The UNIVERSITY of OKLAHOMA® Department of Political Science WHERE STUDENTS GRADUATE PROGRAMS in POLITICAL SCIENCE BECOME LEADERS Leadership By Example “ The oliticalP Science graduate programs equip our students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue careers in different areas, whether it is in public service at a local, state or federal level, or in education. All degree programs are designed to maximize our students’ opportunities. The Political Science graduate programs challenge our students and help them become leaders in their chosen fields.” President David L. Boren President David Boren’s commitment to public service is our department’s inspiration for exemplary leadership. Both he and his wife, First Lady Molly Shi Boren are widely respected for their commitment to public service and civic engagement at the community, state, national, and international levels. As a former Oklahoma state legislator, Governor, and U.S. Senator, President Boren spent nearly three decades in elective office before beginning his tenure as President of the University in 1994. Under President Boren’s leadership, the University has completed $1 billion in construction projects, increased OU’s private endowment to more than $1.8 billion, and increased the number of endowed faculty positions from 100 to 560. Recently, President Boren announced LIVE ON, UNIVERSITY—a $500 million campaign to raise private funds to support student scholarships, endowments for faculty fellowships, and university wide initiatives and college programs. President Boren teaches an introductory course in political science each semester, giving students a unique perspective in the structure, organization, and power of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of American government. You will find President Boren’s inspiration in our faculty’s commitment and dedication to academic excellence in both research and teaching. Our world-class faculty members are recognized for their commitment to students, and a shared mission to enhance our students’ skills and cultivate their interest in politics, government, and civic life. Keith Gaddie Tyler Johnson Professor and Chair Associate Professor and of the Department of Director of Graduate Political Science Programs in Political Science LEADERSHIP AND FACULTY Exceptional Teaching The Department of Political Science graduate programs are focused on providing a unique and personalized student experience. Our faculty is comprised of award- winning instructors, researchers, and practitioners holding current and past political posts in federal, state, and municipal government. The department has more than 30 tenured and tenure-track professors pursuing active research in a variety of political science fields. As one of the most diverse, well-established doctoral programs in the region, our one-on-one interaction between our graduate students and faculty plays a significant role in the intellectual life of the department. Our students often work closely with faculty, co-authoring publications through collaborative research. Faculty members regularly supervise individualized research courses, coordinate lecture series, and facilitate special topic forums focused on political science trends and research. Affiliations and Resources Faculty members in the Department of Political Science lead a variety of affiliated research organizations at the University of Oklahoma. These affiliations give our graduate students opportunities to broaden and enhance their research agenda. These affiliations include: • Social Science Quarterly-The Journal of the Southwestern Social Science Association • The Carl Albert Center for Congressional Research and Studies • OU Poll-Public Opinion Learning Laboratory • Center for Risk and Crisis Management • Center for Energy, Security, and Society • Center for Intelligence and National Security • National Institute for Risk and Resilience Boren Fellow Graduate Teaching Assistantships Boren Fellow Teaching Assistants have the opportunity to develop and enhance teaching skills under the guidance of a tenured political science faculty member. Boren Fellows assist in classroom management, provide instructional support, and lead discussion sections for P SC 1113 American Federal Government, a multi-section undergraduate course. The Department of Political Science offers a limited number of multi-year, renewable graduate teaching assistantships each year. Typically, the financial support package includes a competitive nine-month stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance. Graduate Degree Programs in Political Science • Doctorate of Philosophy • Master of Arts Fields of Study Our program is one of the only doctoral programs in the region that offers seven fields of graduate study in Political Science. • American Politics • Comparative Politics • International Relations • Political Theory • Public Administration • Public Policy • Research Methods Ph.D. in Political Science Core curriculum requirements include: Minimum of 90 hours beyond B.A. • Required courses: . Introductory Data Analysis . Intermediate Data Analysis . Survey of a Discipline . Research Problems • Concentration in three of the seven specified fields • Electives to meet degree requirements • Comprehensive examination & independent directed research • Dissertation Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science Core curriculum requirements include: Minimum of 36 hours beyond B.A. • Required courses: . Introductory Data Analysis . Intermediate Data Analysis . Survey of a Discipline . Research Problems • 18 hours of emphasis in two of seven fields of study • Electives to meet degree requirements • Non-Thesis or Thesis option HOW TO APPLY The Graduate Programs in Political Science consider mentoring to be essential to students’ success, both during and after their degree, and we make every effort to pair incoming students with faculty members who share their research interests. Before you apply, we encourage you to review our faculty list and learn more about their expertise at psc.ou.edu. How To Apply Admission to the Graduate Programs in Political Science at the University of Oklahoma is highly competitive. Applicants must demonstrate the ability and motivation to succeed in a rigorous program of graduate study, and must make the case that there is a close fit between their aspirations and the offerings of the department. Furthermore, study for the Ph.D. is a full-time endeavor that demands complete intellectual commitment. The Admissions Committee reviews applications once annually for admission beginning the fall semester. The deadline for receipt of all application materials is February 1st of the calendar year. Prospective students must submit the following materials: • Apply directly to the Graduate Office of • Three letters of recommendation Admissions and Records by submitting from persons in a position to speak the official application form, along knowledgeably about the applicant’s with transcripts, application fee, and all academic ability. Typically, these would be departmental required application materials. academic references rather than personal acquaintances or employers. • Students whose native language is not English will be required to submit their • A statement of no more than 1,000 scores on the Test of English as a Foreign words articulating the applicant’s specific Language (TOEFL). The minimum preparation for graduate study, proposed required Internet-based TOEFL fields of study and area of focus, and score is 100. career aspirations. A compelling statement is a critical part of the application; the • Scores on the general test of the Graduate applicant should invest substantial time in Record Examination (GRE). While there crafting the personal statement. is no fixed minimum for admission, and GRE scores are only one piece of evidence • A writing sample. The writing sample considered by the Admissions Committee, should be a substantial piece of work that mean scores for admitted students have displays the applicant's writing, analytical been in the range of 300 or more (verbal + and research skills. quantitative) in recent years. The Political Science Graduate Admissions Committee typically announces admission decisions by March 1st of the calendar year. Jamie Smith, Ph.D. (2015) Hometown: I have never known how to Graduate Student Profile answer this type of question. My father is in the military, so I moved frequently. Oklahoma Active Student Population: feels like home! Fields of Study: American politics 35 Dissertation Research Focus: the capacity of social media to mobilize people and resources. Average GPA: Why did you choose OU? One of the biggest reasons I chose OU was affordability and faculty whose expertise aligned with 3.83 my research. Average Age: Biggest accomplishment at OU? I’ve come to realize that the University has given me a great opportunity to hone my teaching craft. I have grown as a teacher and have been mentored 31 by extraordinary faculty sharing their knowledge, skills and experience in the classroom. Further, my fellow graduate students Female: play a role in my professional development. We are a supportive and collaborative group of diverse individuals with wide ranging interest that add to the intellectual environment. I will always 40% cherish their friendship and support. Oklahoma Residents: The Princeton Review ranks OU top in the nation in terms of academic 31% excellence and cost for students. Out-of-State: 2017-18 Estimated Cost of Graduate Tuition and Fees per Credit Hour*