Political Science Department

Department Chairperson: William Richardson, Ph.D.
Coordinator of Ph.D. Program: Chad Newswander, Ph.D.
Coordinator of M.P.A. Program: Matthew Fairholm, Ph.D.
Coordinator of M.S. Program: William Richardson, Ph.D.
Coordinator of M.A. Program: Tim Schorn, J.D., Ph.D.
Coordinator of E.M.P.A. Program: Lynita Newswander, Ph.D.
Coordinator of Nonprofit Management Graduate Certificate Program: Richard Braunstein, Ph.D.
Administrative Coordinator of Graduate Programs: Ilmira Dulyanova

Department of Political Science
Dakota Hall, Room 109
414 East Clark Street
Vermillion, SD 57069
Phone: 605-677-6405
polsci@usd.edu
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 R. Fairholm, Ph.D., George Washington University. Specialization: Public Administration, Leadership Theory and Practice, and Constitutional Governance.
Matthew C. Moen, Dean, College of Arts & 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, Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate School, Ph.D., Ohio State University. Specialization: Organizational Theory and Strategic Management, Leadership, Evaluation, and State Government.
Steven Feimer, D.P.A., University of Oklahoma. Specialization: Public Administration, Criminal Justice, and Environmental Law.
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.
Chad B. Newswander, Ph.D., Virginia Tech. Specialization: Public Administration, Power and Politics, Administrative Statesmanship, Administrative Ethics, and Constitutional Governance.
Shane Nordyke, Ph.D., Indiana University. Specialization: Public Policy, Policy Analysis, Research Methods, American Presidency, and Intergovernmental Relations.
Timothy J. Schorn, J.D., Ph.D., University of Notre Dame. Specialization: International Relations, Human Rights, Terrorism, and Middle East Politics.

Assistant Professors:

Bridget Diamond-Welch, Ph.D., Iowa State University. Specialization: Criminology, Family Violence; Race, Class, and Gender; Sexual Assault; and Victimology.
Ed Gerrish, Ph.D., University of Indiana. Specialization: Public Financial Management, Policy Analysis, and Public Performance Management Research Methods. 

Lecturers:

Jacqueline Faulhaber, D.S.L., Regent University. Specialization: Public Leadership, Virtue and Justice in Leadership, and Biblical Leadership. 
Joshua Houy, J.D., University of South Dakota. Specialization: American Politics, Constitutional Law, and Criminal Justice Policy.
Lynita Newswander, Ph.D., Virginia Tech. Specialization: Political Theory, Religion and Politics, and Feminist Politics.

DEGREE

Master of Arts in Political Science, Plan A and B  
Master of Public Administration, Plan B only  
Executive Master of Public Administration  
Master of Science in Administration, Plan B only  
Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science  

CERTIFICATE

Nonprofit Management

Department of Political Science

The Department of Political Science offers the Master of Arts degree, the Master of Science degree, the Master of Public Administration degree, the Executive Master of Public Administration degree, and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. The M.A. program gives students in Political Science the opportunity to undertake a more advanced study of the field. The M.P.A. provides both a core program in administration and the opportunity to study important policy-making and administrative areas. The M.S. and E.M.P.A. 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 doctoral 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 and policy.

Click on any of the following programs for information:

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

SPECIALIZATION

American Political Institutions and Public Policy
International Relations

American Political Institutions and Public Policy Program Coordinator:  Timothy Schorn, J.D., 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 within Political Science. Through coursework within Political Science and research opportunities recipients of the degree will be prepared for diverse careers or further study. The goal of the program is to advance understanding and explanation in the fields of American political institutions and public policy, and international relations. The delivery of the 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 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 ensure the greatest possible flexibility and student/faculty collaboration.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1. Completed Graduate Application form found at: https://usd-web.usd.edu/apps/grad-app/login.cfm and a non-refundable application fee of $35.
2. One official transcript verifying receipt of an undergraduate degree and previous graduate credit (with English translation) must accompany an application. Official transcript of all academic work at the undergraduate and graduate levels are required for international students. The USD Graduate School and/or academic departments retain the right to require an Educational Credential Evaluators/World Education Services (ECE/WES) evaluation for a student if such an evaluation is deemed necessary.
3. Baccalaureate degree must be from an institution with full regional accreditation for that degree. A minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on conferred degree and/or graduate cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better, based on a 4.0 scale, on all graduate coursework is required for full admission. Each graduate program may admit students on provisional status per university policy.
4. Applicants with degrees from countries other than the United States who have obtained an undergraduate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited American college or university are not required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score. For all other applicants, a minimum score of 79 on the Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT) or 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT), a minimum IELTS score of 6.0, or a minimum PTE score of 53 is required for graduate admission. Applicants from or who have obtained an undergraduate or graduate degree from these English-speaking countries (UK, Australia, Canada [except Quebec], Ireland, or New Zealand) are not required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score if their academic records indicate that English was the classroom language for the majority of their schoolwork.
5. Applicants are required to submit a statement of purpose or goal statement.

Additional Program Admission Requirements:

6. Official test scores. The GRE General test is required for those seeking admission to the Masters of Arts program in Political Science. Although there is no formal minimum score required for admission, a 40th percentile score or better in the verbal and quantitative sections of the test is recommended. The GRE score is considered along with the other application materials for admission decisions.
7. Completion of at least 12 credit hours in Political Science at the undergraduate level.
8. Three (3) professional letters of recommendation are required.
9. Any relevant professional experience and/or public service (applicants should submit a current curriculum vita or resume).

Prospective students who wish to be considered for a graduate assistantship should also submit a separate application for a graduate assistantship by February 15^th. However, applications for program admission will receive consideration until July 15^th.

Joint Juris Doctor/M.A. in Political Science

Students pursuing a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree through USD’s School of Law can simultaneously pursue the M.A. in Political Science through the joint J.D./M.A. 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 must consult with the M.A. Program Coordinator in selecting coursework for their plan of study, based on the student’s professional and academic goals.

Program Coordinator:  Matthew Fairholm, Ph.D., 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 program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1. Completed Graduate Application form found at: https://usd-web.usd.edu/apps/grad-app/login.cfm and a non-refundable application fee of $35.
2. One official transcript verifying receipt of an undergraduate degree and previous graduate credit (with English translation) must accompany an application. Official transcript of all academic work at the undergraduate and graduate levels are required for international students. The USD Graduate School and/or academic departments retain the right to require an Educational Credential Evaluators/World Education Services (ECE/WES) evaluation for a student if such an evaluation is deemed necessary.
3. Baccalaureate degree must be from an institution with full regional accreditation for that degree. A minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on conferred degree, based on a 4.0 scale, is required for full admission. Each graduate program may admit students on provisional status per university policy.
4. Applicants with degrees from countries other than the United States who have obtained an undergraduate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited American college or university are not required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score. For all other applicants, a minimum score of 79 on the Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT) or 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT), a minimum IELTS score of 6.0, or a minimum PTE score of 53 is required for graduate admission. Applicants from or who have obtained an undergraduate or graduate degree from these English-speaking countries (UK, Australia, Canada [except Quebec], Ireland, or New Zealand) are not required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score if their academic records indicate that English was the classroom language for the majority of their schoolwork.
5. Applicants are required to submit a statement of purpose or goal statement explaining their choice to pursue graduate education in public administration, and a career in public service.

Additional Program Admission Requirements:

6. Official test scores are required.  The GRE General test is required for those seeking admission to the Masters of Arts program in Political Science. Although there is no formal minimum score required for admission, a 40th percentile score or better in the verbal and quantitative sections of the test is recommended. The GRE score is considered along with the other application materials for admission decisions. The program will also accept LSAT scores (expected score >150), and GMAT scores (expected score >570).
7. Three (3) professional letters of recommendation are required.
8. Applicants may submit a summary of any relevant professional experience and/or public service.

Prospective students who wish to be considered for a graduate assistantship should also submit a separate application for a graduate assistantship by February 15^th. However, applications for program admission will receive consideration until July 15^th. 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 M.P.A. Committee and approval from the Graduate Dean. These students may be admitted provisionally and must meet specific provisions in order to achieve full admission. Failure to complete specified provisions will result in the student’s dismissal from the program.

M.P.A. Fast Track Option

The M.P.A. Fast Track option allows a USD undergraduate Political Science, Criminal Justice, or International Studies major to take up to nine hours of core courses in the Master of Public Administration program during senior year, that is, after the completion of at least 90 credits of undergraduate coursework. Students must be nominated by a Political Science or Criminal Justice faculty member and apply to the Graduate School. If accepted by the M.P.A. Fast Track Program, students may take up to three core M.P.A. courses and receive full credit for the M.P.A. core graduate courses they took as seniors. The 9 (nine) graduate M.P.A. credits may also be transferred to the undergraduate degree program to contribute to the 120 hours of coursework required for the undergraduate degree.

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 M.P.A. degree. Students must complete the M.P.A. with at least 50% of graduate-only coursework (courses numbered 700 and above).

Program Coordinator: Lynita Newswander, Ph.D., Lecturer of Political Science

The Executive Master of Public Administration 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. Graduates of the 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.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1. Completed Graduate Application form found at: https://usd-web.usd.edu/apps/grad-app/login.cfm and a non-refundable application fee of $35.
2. One official transcript verifying receipt of an undergraduate degree and previous graduate credit (with English translation) must accompany an application. Official transcript of all academic work at the undergraduate and graduate levels are required for international students. The USD Graduate School and/or academic departments retain the right to require an Educational Credential Evaluators/World Education Services (ECE/WES) evaluation for a student if such an evaluation is deemed necessary.
3. Baccalaureate degree must be from an institution with full regional accreditation for that degree. A minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on conferred degree based on a 4.0 scale is required for full admission. Each graduate program may admit students on provisional status per university policy.
4. Applicants with degrees from countries other than the United States who have obtained an undergraduate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited American college or university are not required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score. For all other applicants, a minimum score of 79 on the Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT) or 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT), a minimum IELTS score of 6.0, or a minimum PTE score of 53 is required for graduate admission. Applicants from or who have obtained an undergraduate or graduate degree from these English-speaking countries (UK, Australia, Canada [except Quebec], Ireland, or New Zealand) are not required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score if their academic records indicate that English was the classroom language for the majority of their schoolwork.
5. Applicants are required to submit a statement of purpose explaining the choice to pursue graduate education through the program.

Additional Program Admission Requirements:

6. Three (3) letters of recommendation are required.
7. A minimum of 5 years of cumulative professional experience, including three years at the middle-to-upper level (documented through a current resume).

Students who do not meet all of the qualifications for full admission may, in some circumstances, be granted provisional admission to the 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’s dismissal from the program.

SPECIALIZATION

Alcohol and Drug Studies
Criminal Justice Studies
Health Services Administration
Human Resource Management
Interdisciplinary Studies
Long Term Care Administration
Organizational Leadership

Program Coordinator: William D. Richardson, Ph.D., 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. Coursework 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 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.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1. Completed Graduate Application form found at: https://usd-web.usd.edu/apps/grad-app/login.cfm and a non-refundable application fee of $35.
2. One official transcript verifying receipt of an undergraduate degree and previous graduate credit (with English translation) must accompany an application. Official transcript of all academic work at the undergraduate and graduate levels are required for international students. The USD Graduate School and/or academic departments retain the right to require an Educational Credential Evaluators/World Education Services (ECE/WES) evaluation for a student if such an evaluation is deemed necessary.
3. Baccalaureate degree must be from an institution with full regional accreditation for that degree. A minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.7 on conferred degree and/or graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, based on a 4.0 scale, on all graduate coursework is required for full admission. Each graduate program may admit students on provisional status per university policy.
4. Applicants with degrees from countries other than the United States who have obtained an undergraduate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited American college or university are not required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score. For all other applicants, a minimum score of 79 on the Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT) or 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT), a minimum IELTS score of 6.0, or a minimum PTE score of 53 is required for graduate admission. Applicants from or who have obtained an undergraduate or graduate degree from these English-speaking countries (UK, Australia, Canada [except Quebec], Ireland, or New Zealand) are not required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score if their academic records indicate that English was the classroom language for the majority of their schoolwork.
5. Applicants are required to submit a statement of purpose explaining the choice to pursue graduate education through the program.

Additional Program Admission Requirements:

6. Three (3) letters of recommendation are required.
7. A minimum of 3 years of substantive professional experience (documented on a current resume, on the Graduate Application form, and described in the statement of purpose).

Students who do not meet all of the qualifications for full admission may, in some circumstances, be granted provisional admission to the 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’s dismissal from the program.

EMPHASIS

American Political Institutions
Public Administration and Policy

Program Coordinator: Chad Newswander, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Political Science

Program Description

The curriculum of the doctoral program in Political Science is designed to strengthen the knowledge and research competencies of its students. The program’s goal is to advance understanding and explanation in the fields of public administration 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 doctoral 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 doctoral courses adopt a hybrid delivery method that combines face-to-face and distance components to ensure the greatest possible flexibility and student/faculty collaboration.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1. Completed Graduate Application form found at: https://usd-web.usd.edu/apps/grad-app/login.cfm and a non-refundable application fee of $35.
2. One official transcript verifying receipt of an undergraduate degree and previous graduate credit (with English translation) must accompany an application. Official transcript of all academic work at the undergraduate and graduate levels are required for international students. The USD Graduate School and/or academic departments retain the right to require an Educational Credential Evaluators/World Education Services (ECE/WES) evaluation for a student if such an evaluation is deemed necessary.
3. Baccalaureate degree must be from an institution with full regional accreditation for that degree. A minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on conferred degree and/or graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, based on a 4.0 scale, on all graduate coursework is required for full admission. Each graduate program may admit students on provisional status per university policy.
4. Applicants with degrees from countries other than the United States who have obtained an undergraduate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited American college or university are not required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score. For all other applicants, a minimum score of 79 on the Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT) or 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT), a minimum IELTS score of 6.0, or a minimum PTE score of 53 is required for graduate admission. Applicants from or who have obtained an undergraduate or graduate degree from these English-speaking countries (UK, Australia, Canada [except Quebec], Ireland, or New Zealand) are not required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score if their academic records indicate that English was the classroom language for the majority of their schoolwork.
5. Applicants are required to submit a statement of purpose or goal statement.

Additional Program Admission Requirements:

6. Official test scores. The GRE General test is required for those seeking admission to the Masters of Arts program in Political Science. Although there is no formal minimum score required for admission, a 40th percentile score or better in the verbal and quantitative sections of the test is recommended. The GRE score is considered along with the other application materials for admission decisions. 
7. Three (3) professional letters of recommendation are required.
8. Any relevant professional experience and/or public service (applicants should submit a current curriculum vita or resume).

Prospective students who wish to be considered for a graduate assistantship should also submit a separate application for a graduate assistantship by February 15^th. However, applications for program admission will receive consideration until July 15^th.

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.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1. Completed Graduate Application form found at: https://usd-web.usd.edu/apps/grad-app/login.cfm and a non-refundable application fee of $35.
2. One official transcript verifying receipt of an undergraduate degree and previous graduate credit (in English or with translation) must accompany an application. Official transcript of all academic work at the undergraduate and graduate levels are required for international students. The USD Graduate School and/or academic departments retain the right to require an Educational Credential Evaluators/World Education Services (ECE/WES) evaluation for a student if such an evaluation is deemed necessary.
3. Baccalaureate degree must be from an institution with full regional accreditation for that degree. A minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.7 on conferred degree and/or graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, based on a 4.0 scale, on all graduate coursework is required for full admission. Each graduate program may admit students on provisional status per university policy.
4. Applicants with degrees from countries other than the United States who have obtained an undergraduate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited American college or university are not required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score. For all other applicants, a minimum score of 79 on the Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT) or 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT), a minimum IELTS score of 6.0, or a minimum PTE score of 53 is required for graduate admission. Applicants from or who have obtained an undergraduate or graduate degree from these English-speaking countries (UK, Australia, Canada [except Quebec], Ireland, or New Zealand) are not required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score if their academic records indicate that English was the classroom language for the majority of their schoolwork.
5. Applicants are required to submit a statement of purpose or goal statement.

Additional Program Admission Requirements:

6. Three (3) professional letters of recommendation are required.