Political Science Department

Department Chairperson: David C. Earnest, Ph.D.
Coordinator of M.P.A. Program: Ed Gerrish, Ph.D.
Coordinator of M.S. Program: Ilmira P. Dulyanova, M.A., M.A.
Coordinator of E.M.P.A. Program: Ilmira P. Dulyanova, M.A., M.A.
Coordinator of Nonprofit Management Graduate Certificate Program: Richard Braunstein, Ph.D.
Coordinator of Leadership in Public Management and Techniques in Public Policy Graduate Certificate Programs: Ed Gerrish, Ph.D.
Coordinator of Graduate Studies: Ilmira P. Dulyanova, M.A., M.A.

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.
David C. Earnest, Ph.D., George Washington University. Specialization: International Political Economy, Globalization Theory; Computational Social Science
Matthew R. Fairholm, Ph.D., George Washington University. Specialization: Public Administration, Leadership Theory and Practice; Constitutional Governance
Eric Jepsen, Ph.D., University of New Mexico. Specialization: Comparative Politics; Political Economy; Democratization; Latin American Politics; South Asian Politics.
Michael P. Roche, S.J.D., University of Virginia. Specialization: Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Justice and Compassion.

Associate Professors:

Michael A. Card, Ph.D., The Ohio State University. Specialization: Organizational Theory and Strategic Management, State Government, Evaluation and Leadership.
Cassandra McKeown, J.D., University of South Dakota. Specialization: Juvenile Justice, Ethics in Criminal Justice, Writing and Research in Criminal Justice, Mock Trial, Criminal Prosecution and Defense.
Shane Nordyke, Ph.D., Indiana University. Specialization: Public Policy, Policy Analysis, Research Methods, Intergovernmental Relations.
Timothy J. Schorn, J.D., Ph.D., University of Notre Dame. Specialization: International Relations, Human Rights, Terrorism, Middle East Politics.

Assistant Professors:

Ed Gerrish, Ph.D., University of Indiana. Specialization: Public Financial Management, Policy Analysis, Public Performance Management, Meta-analysis.
Julia Marin Hellwege, Ph.D., University of New Mexico. Specialization: American Political Institutions (Congress, Presidency), Women & Politics, Identity and Minority Group Politics.  
Thomas Mrozla, Ph.D., North Dakota State University. Specialization: Police Accountability; Police Misconduct; Rural Policing.

Senior Lecturer:

Jacqueline Faulhaber, D.S.L., Regent University. Specialization: Public Policy, Virtue, Ethics, Natural Law, and Justice in Political Leadership; Biblical Leadership.   

Lecturers:

Joshua Houy, J.D., University of South Dakota. Specialization: Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Criminal Justice Policy.
Lynita Newswander, Ph.D., Virginia Tech. Specialization: Public Administration, Political Theory, Religion and Politics, Feminist Politics.

DEGREE 

Executive Master of Public Administration 
Master of Public Administration, Plan B only 
Master of Public Administration Fast-Track, Plan B only   
Master of Science in Administration, Plan B only  

CERTIFICATE

Nonprofit Management  
Leadership in Public Management  
Techniques for Public Policy  

Department of Political Science

The Department of Political Science offers the Master of Public Administration degree, the Executive Master of Public Administration degree, and the Master of Science degree. 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 graduate certificate in Nonprofit Management is designed to give those interested in nonprofit management an opportunity to further develop their skills in nonprofit governance and administration.

Click on any of the following programs for information:

• Master of Public Administration, Plan B only
• Executive Master of Public Administration
• Master of Science in Administration, Plan B only
• Nonprofit Management Graduate Certificate
• Leadership in Public Management
• Techniques for Public Policy

Program Coordinator:  Ed Gerrish, Ph.D., Assistant 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 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://www.usd.edu/graduate-school/apply-now and a non-refundable application fee of $35.
2. Official transcript(s) verifying receipt of an undergraduate degree and previous graduate credit (with English translation) must accompany an application. Official transcripts of all academic work at the undergraduate and graduate levels are required for international students. The USD Graduate School and/or academic units retain the right to require credential evaluations from organizations, such as Educational Credential Evaluators/World Education Services (ECE/WES), for a student if such an evaluation is deemed necessary.
3. The 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 higher, based on a 4.0 scale, on all graduate coursework is required for full admission. The 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 or from an accredited institution in the following English-speaking countrie: United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Canada (Excluding Quebec), Australia, and New Zealand 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.
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. Three (3) professional letters of recommendation are required.

Prospective students who wish to be considered for a graduate assistantship should submit their admission application as well as a separate application for a graduate assistantship. The process of graduate assistantship assignments will start on March 15^th and continue until all positions are assigned. However, applications for program admission will receive consideration until three weeks before the start of the semester. 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 Dean of the Graduate School. 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.

Application Deadline

• Fall Start
  • ​Priority Deadline: March 15
  • Final Deadline: Three weeks before the start of the semester
• ​Spring and Summer Starts
  • ​Three weeks before the start of the semester

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 his or her 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 nine (9) 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 percent of graduate-only coursework (courses numbered 700 and above).

Program Coordinator: Ilmira P. Dulyanova, M.A., M.A.

Program Description

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://www.usd.edu/graduate-school/apply-now and a non-refundable application fee of $35.
2. Official transcript(s) 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 units retain the right to require credential evaluations from organizations, such as Educational Credential Evaluators/World Education Services (ECE/WES), for a student if such an evaluation is deemed necessary.
3. The 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. The 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 or from an accredited institution in the following English-speaking countries: United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Canada (Excluding Quebec), Australia, and New Zealand 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. 
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 five 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.

Application Deadline

• Fall and Spring Starts
  • Four weeks before the start of the semester
• Summer Start
  • Three weeks before the start of the semester

SPECIALIZATION

Addiction Studies
Criminal Justice Studies
Health Services Administration
Human Resource Management
Interdisciplinary Studies
Long Term Care Administration
Organizational Leadership

Program Coordinator: Ilmira P. Dulyanova, M.A., M.A.

Program Description

This cross-disciplinary program provides the primary tools and organizational skills necessary to perform effectively 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://www.usd.edu/graduate-school/apply-now and a non-refundable application fee of $35.
2. Official transcript(s) 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 units retain the right to require credential evaluations from organizations, such as Educational Credential Evaluators/World Education Services (ECE/WES), for a student if such an evaluation is deemed necessary.
3. The baccalaureate degree must be from an institution with full regional accreditation for that degree. A minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.7 on the conferred degree and/or graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, based on a 4.0 scale, on all graduate coursework is required for full admission. The 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 or from an accredited institution in the following English-speaking countries: United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Canada (Excluding Quebec), Australia, and New Zealand 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. 
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 three (3) years of full-time professional experience (documented on a current resume and described in the statement of purpose).

Applicants who do not meet all of the qualifications for full admission may, in some circumstances, be granted provisional admission to the program. These applicants 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.

Application Deadline

• Fall and Spring Starts
  • Final Deadline: Four weeks before the start of the semester
• Summer Start
  • Three weeks before the start of the semester

Nonprofit Management Graduate Certificate Program Coordinator: Richard Braunstein, Ph.D., Professor of Political Science
Leadership in Public Management and Techniques for Public Policy Graduate Certificates Program Coordinator: Ed Gerrish, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Political Science

Program Descriptions

The Graduate Nonprofit Management Certificate is offered as a twelve-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.

Leadership in public management is an important set of skills and theories from a rich history of academic work. The skills, however, are applicable, especially for public and nonprofit sector employees who, after a few years of experience, find themselves managing others. The Leadership in Public Management graduate certificate will allow managers to hone their leadership abilities 

The Techniques for Public Policy graduate certificate program will provide graduates with a tool kit of common evaluative, analytical, and statistical techniques used in the field of public policy. It is intended for public and nonprofit sector employees who regularly need to evaluate programs, work with budgets, or need additional skills in examining and understanding the trends in data that drive their programs 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS (graduate certificates)

1. Completed Graduate Application form found at: https://www.usd.edu/graduate-school/apply-now and a non-refundable application fee of $35.
2. Official transcript(s) 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 units retain the right to require credential evaluations from organizations, such as Educational Credential Evaluators/World Education Services (ECE/WES), for a student if such an evaluation is deemed necessary.
3. The 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 higher, based on a 4.0 scale, on all graduate coursework is required for full admission. The 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 or from an accredited institution int eh following English-speaking countries: United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Canada (Excluding Quebec), Australia, and New Zealand 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. 
5. Applicants are required to submit a statement of purpose or goal statement.

Subject to faculty approval, those who do not meet all of the criteria above may be admitted on a provisional basis.

Application Deadline

• Fall, Spring, and Summer starts
  • Two weeks before the start of the semester

Programs

• Executive Master of Public Administration (E.M.P.A.)
• Leadership in Public Management Graduate Certificate
• Nonprofit Management Graduate Certificate
• Public Administration (M.P.A.)
• Techniques for Public Policy Graduate Certificate