Plan A (Thesis)
Students are encouraged to construct, with the adviser’s approval, a program that focuses their own intellectual interests and career plans. To promote that end, students should be prepared to file a plan of study with the graduate adviser during the second semester of coursework.
No later than the second semester in residence, each student shall select a graduate committee to oversee his or her academic work. The committee will be chaired by the student’s major professor and must have at least one member from outside of The School of Politics, Public Affairs, and International Studies. Students also will prepare a thesis proposal and give a presentation of their preliminary project before the International Studies faculty and complete a thesis prospectus defense with their graduate committee by the end of their second semester.
Students must pass an oral examination at the completion of their program. Normally, examination will center on the thesis, but may also encompass coursework of the candidate.
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