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Nov 21, 2024
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School of Graduate Studies Calendar, 2024-2025
Political Science, Ph.D
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 Return to: Faculty of Social Sciences
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Ph.D. Degree
The Department of Political Science at McMaster University offers the Ph.D. degree in the fields of Canadian Politics, Comparative Politics, Comparative Public Policy, International Relations, and Political Theory.
Graduands can expect to be qualified to conduct research and teach at the university level in all fields.
A. Admission Procedures
Admission to the Ph.D. program normally will require a M.A. degree with an average of at least an A- (A minus) from a recognized university. Applicants must complete the required online McMaster application form, arrange to have 3 academic references submitted to the Department, submit one original transcript(s) from all universities attended and evidence of English proficiency where required (i.e., TOEFL), resume/CV, and submit a statement of their research interests (maximum one page, single spaced) and reasons for choosing McMaster University for their Ph.D. degree in Political Science. The deadline for submission of applications can be found on the Department of Political Science website.
B. Degree Requirements
Normally, candidates for the Ph.D. will:
- Complete 18 units (6 half courses) of course work beyond the M.A. level
- Complete required comprehensive examinations in Major Field 1 and one other in Major Field 2; and
- Submit a thesis on an approved subject and defend it by oral examination.
For Students in Canadian Politics
For Students in Comparative Politics
For Students in Comparative Public Policy
For Students in International Relations
For Students in Political Theory
Additional Information
Other approved courses will be drawn from other departmental courses, and courses offered by other departments and schools. At least three of these selected units should be from Major Field 2.
All courses are half courses (three units) unless otherwise specified. C. Supervisors and Supervisory Committees
Successful applicants will be assigned a temporary supervisor of studies upon admission. Not later than six months following arrival, a supervisory committee for each Ph.D. student will be appointed by the Graduate Committee, on the recommendation of the student and a willing thesis supervisor. This committee will consist of at least three members: a thesis supervisor, one other member of the Department and a third member, whose scholarly interests include the area of the student’s main interest, and who may be from outside the Department. D. Comprehensive Examinations
Students in the Ph.D. program will write comprehensive examinations in two fields: For Students in Canadian Politics
Students will write comprehensive examinations in two fields - Canadian Politics and a second field drawn from one of Comparative Politics, Comparative Public Policy, International Relations, or Political Theory.
Major Field 1
In the Canadian Politics field, students will write an examination covering the following subfields of Canadian Politics:
- Institutions
- Representation
- Public Policy and Governance
Major Field 2
To be selected from:
- Comparative Politics
- Comparative Public Policy
- International Relations
- Political Theory
Students are normally required to have completed at least three units beyond the M.A. level at McMaster in this area prior to writing the comprehensive examination.
For Students in Comparative Politics
Students will write comprehensive examinations in two fields - Comparative Politics and a second field drawn from one of Canadian Politics, Comparative Public Policy, International Relations, or Political Theory.
Major Field 1
In the Comparative Politics field, students will write an examination covering the following subfields of Comparative Politics.
- Theories and Approaches of Comparative Politics
- Comparative Methods
- Contemporary Themes in Comparative Politics
Major Field 2
To be selected from:
- Canadian Politics
- Comparative Public Policy
- International Relations
- Political Theory
Students are normally required to have completed at least three units beyond the M.A. level at McMaster in this area prior to writing their comprehensive examination.
For Students in Comparative Public Policy
Students will write comprehensive examinations in two fields - public policy and a second field drawn from one of Canadian politics, comparative politics, international relations or political theory. Major Field 1
In the Public Policy field, students will write an examination covering the three subfields of public policy:
- Theories and approaches to comparative public policy
- Public administration
- International dimensions of public policy
Major Field 2
To be selected from:
- Canadian Politics
- Comparative Politics
- International Relations
- Political Theory
Students are normally required to have completed at least three units beyond the M.A. level at McMaster in this area prior to writing their comprehensive examination.
For Students in International Relations
Major Field 1
In the International Relations field, students will write an examination covering the following subfields of international relations:
- International relations theory / State of the Field
- Global Political Economy
- Globalization, governance and security
Major Field 2
To be selected from:
- Canadian Politics
- Comparative Politics
- Public Policy
- Political Theory
Students are normally required to have completed at least three units beyond the M.A. level at McMaster in this area prior to writing their comprehensive examination.
For Students in Political Theory
Students will write comprehensive examinations in two fields - Political Theory and a second field drawn from one of Canadian Politics, Comparative Politics, Comparative Public Policy, or International Relations.
Major Field 1
- History of Political Thought
- Contemporary and Critical Theory
- International Political Theory
Major Field 2
To be selected from:
- Canadian Politics
- Comparative Politics
- Comparative Public Policy
- International Relations
Students are normally required to have completed at least three units beyond the M.A. level at McMaster in this area prior to writing their comprehensive examination.
E. Other Regulations
Applicants should consult the Graduate Calendar for a complete listing of Regulations for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy.
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Return to: Faculty of Social Sciences
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