Coursework Relevant to Chosen Fields of Study - Entering students accepted from other universities are required to take a minimum of eight courses, including two courses in research methodology. Except for research methodology courses, there is no minimum number of courses required of students entering the Ph.D. program with a SAIS M.A. All Ph.D. candidates are required to select, in consultation with their field directors, additional courses as needed to prepare for their comprehensive examinations. To remain in good standing, Ph.D. candidates must maintain a B+ average and receive no grade below a B-.
Courses in Research Methodology - All incoming doctoral students are required to take the following courses in research methodology: - Theories and Methods of Qualitative Political Research
Designed to familiarize doctoral candidates with basic epistemological and methodological issues connected with qualitative research. The first part of the course explores various ways that scholars approach matters of conceptualization and evidence. The second part examines how scholars move from the kernel of an idea to a testable research hypothesis and then to a research design.
- Quantitative Methods of Political Research
Surveys the applications of quantitative techniques to political phenomena such as public opinion, voting, political change and interstate behavior. A knowledge of basic statistics is a prerequisite for this course. With the approval of their field director, students with equivalent prior quantitative training may request that the Ph.D. Committee waive the Quantitative Methods course requirement.
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