Political Science, Ph.D.

(PPOLI)

The departmental-level academic course plan for each student will be developed in consultation with and approved by the student’s graduate advisory committee. The committee will include the student’s major advisor and at least two additional members of the graduate faculty such that the LSU Graduate School’s requirements for graduate committees are satisfied.

The degree requires a doctoral dissertation. At least 64 hours of credit at the graduate level must be earned including a minimum of nine hours of credit for the dissertation. The curricular requirements include:

• A principal field consisting of a minimum of 15 hours of earned credit in a specified field of study.
• A secondary field consisting of a minimum of 12 hours of earned credit in a different field of study.
• A third field, or a Minor field in another department (0-12 hours).
• Three required seminars (POLI 7961 , POLI 7962 , and POLI 7963 ) [students whose principal field is political theory may substitute a research skills course, for example an additional language, for POLI 7963 ].
• Proficiency in one foreign language [students whose principal field is American politics or international relations may substitute an advanced research skills course, for example POLI 7964 , for a foreign language].
• A one-credit professional development seminar (POLI 7000 ).
• Approved electives (6-15 hours).
• A general examination, written and oral, in the principal and secondary field, after the completion of all the previous requirements.
• A dissertation, with an oral defense (PhD final examination).