Political Science

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Department Chairperson: Dr. William Richardson
Director of Graduate Studies:  Dr. Elizabeth Smith
Coordinator of Ph.D. Program:  Dr. Chad Newswander
Coordinator of M.P.A. Program:  Dr. Elizabeth Smith
Coordinator of M.S.A. Program:  Dr. Elizabeth Smith
Coordinator of M.A. Program:  Dr. Tim Schorn
Coordinator of E.M.P.A. Program:  Dr. Elizabeth Smith
Administrative Coordinator of Graduate Programs:  Ilmira Dulyanova

Department of Political Science Graduate Programs Office
Dakota Hall, Room 109
414 East Clark Street
Vermillion, SD 57069
Phone: 605-677-6405
polsci@usd.edu
http://www.usd.edu/polsci 

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, Leadership, Evaluation, 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.
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, Director of Graduate Studies, Ph.D., University of Connecticut. Specialization: American Politics, Public Law, and Public Administration.

Assistant Professors:

Chad B. Newswander, Ph.D., Virginia Tech. Specialization: Public Administration, Power and Politics, Administration Statesmanship, Administrative Ethics, 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:      

Master of Arts, Plan A and B

EMPHASES:

American Politics & Public Policy
International Relations

Master of Public Administration, Plan B only

Executive Master of Public Administration

Master of Science in Administration

SPECIALIZATIONS:

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

Doctor of Philosophy

EMPHASES:

American Political Institutions
Public Administration

CERTIFICATE:

Nonprofit Management

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 American political institutions and public administration. 

Nonprofit Management Graduate Certificate

Graduate Certificate Coordinator: Rich Braunstein, Ph.D., Professor of Political Science

The Graduate Nonprofit Management Certificate is offered as a 12 credit program.
Two courses are 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

EMPHASES:

American Politics & Public Policy
International Relations

American Politics & Public Policy Program Coordinator:  Elizabeth Smith, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Political Science.

International Relations Program Coordinator:  Timothy Schorn, J.D., 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, 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.

ADMISSIONS 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 full consideration, prospective MA students should have all  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. Expected GRE scores are 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. 

Joint Juris Doctor/MA in Political Science

Students pursuing a Juris Doctor (JD) degree through USD’s School of Law can simultaneously pursue the MA in Political Science through the joint JD/MA program. Nine credit hours of approved law courses are accepted toward the master’s degree, and nine hours in approved MA courses are accepted toward the Juris Doctor requirements. Students consult with the MA Program Advisor in selecting coursework for their program of study. Approval is based on the appropriateness for the study of political science and the student’s career interests.

Master of Public Administration

Program Coordinator:  Elizabeth Smith, 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 Center’s Government Research Bureau (GRB) provides applied research opportunities for graduate students. The MPA program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA). 

ADMISSIONS 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), Law School Admission Test (LSAT), or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores.
• Prior graduate education (if applicable).
• Letters of recommendation.
• Statement of purpose explaining the choice 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. The program will also accept LSAT scores of 150 or greater, and GMAT scores of 570 or greater. 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.

MPA Fast Track Option

The MPA Fast Track option allows a USD undergraduate Political Science major to take up to 9 hours of core courses in the Master of Public Administration program during senior year that would count toward both the BA or BS undergraduate degree and the MPA degree. Assuming satisfactory performance in these courses, MPA Fast Track students would be admitted into the MPA program and receive full credit for the MPA core graduate courses they took as seniors. These students graduate with 111 hours of undergraduate coursework in addition to the 9 hours of MPA graduate coursework, which together complete the 120 hours of coursework required for the undergraduate degree.

During the second semester of the junior year in their undergraduate studies, up to 6 high achieving Political Science majors interested in public service careers may be invited to participate in the MPA Fast Track option. Potential participants are invited by a USD Political Science or Criminal Justice faculty member to apply to the USD Graduate School for the MPA program as juniors. Undergraduates must have 90 credit hours completed before taking any graduate course.

Upon completion of the 120 hours and upon meeting all requirements for the baccalaureate degree, the student receives the undergraduate degree and then continues to pursue coursework to complete the MPA degree. Students must complete the MPA with at least 50% of graduate-only coursework (courses numbered 700 and above).

Executive Master of Public Administration

Program Coordinator: Elizabeth Smith, 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.
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience (documented through a current resume)
• Prior graduate education (if applicable)
• Letters of recommendation (3)
• Statement of purpose explaining the choice 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 professional experience, 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 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

SPECIALIZATIONS:

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

  Program Coordinator: Elizabeth Smith, 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
• A minimum of 3 years of professional experience (documented through a current resume)
• Prior graduate education (if applicable)
• Letters of recommendation (3)
• Statement of purpose explaining the choice 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

EMPHASES:

American Political Institutions
Public Administration

Program Coordinator: Chad Newswander, Ph.D., Assistant 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 hybrid face-to-face and distance delivery method to insure the greatest possible flexibility and student/faculty collaboration.

ADMISSIONS 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)
• A master’s degree or equivalent
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose explaining the choice 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 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.

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. 

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