Public Policy and Political Science

Degree Requirements for the Public Policy & Political Science PhD Program

Political Science Specific Course and Exam Requirements

Major & Minor Fields

In the political science doctoral program, a student's coursework is geared toward the completion of a preliminary examination in one major field of political science and one minor field. In general, students take three or four courses towards their major or minor in semesters when they are supported by a fellowship (as all incoming students are) and two or three courses when they are serving as a GSI. For joint students in the joint program, public policy coursework substitutes for the minor field. Preliminary exams are oral or written examinations (depending on field) conducted by faculty and are normally given only during September, January, and April/May.

More information about the Political Science requirements can be found in their Graduate Program Guide.

Public Policy Specific Course Requirements

Rackham requires all doctoral students to maintain a 3.0 GPA overall to be in good standing. In addition to this, joint doctoral students must obtain a B- or better in each required public policy course. Students should consult their disciplinary department for any similar requirements in the department required courses.

• Microeconomics (1 course; 3 credits): students typically take PUBPOL 555, but may petition the PhD Program Director to allow another course or prior coursework to count toward this requirement.
   
• Methods (1 course; 3 credits): students typically take POLSCI 680, but may petition the PhD Program Director to allow another course to count toward this requirement.
   
• Program Evaluation (1 course, 3 credits): students typically take PUBPOL 639. Students may petition the PhD Program Director to allow another course to count toward this requirement.
   
• Substantive Policy Area (2 courses; 6 credits total): at least one of these courses must be taken outside the student's home social science department. Both courses must be approved by the PhD program director.
   
• Policy Seminar (4 semesters; 1 credit per semester): PUBPOL 810 meets bi-weekly and students are required to enroll in this course during their first two years in the PhD program.

Additionally, all students must fulfill the Responsible Conduct of Research and Scholarship (RCRS) requirement. Students typically take POLSCI 992 (or its equivalent) to satisfy this requirement.

Typical Plan for Public Policy & Political Science Students

* Specific courses depend on choice of field and may vary by year. See Political Science Department advisor.