Department of Political Science

Undergraduate Study

Bachelor of Science in Political Science (Course 17)

The political science curriculum for undergraduates combines professional social science training with opportunities for a broad liberal arts education. Students may choose subjects from a wide range of both undergraduate and graduate offerings, and are encouraged to engage in independent research projects. In addition, the department sponsors an internship program in which students work in governmental agencies, legislative offices, community associations, international organizations, and advocacy groups at all levels.

The undergraduate program prepares students for study in political science, law, public policy, and related fields, and for careers in government, business, law, research, teaching, or journalism. This program is also designed to give students, whatever their career objectives, an understanding of political institutions and processes. Some students want to focus on political systems themselves while others choose to concentrate on political behavior and public opinion, or on the public policies that emerge from political processes, such as policies on the environment, health, or international security. All of these perspectives are found in the program.

Subjects are offered by the department in the following fields: political theory, political economy, American politics, public policy, international relations and security studies, comparative politics, and models and methods. Students may arrange individualized programs with the assistance of a faculty advisor.

In the junior year students are introduced to the major theoretical and methodological themes of political science in two subjects:

The department believes that every political science major should have the experience of conducting and writing at least one substantial research project, a requirement that is fulfilled by 17.803. In addition, there are numerous other opportunities for students to pursue research interests. Students are eligible to receive academic credit or limited funding for expenses or wages through the Institute-wide Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP). Students should consult the department's UROP coordinator to discuss specific projects.

The undergraduate program also allows students to undertake a substantial, year-long independent research project under the guidance of a faculty thesis advisor. Students who choose this option must submit a viable research proposal by fall of the senior year and secure a faculty advisor; the student then registers for:

Minor in Political Science

The objective of the minor is to deepen and expand student knowledge of the discipline of political science. It consists of six subjects divided into two tiers, selected from the discipline's subfields as listed in the online MIT Subject Listing & Schedule. The requirements of the minor are as follows:

For a listing of available subjects in these areas, consult Katherine Hoss in the Political Science Undergraduate Office, Room E53-484 or the SHASS Dean's Office, Room 4-240. Examples of subject selections for this minor are also available on the department's website.

Minor in Applied International Studies

The interdisciplinary HASS Minor in Applied International Studies, described in the Interdisciplinary Programs section, prepares students for an increasingly global business and research environment by integrating international learning into their course of study.

Minor in Public Policy

The Department of Political Science and Department of Urban Studies and Planning jointly offer a Minor in Public Policy (Course 11), described in the Interdisciplinary Programs section.

Graduate Study

The Department of Political Science offers programs leading to the Master of Science in Political Science and the Doctor of Philosophy.

Admission Requirements for Graduate Study

All applicants must take the GRE general test. Non-native English speakers must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Applicants from all disciplines are welcome—an undergraduate degree in political science is not necessary. Applicants are encouraged, however, to complete significant coursework in political science or related subjects such as history, economics, philosophy, psychology, or sociology before applying to one of our graduate programs.

Master of Science in Political Science

The Master of Science in Political Science is a one-year program intended for students who wish to develop skills in applied research in preparation for a career in public policy or with a business or research organization. The master's program emphasizes intensive preparation in a single field of study. Applicants to the SM program should specify their field of specialization.

The minimum number of subjects required for the SM degree is six graduate subjects, at least four of which must be completed in the Political Science Department at MIT. The remaining two may be taken elsewhere at MIT or through cross-registration at Harvard University. A 3.5 GPA must be maintained. A master's thesis is required. See the section on Graduate Education for the general requirements for the SM.

Accelerated Master of Science in Political Science

The department offers a five-year program leading to the Bachelor of Science and Master of Science, awarded simultaneously. This program is open to MIT undergraduate Political Science majors only, and requires a single combined SB-SM thesis written during the last three terms at the Institute. Undergraduate Institute requirements may be completed during the fifth year of the program.

Doctor of Philosophy

Doctoral students must complete the following requirements:

• One class for first-year students introducing principles of empirical and theoretical analysis in political science
• One class in statistics
• One class in empirical research methods
• One class in political philosophy
• Reading proficiency in one language other than English (demonstrated by two semesters of intermediate-level college coursework or an exam) or knowledge of advanced statistics (demonstrated by three semesters of course work or an exam)
• A second-year paper and related workshop
• A doctoral thesis

In addition, doctoral students are required to elect two of the following major fields: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, models and methods, political economy, and security studies. In each of the two elected fields, students will take a written general exam followed by a single oral general exam covering both fields. Specific fields may have additional requirements.

Students may take subjects in other MIT departments. Cross-registration arrangements also permit enrollment in subjects taught in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University and in some of Harvard's other graduate schools. Students are encouraged to do field research and develop close working ties with faculty members engaged in major research activities.

Interdisciplinary Program

Political Science and Statistics

The Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Statistics provides training in statistics, including classical statistics and probability as well as computation and data analysis, to students who wish to integrate these valuable skills into their primary academic program. The program is administered jointly by the departments of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Economics, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, and Political Science, and the Statistics and Data Science Center within the Institute for Data, Systems, and Society. It is open to current doctoral students in participating departments. For more information, including department-specific requirements, see the full program description under Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs.

Inquiries

Additional information regarding graduate programs in the department and admissions may be obtained from the graduate administrator, Susan Twarog, 617-253-8336, Room E53-467.