Graduate Studies
Description of the Degrees Offered
The Department of Political Science offers three main graduate degrees:
An advisory committee has been created to assist students in developing a curriculum that reflects their individual needs. The program phone number is (208) 282-2211, Stop 8073.
You can also contact the political science chair, Dr. Anderson if you have any questions. Please visit the political science section of the Idaho State graduate catalog for more specific information on teachers, classes, and program requirements.
Graduate Students
Graduates and Placements
Doctor of Arts in Political Science
This program is intended for students interested in a career teaching political science in a variety of higher education settings ranging from community colleges to universities. Doctor of Arts recipients are prepared to teach a variety of political science courses including those in American politics and in two additional specialties selected from among the fields of public law, political theory, comparative and international politics, and public administration.
Doctor of Arts students will have three interdisciplinary options to choose from. For all doctoral students, the major field of American politics is required and any two of the following fields: Public Law, Political Theory, Comparative/International Politics, and Public Administration.
- Graduates will gain this knowledge of political science through an interdisciplinary approach that includes course work in one or two cognate social science disciplines.
- Graduates will have extensive training in pedagogy, craft a distinct teaching philosophy, and demonstrate a variety of pedagogical techniques and skills.
- Graduates will demonstrate their research skills by presenting their work at professional conferences and/or submitting their work for publication review.
- Graduates will gain employment and establish their careers in higher education.
Master of Arts in Political Science
The mission of the Master of Arts (MA) program is to prepare students for future graduate study in political science by helping them develop knowledge and skills in political science and research methodology. This program emphasizes general preparation in political science and research.
Areas of emphasis in the M.A. program are focused on the research nature of the degree, including American governmental institutions and political behavior, public law, political theory, public administration and comparative politics, and international politics. M.A. students are required to present themselves for comprehensive examination on their thesis and/or in two of the five areas of emphasis mentioned previously.
Thesis and non-thesis options are available. Thesis requirements include a comprehensive oral examination that covers the student's graduate course work and the literature in two subfields, and the M.A. thesis.
- Graduates will master literature-based knowledge in two areas of political science.
- Graduates will develop an understanding of political science research methodology and the role of research in academia.
- Graduates will further their graduate careers by pursuing a doctorate in political science.
- Graduates pursuing a terminal degree will find professional employment in education, public service, and business.
Master of Public Administration
The Master in Public Administration degree is an inter-university cooperative graduate program offered jointly by Boise State University, Idaho State University, and the University of Idaho. The purpose of the program is to provide present and prospective public administrators with the basic intellectual preparation necessary to understand and to adjust to a changing and challenging environment, through an introduction to the theories and practices of administration, management and social science research as these relate to effective performance in public organizations.
All students must take 27 credit hours of core area courses and 12 credits in a variety of specialized areas. Some of the topics included are State, Local, and Non-Profit Administration, Environmental Administration, Public Health Administration, American Politics, Political Analysis, and International Politics.
- Graduates will develop an appreciation of serving the public interest.
- Graduates will respect and study the law and the Constitution.
- Graduates will demonstrate personal integrity.
- Graduates will promote ethical organizations.
- Graduates will develop distinctive public administration skills.
- Graduates will strive for professional excellence and updating of skills throughout their professional careers.
Graduate Director:
Professor Donna L. Lybecker
Graveley Hall, North Wing, 307
Postal Box 8301, Pocatello, ID 83209
Phone: 208-282-3331
Fax: 208-282-4833
Email: lybedonn@isu.edu
