Graduate Degree Programs
in Political Science
The Dr. Mack Henry Jones Department of Political Science offers both the Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees, the only private HBCU to do so. Over the years, the Department has been among the leading producers of African American political scientists both female and male, and can count among its graduates four college and university presidents, foreign diplomats, heads of international NGOs, and renowned scholars. Also, the department has produced scholars of African, Caribbean, Asian, and European origin, who are working in institutions all over the world.
The Department’s faculty teaches and conducts research on a wide variety of topics: urban politics, public policy, elections and voting behavior, environmental justice, women in development, African politics, Caribbean and Latin American politics, Pan-African politics, conflict and conflict resolution, democratization, religion and politics, and U.S. foreign policy.
Our graduate curriculum begins with facts and knowledge of the political experience of black people in the U.S., the plight of marginalized and oppressed people; we seek a thorough understanding of global political experiences. The contradictions of the U.S. and other political-economic systems are analyzed from an interdisciplinary perspective that promotes deepened theoretical understandings, a search for alternatives, and positive social changes. Utilizing a scholar-activist paradigm, the department seeks to carry out its program through a pattern of human relationships which stress openness, honesty, and a cooperative spirit. At the graduate level the Department provides courses of instruction for students who wish to become, for example:
Overview of the Graduate Program
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Academicians
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Campaign managers
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Elected officials
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Federal, state, and local officials
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Diplomats & foreign service specialists
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Lobbyists
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Non-profit, IGO, & NGO specialists
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Policy analysts
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Political activists
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Political consultants
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Professional political scientists
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Urban & city planners
The political science curriculum is divided into ten sub-fields that reflect faculty and student specializations within the discipline. Ph.D. program students select four (4) of the following for their electives and comprehensive examinations:
Subfields & Areas of Specialization
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African politics
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Comparative politics
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International politics/relations
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Methodology/research methods
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Pan-African Politics
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Political economy
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Political theory
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Urban politics
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U.S. government & politics
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Women in politics
Decisions with regard to the Department are made throughout the year as applications are received by the University. Admission decisions are made by the department faculty. Applicants must submit the following documents to the Office of Graduate Admissions:
Admissions to the Graduate Program
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Completed online application form;
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A letter of intent which indicates the desired area of study and describes the applicant’s professional goals and qualifications for admission to the program;
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Three (3) letters of recommendation, including at least two letters from professors in the applicant’s major field of graduate study and department or program;
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Official transcripts from regionally accredited institutions, or foreign institution of comparable quality, of all undergraduate and graduate work showing sufficient preparation for graduate work at the Master’s and/or Doctoral levels in political science;
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A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.2, or the equivalent from a foreign institution, in the most recently completed degree program. The Department may recommend conditional admission to students whose cumulative grade point average is slightly less than 3.2, but who otherwise show excellent promise of success;
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Current (within the past five (5) years) Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores for applicants to Master’s and/or Doctoral degree programs (see Office of Graduate Admissions for updates status of this item);
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A writing sample that demonstrates the applicant’s capacity to analyze critically a subject of political relevance; this essay should be between 1000 and 1500 words, double spaced, and must be the original work of the applicant; and
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Any other documents the applicant believes would be relevant such as a publication.
Graduate Program Poster
In order to insure ample time for enrollment for a specific term, the application for admission and all supporting documents must be on file at least ninety (90) days prior to the desired term of admittance. Applicants from non-English-speaking countries must demonstrate a reasonable proficiency in the English language. Applicants must satisfy the University requirements regarding the minimum score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Applicants should consult CAU Graduate Admissions for updates on GRE requirements. Please contact our main office or the Office of Graduate Admissions for more information.
Initially, eligibility for departmental financial assistance is considered after review of the student’s application for admissions. Consideration for subsequent support depends on the following criteria:
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consistent and punctual attendance at weekly Departmental Graduate Seminars,
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adherence to the Academic Honesty policy,
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satisfactory academic performance in coursework,
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completion of all required coursework,
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satisfactory and timely progress towards completion of the thesis or dissertation,
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satisfactory performance in departmental assignments,
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good departmental citizenship, and
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enrollment status.
Opportunities for financial support include assignments to the following departmental activities:
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Graduate Assistant
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Research Assistant
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Teaching Assistant
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President of Ujamaa Society
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Editor of Endarch Jounal
Under normal circumstances, student financial support may be provided through the completion of coursework. Generally, students should not have expectations of funding beyond the 24 required course hours for the M.A. degree or beyond the 30 required course hours for the Ph.D. degree. Students receiving financial support must adhere to university policies and to registration plans as determined during advisement with departmental faculty. Financial support is contingent upon the availability of funds.
Financial Support
