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