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The University of Texas at Dallas
Graduate Admissions

Master of Science in International Political Economy

http://www.utdallas.edu/epps/public-policy-and-political-economy/

Faculty

 

Professors: Sheila Amin de Gutiérrez de Piñeres, Brian J.L. Berry, Lloyd J. Dumas, Euel W. Elliott, Donald A. Hicks, Murray J. Leaf, Richard K. Scotch
Associate Professors: Bobby C. Alexander, Simon M. Fass, Jennifer S. Holmes, Sheryl L. Skaggs

Assistant Professors: Clint W. Peinhardt

 

Mission Statement

 

The mission of the Master of Science in International Political Economy is to offer an experience in interdisciplinary education and policy research through activities in graduate education, scholarly and applied inquiry, and professional service. Today, more careers increasingly require international knowledge and skills that transcend the confines of traditional disciplinary training. We prepare students for careers in research, teaching, and practice in a variety of both academic and non-academic public policy and political economy settings. The Master of Science in International Political Economy will develop students’ critical skill sets to meet the needs and demands of the international diplomatic and business sectors. These skills include critical thinking, knowledge of multiple cultures, and cultural contexts, rigorous research skills, and the ability to communicate effectively in an array of environments. Students will be prepared to advance careers in policy and data analysis, and administrative positions in government, the non-profit and private sectors.

 

Objectives

 

         Students will demonstrate the ability to apply social science and international political economy theories and concepts.

         Students will develop competency in advanced methods of social science and international political economy research and analysis.

         Students will develop basic skills in professional communication appropriate to international political economy research and analysis.

         Students will develop competency in analysis, evaluation, and research design relevant to social science and international political economy research and analysis

 

Facilities

 

Students have access to the computing facilities in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences and the University’s Computing Center.  The School has two computing laboratories that have over 50 computers that are network linked and equipped with major social science software packages, including E-Views, R. Rats, SPSS, and STATA.  A computerized geographic information system, the Lexis Nexis database and Westlaw are also available for student use.  The University’s Computing Center provides personal computers and UNIX Workstations. Many important data and reference materials are also available online via the library and school’s memberships in numerous organizations.

 

Admissions Requirement

The master’s program in International Political Economy seeks applications from students with a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university or college. Although applications will be reviewed holistically, in general, entering students have earned a 3.0 undergraduate grade point average (on a 4.0 scale), and a combined verbal and quantitative score of at least 1100 on the Graduate Records Examination (GRE). Standardized test scores are only one of the factors taken into account in determining admission.  Students should also submit all transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a one-page essay outlining the applicant’s background, education, and professional objectives.

 

Prerequisites


While there are no specific course prerequisites, entering students will benefit from exposure to undergraduate courses in the Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, statistics, and research design.  Students are strongly encouraged to strengthen their foreign language skills.

Degree Requirements

The University’s general degree requirements are discussed here.

Students seeking a Master of Science in International Political Economy must complete at least 36 semester credit hours of work in the program. The program has four components:

1. Eighteen semester hours of required coursework

2. Twelve semester hours of prescribed electives

3. Six hours of free electives.

4. Students must demonstrate a foreign language proficiency equivalent to two years of university

    level study in one foreign language before graduation.

 

Students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA in their graduate courses in the degree program, including core courses. If placed on probation, students will have one semester to bring their cumulative grade point average to a 3.0 or greater. Any student who receives two Cs will no longer be allowed to continue in the program.  

 

Required Courses (18 hours)

All students should complete the core courses as soon as possible.

Economic Theory Core (take one of the following):

ECON 6306 Applied Microeconomics

POEC 6390 Innovation and Public Policy

POEC 7317 Economics for Public Policy          

Methods Core (Algebra-based or Calculus based)

Algebra-based series

 

EPPS 6313 Introduction to Quantitative Methods
EPPS 6316 Applied Regression

 

Or

 

Calculus-based series

EPPS 7313 Descriptive and Inferential Statistics
EPPS 7316 Regression and Multivariate Analysis

One of the following:

POEC 6360 World Political Economy
POEC 6366 International Economics
PSCI 6309 International Political Economy

One of the following:

POEC/PSCI 6335 Institutions and Development
POEC/PSCI 6362 Political Development

PSCI 6309 International Political Economy

PSCI 6316 International Organizations

One of the following:

POEC 7V76 Policy Research Workshop in Development Studies
EPPS 6310 Research Design I
EPPS 6352 Evaluation Research

 

Prescribed Electives

 

Students complete 12 hours of Prescribed Electives. These consist of:

1. An area concentration in which the student completes two courses (six hours) in history, advanced language, or area studies courses that address a single region, including Europe, Latin America, or the Middle East/Greater Asia.

2. A theme concentration in which the student completes two courses (six hours) in Development, International Business and Public Policy, International Negotiations, or International Conflict and Security

Courses in both the area concentrations and theme concentrations must have the approval of the Program Director. Internships and independent studies may count toward either area or theme concentrations, with the permission of the Program Director.

 

Elective Courses

 

Students also select an additional six hours of coursework. Students may select courses from those courses not selected under Required Courses.

 

Last Updated: July 18, 2012