Academic Programs

Introduction

The Department of Political Science is committed to excellence in discovery, learning, and engagement. We produce scholarship that has an impact on the discipline and the world around us. We provide high-impact learning opportunities for our undergraduate students and value innovative teaching. We mentor our graduate students intensively and provide many opportunities for them to grow into accomplished scholars. We value our colleagues—faculty, students, and staff—and strive to create an atmosphere in which all can pursue their intellectual and professional goals. We recognize the achievements of faculty, students, staff, and alumni by regularly nominating them for awards and honors and celebrating their accomplishments. The department actively engages alumni through newsletters, receptions, Meet and Greets, and social media. Through its interdisciplinary research, teaching, and engagement, the department plays a critical role in the development of University.

Mission Statement

The M.Phil. in Political Science program aims at developing knowledge and providing research and learning opportunities in the field of Political Science. This program will specifically focus on providing strong theoretical and methodological base to its participants. Students of this program will be able to enhance their critical thinking and analytical skills that will help them become confident researchers and knowledgeable observers of political phenomena and policymaking procedures.

Program Objectives

The M.Phil.program will provide cutting-edge skills, knowledge and professional understanding of the Political Science discipline. Main objective of the program is to develop an exciting and supportive learning environment that is conducive to high quality research and related learning activities, including debates, seminars, and lectures. The scholarly community thus formed will engage in a systematic study of both theoretical and practical aspects of Political Science. Equipped with strong methodological training, students are expected to produce high quality research and become life-long learners. Graduates of the program will not only be ethical researchers, they will also be able to demonstrate autonomy in their learning. Those who already are or choose to become practitioners in the policymaking, policy evaluation or related fields will also find this program very helpful as it seeks to develop critical thinking and analytical skills of its participants, in addition to providing them with advanced knowledge of policy-oriented areas.

Curriculum Structure

A minimum of 30 credit hours work is required to complete M.Phil. Political Science program. These 30 credit hours include 24 credit hours of coursework and 6 credit hours of thesis. Out of 24 credit hours coursework, 15 credit hours must be earned through 5 core courses. Rest of the 12 credit hours can be completed by taking 3 elective courses.

Program Duration: 2 years
Coursework: 24 credit hours
Thesis: 6 credit hours Total degree requirements: 30 credit hours

Career Prospects

The M.Phil. Political Science program will prepare its participants for a broad spectrum of careers spanning academic, public, private, and non-profit institutions and organizations. Even though this program is primarily geared towards those who are pursuing research and teaching careers, it is also designed to expand career prospects of practitioners in the fields of policymaking, development, and mass communication (including print and electronic media).

Because of their thorough knowledge, sound theoretical grounding, and rigorous methodological training, graduates of this program will be pioneers in their chosen fields.

Admission Requirements

At least sixteen years of education (Master’s or four-year BS degree) or equivalent qualification, with at least second division, from a recognized university is required to be eligible for the admission to this program. Final admission will be granted on the basis of interview conducted by the program admission committee.