Master of Science in International Political Economy

 

Faculty

 

Professors: Sheila Amin de Guti�rrez de Pi�eres, Brian J.L. Berry, Kurt Beron, Lloyd Jeff Dumas, Euel Elliott, Paul Jargowsky, Murray Leaf, Todd Sandler, Richard Scotch
Associate Professors: Bobby C. Alexander, Marie Chevrier, Simon Fass, Jennifer S. Holmes, Susan McElroy, Kevin Siqueira
Assistant Professors: Clint Peinhardt, Carole Wilson

 

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 University�s general admission requirements are discussed here.

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). An analytical writing score of at least 4.5 in the GRE is considered desirable. 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 three components:

1.     Eighteen semester hours of required coursework

2.     Twelve semester hours of prescribed electives

3.     Six hours of free electives.

Students must maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average to graduate.Moreover, students must demonstrate a foreign language proficiency equivalent to two years of university-level study in one foreign language before graduation.

Required Courses (18 hours)

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

 

All of the following:

POEC/PA 5313������������ Descriptive and Inferential Statistics
POEC 5316������������������ Advanced Regression Analysis
POEC 5307������������������ Economics for Public Policy

 

One of the following:

POEC 6360������������������ World Political Economy
POEC 6366������������������ International Economics

 

One of the following:

PSCI 6309�������������������� International Political Economy and Organization
POEC 6335������������������ Institutions and Development
POEC 6337������������������ Comparative Institutions
POEC 6362������������������ Political Development

 

One of the following:

POEC 6V76����������������� Policy Research Workshop in Development Studies
POEC 5310 ����������������� Research Design I
POEC 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, the Middle East or 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 Security Studies

Courses in both the area concentrations and theme concentrations must have the approval of the Program Director.

 

Elective Courses

 

Students also select, in consultation with the Program Director, an additional six hours of coursework. Students may select courses from those courses not selected under Required Courses.