Political Science

Department Chairperson: Dr. William Richardson
Director of Graduate Studies: Dr. Anthony Molina

Department of Political Science
Dakota Hall, Room 109
414 East Clark Street
Vermillion, SD 57069
Phone: 605-677-5242
http://www.usd.edu/polsci

Departmental Faculty

Professors:

Richard Braunstein, Ph.D., University of Colorado-Boulder. Specialization: American Politics, Ballot Issue Elections, Civil Rights and Liberties, Nonprofit Organizations, and Conflict Resolution and American Indian Studies.

Matthew C. Moen, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, Ph.D., University of Oklahoma. Specialization: American Politics, Congress, and State Legislatures.

William D. Richardson, Chair, Ph.D., University of New York-Buffalo. Specialization: Political Philosophy, American Politics, Leadership, and Ethics.

Michael P. Roche, S.J.D., University of Virginia. Specialization: Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, and Justice and Compassion.

Associate Professors:

Michael A. Card, Ph.D., Ohio State University. Specialization: Organizational Theory & Strategic Management, Public Policy & Management, Leadership, and State Government.

Matthew R. Fairholm, Ph.D., George Washington University. Specialization. Public Administration, Leadership Theory and Practice, Organization Theory and Behavior, and American Government.

Steven Feimer, D.P.A., Oklahoma University. Specialization: Public Administration, Research Methods, Environmental Law, and Geographical Information System.

Eric Jepsen, Ph.D., University of New Mexico. Specialization: Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Economy, Democratization, Globalization, Latin American Politics, and South Asian Politics.

Cassandra McKeown, J.D., University of South Dakota. Specialization: Criminal Justice, Constitutional Law, Negotiation and Client Counseling.

Anthony Molina, Director of Graduate Studies, Ph.D., Cleveland State University. Specialization: Public Administration, Political Philosophy, Ethics, Administrative Law, and Research Methods.

Timothy J. Schorn, Ph.D. University of Notre Dame. J. D. Notre Dame Law School. Specialization: International Relations, Human Rights, Terrorism, and Middle East Politics.

Elizabeth T. Smith, Ph.D., University of Connecticut. Specialization: American Politics, Public Law, and Public Administration.

Assistant Professors:

Bryan Dettrey, Ph.D., University at Buffalo, SUNY. Specialization: Research Methods, Political Behavior, American Politics.

Chad Newswander, Ph.D., Virginia Tech. Specialization: Power and Politics, Domestic Security Issues, Presidential Protection, Crisis Communication, and Constitutional Governance.

Shane Nordyke, Ph.D., Indiana University. Specialization: American Presidency, Public Policy, Policy Analysis, Research Methods, and Intergovernmental Relations.

Yumi Suzuki, Ph.D., University at Albany, SUNY. Specialization: Criminology, Victimology, Comparative Criminal Justice, and Race & Gender in Criminal Justice.

Degrees:

Graduate Certificate, Nonprofit Management
Master of Arts, Plan A and B
Master of Public Administration, Plan B only
Executive Masters in Public Administration
Master of Science in Administration
Doctor of Philosophy

Areas of Study:

Master of Arts (M.A.) (Emphases)
American Politics & Public Policy
International Relations
Public Law

Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)

Executive Master of Public Administration (E.M.P.A.)

Master of Science in Administration (M.S.A.) (Specializations)
Organizational Leadership
Health Services Administration
Long-Term Care Administration
Criminal Justice
Human Resources
Alcohol & Drug Addiction Studies
Interdisciplinary Studies

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) (Emphases)
American Political Institutions
Public Policy
Public Administration

Program Description

The Department of Political Science offers the Master of Arts degree, Master of Science in Administration, the Master of Public Administration degree, the Executive Master of Public Administration degree, and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. The MA program gives students in Political Science the opportunity to undertake a more advanced study of the field. The MPA provides both a core program in administration and the opportunity to study important policy-making and administrative areas. The MSA and EMPA programs also provide a core program in administration, but are designed for mid and upper level professionals already working in public and nonprofit organizations. The PhD program is designed to strengthen the knowledge and research competencies of students so they can advance understanding and explanation in the fields of political science, public policy, and public administration.

Nonprofit Management Graduate Certificate

The Graduate Nonprofit Management Certificate is offered as a 12 credit program.
Two courses required and a number of electives are also offered to complete the student’s program of study. The selection of elective courses will be identified by the student in collaboration with the certificate program coordinator.

Master of Arts in Political Science

Areas of Emphasis:

American Politics & Public Policy
Public Law
International Relations

Program Director: Anthony Molina, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Political Science.

Program Description

The Master of Arts in Political Science is designed for students who wish to gain in-depth knowledge of a specific area of emphasis within Political Science. Through coursework within Political Science and research opportunities recipients of the MA will be prepared for diverse careers or further study. The goal of the MA program is to advance understanding and explanation in the fields of American politics & public policy, public law (joint JD/MA students), and international relations. The delivery of the MA program is designed to accommodate traditional students who make graduate study their primary professional focus, as well as non-traditional students maintaining full-time employment. Students in the MA program can complete courses that utilize a variety of delivery methods, including face-to-face courses on campus, online courses, and hybrid courses that adopt a blended face-to-face and distance delivery method to insure the greatest possible flexibility and student/faculty collaboration.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the MA program are required to demonstrate their likelihood of success and productivity to the Department. To that end, the Department will consider the following when making admissions decisions:

Undergraduate record and grade point average (GPA).
Performance on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
Prior graduate education (if applicable).
Letters of recommendation.
Statement of purpose explaining why they have chosen to pursue graduate education in Political Science.
Any relevant professional experience and/or public service (applicants should submit a current curriculum vita or resume).

Along with admissions decisions, the Department also uses this information to consider full-time students for graduate assistantships. To ensure their consideration, prospective MA students should have their full application materials submitted by February 15th.

Competitive candidates for the MA program will have an undergraduate GPA of greater than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. If prior graduate work was complete, competitive PhD candidates will have a graduate GPA of greater than 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. The Department expects competitive applicants to the MA program to have GRE scores greater than 153 (500 prior scale) on the verbal section and greater than 144 (500 prior scale) on the quantitative sections of the test.

Applicants holding a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university or college are eligible to seek admission to a graduate program at the University of South Dakota. Applications are available through the Department of Political Science website or the University’s Graduate School. Additional information about graduate studies at the University can be found by visiting the Graduate School web site.

Master of Public Administration

Program Director: Anthony Molina, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Political Science.

Program Description

The mission of the Master of Public Administration degree program at the University of South Dakota is to prepare students to be leaders who are committed to serving the public interest with personal integrity, professional competence, constitutional principles, and respect for human dignity. Since September 1974, the Department of Political Science has offered the Master of Public Administration degree that provides both a core program in administration and the opportunity to study in important policy making and administrative areas. In the fall of 1997, the Regents established the W.O. Farber Center for Civic Leadership as a center of excellence. The Center is housed within the Department of Political Science and offers graduate civic leadership courses. The mission of the Center is to prepare students and help communities to face difficult public problems in a shared manner consistent with constitutional values. The MPA program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA).

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the MPA program are required to demonstrate their likelihood of success as graduate students in the program, as well as a commitment to public service. Along those lines, the program will consider the following when making admissions decisions:

Undergraduate record and grade point average (GPA).
Performance on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
Prior graduate education (if applicable).
Letters of recommendation.
Statement of purpose explaining why they have chosen to pursue graduate education in public administration, and a career in public service.

Competitive candidates for the MPA program will have an undergraduate GPA of greater than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The Department also expects competitive applicants to the MPA program to have GRE scores greater than 151 on the verbal section and greater than 144 on the quantitative sections of the test. Along with admissions decisions, the Department also uses this information to consider full-time students for graduate assistantships. To ensure their consideration, prospective MPA students should have their full application materials submitted by February 15th. Generally, students will be fully admitted if they have a strong undergraduate record, meet the minimum expectations for performance on the GRE, demonstrate strong communication skills in their admissions essay, receive favorable recommendations, and have met all other minimal conditions for acceptance into the Graduate School.

Students who do not meet all of the qualifications for full admission may, in some circumstances, be granted provisional admission to the program upon approval of the MPA Committee. These students may be admitted with specific provisions necessary for full admission. Failure to complete specified provisions will result in the student being removed from the program.

Executive Master of Public Administration

Program Director: Anthony Molina, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Political Science

The Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) program is designed for seasoned public service professionals who seek to advance their understanding of administration in public and nonprofit organizations. To that end, students build the essential skills needed to provide effective leadership, communication, innovation, and change management in the public and nonprofit organizations of the twenty-first century. The program offers a curriculum rooted in the core competencies identified by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA). Accordingly, graduates of the EMPA program are prepared to lead and manage organizations; participate in the policy process; analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems and make decisions; articulate and apply a public service perspective; and communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the EMPA program are required to demonstrate their likelihood of success as graduate students in the program. Along those lines, the program will consider the following when making admissions decisions:

Undergraduate record and grade point average.
Professional experience.
Prior graduate education (if applicable).
Letters of recommendation (3).
Statement of purpose explaining why they have chosen to pursue graduate education through the EMPA program.

Applicants for the EMPA program must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale. The Department also expects applicants to have at least five years of cumulative experience in public service, including at least three years at the middle-to-upper level (documented through submission of a current resume and described in their statement of purpose). Generally, students will be fully admitted if they have a strong undergraduate record; meet the minimum expectations for professional experience; demonstrate strong communication skills and a good match of their academic and professional goals with the mission of the program; receive favorable recommendations; and meet all other minimal conditions for acceptance into the Graduate School.

Students who do not meet all of the qualifications for full admission may, in some circumstances, be granted provisional admission to the EMPA program. These students may be admitted with specific provisions outlined for them to meet in order to be granted full admission. Failure to complete specified provisions will result in the student being subsequently removed from the EMPA program.

Master of Science in Administration

Areas of Specialization:

Organizational Leadership
Health Services Administration
Long-Term Care Administration
Criminal Justice
Human Resources
Alcohol & Drug Addiction Studies
Interdisciplinary Studies

Program Director: Anthony Molina, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Political Science.

Program Description

This cross-disciplinary program provides the primary tools and organizational skills necessary to effectively perform administrative roles in public service oriented organizations. Course work focuses on the practical application of administrative theory, and the development of an intellectual framework for analyzing and successfully addressing the challenges faced by modern administrators. The program benefits mid-career professionals working in a variety of settings, including government agencies, nonprofit and social service organizations, health care, and education – as well as private sector organizations that provide public services. Graduates of the MSA program are prepared to lead and manage organizations; analyze, think critically, solve problems, and make decisions; adequately consider the ethical and legal implications of their administrative decisions; and communicate effectively with organizational members and stakeholders.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the MSA program are required to demonstrate their likelihood of success as graduate students in the program. Along those lines, the program will consider the following when making admissions decisions:

Undergraduate record and grade point average.
Professional experience.
Prior graduate education (if applicable).
Letters of recommendation (3).
Statement of purpose explaining why they have chosen to pursue graduate education through the MSA program.

Applicants for the MSA program must have an undergraduate GPA of 2.7 or greater on a 4.0 scale. The Department also expects applicants to have at least 3 years of substantive professional experience (documented through submission of a current resume and described in their statement of purpose). Generally, students will be fully admitted if they have a strong undergraduate record; meet the minimum expectations for professional experience; demonstrate strong communication skills and a good match of their academic and professional goals with the mission of the program; receive favorable recommendations; and meet all other minimal conditions for acceptance into the Graduate School.

Students who do not meet all of the qualifications for full admission may, in some circumstances, be granted provisional admission to the MSA program. These students may be admitted with specific provisions outlined for them to meet in order to be granted full admission. Failure to complete specified provisions will result in the student being subsequently removed from the MSA program.

Doctor of Philosophy

Areas of Emphasis:

American Political Institutions
Public Policy
Public Administration

Program Director: Anthony Molina, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Political Science.

Program Description

The curriculum of the PhD program in Political Science is designed to strengthen the knowledge and research competencies of its students. Our goal is to advance understanding and explanation in the fields of public administration, public policy and American political institutions. This will enhance professional practice in the state and region through the placement of well-trained practitioners and academics. The delivery of the PhD program is designed to accommodate non-traditional students maintaining full-time employment, as well as traditional students who make doctoral studies their primary professional focus. All of the required core PhD courses adopt a blended face-to-face and distance delivery method to insure the greatest possible flexibility and student/faculty collaboration.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the PhD program will be required to demonstrate their likelihood of success and productivity in the program to the Department’s PhD Admissions Committee. The Committee will consider the following when making admissions decisions:

Undergraduate record and grade point average (GPA).
Performance on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
Prior graduate education (if applicable).
Letters of recommendation.
Statement of purpose explaining why they have chosen to pursue doctoral education in Political Science.
Relevant professional experience and/or public service (applicants should submit a current curriculum vita or resume).

Along with admissions decisions, the Department also uses this information to consider full-time students for graduate assistantships. To ensure their consideration, prospective PhD students should have their full application materials submitted by February 15th.

Competitive candidates for the PhD program will have an undergraduate GPA of greater than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. If prior graduate work was complete, competitive PhD candidates will have a graduate GPA of greater than 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. The Department expects competitive applicants to the PhD program to have GRE scores greater than 153 (500 prior scale) on the verbal section and greater than 144 (500 prior scale) on the quantitative sections of the test.