a few years, but graduates have taken positions in Utah state government, on the staffs of U.S. Senators and Representatives, and in federal and international agencies. Other graduates are completing programs at major universities across the country. If either of these careers sounds attractive, you might consider delving deeper into the content of our Master's program.

The program is designed for individuals to complete the degree in two years -- 5 quarters of coursework and a final quarter devoted to completion and defense of a Master's Thesis. The curriculum includes a range of survey courses (Scope and Methods, American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations) that help provide the breadth of knowledge needed for pursuing careers in political science. It also includes courses (Classical Political Economy, Public Choice) that introduce students to substance and analysis in the important interdisciplinary field of political economy -- knowledge that is essential for conducting quality policy analysis. Students may also choose to pursue a track within political economy that focuses on any of three themes: (1) policy analysis, (2) conflict and cooperation, and (3) development and modernization. Emphases in the policy analysis track include: health policy, natural resource policy, environmental policy, trade policy, and institutional analysis. The conflict and cooperation track focuses on collective action, evolution, ethnic conflict, international conflict, and global environmental cooperation. Finally, the development and modernization track has substantive areas in Latin America, China, Asia, the Middle East, and the European Community.

Our department has approximately 12 faculty who are very accessible and place value on working closely with students. In addition, the department offers a number of graduate assistantships that include annual stipends of $6,246 and out-of-state tuition waivers worth about $2,000 (the deadline for applying for financial aid is March 1). The department also provides support for students to present papers at professional conferences. Assistants are given office space as well as a secluded computer lab that is available for the exclusive use of students in the political economy graduate program. Internship opportunities are also available.

The natural environment surrounding the Utah State University campus is exceptional. Logan canyon is minutes from campus and boasts a wide array of activities: hiking, mountain biking, camping , rock climbing, and fly fishing. Beautiful lakes that sponsor sailing, water skiing, and winter sports are also nearby. Within an hour's drive opportunities for both downhill and cross country skiing are available. Seven spectacular national parks, innumerable wilderness areas, and several world class ski areas are within a few hours' drive.

For further information, please visit or contact: Peter McNamara, Graduate Coordinator Political Science Department, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-0725 Office: Main 320D, phone: (435)797-1318, email: peterm@wpo.hass.usu.edu