Introduction

The primary mission of the Political Science Department's graduate program is to prepare students for careers in academia. The department gives equal emphasis to training students for both the research and teaching sides of such a career. Many of our graduates, however, also successfully apply their political science training to non­academic careers.

In the spring of 2008, the department revised its M.A. and Ph.D requirements. All students beginning course work in the Spring and Fall of 2008 and afterward are governed by the requirements outlined in this Handbook. Students who entered the program before Fall 2007 are governed by the requirements in the Handbook dated July 2005, July 2004, September 1998 or July 1995, depending upon when they matriculated.

This handbook should be used in conjunction with the University's Graduate Policies and Procedures at http://www.temple.edu/grad/policies/gradpolicies.htm). The Graduate School website states authoritatively the rules and procedures that apply to all of Temple's graduate students, including Political Science students. This departmental handbook emphasizes the special requirements of the Political Science Department. A summary of some of the important university rules governing all graduate students is located at the end of this Handbook.