Dr. Eric Lin

The rigorous training and applied nature of the department’s core offerings and eight (8) doctoral fields provide the analytical expertise and practical experience for both academic and research-based positions.

These degree programs attract students interested in academic careers, teaching and research, government and public service, and positions in the private sector where an in-depth knowledge of domestic and international politics, economics and business is of importance.

Requirements of the Program

Students entering the PhD program select two fields of study from among the following:

American Politics
Comparative Politics
Political Philosophy
International Relations
Public Policy
Methods
Students typically fulfill a standard set of core requirements, and qualify in two major doctoral fields. They will take core courses focusing on the embodiment of ideas, at least one course on statistical analysis, a transdisciplinary course, multiple topic-focused courses and electives totaling 72 units.

A minimum of 72-units of graduate-level coursework:

A two-course sequence in statistics and research design for the social sciences (8 units).
Demonstration of competence in a second research tool relevant to the student's areas of study (8 units).
Successful completion of a minimum of six (6) courses in each of two major fields of study.
Available standard fields and their respective requirements are listed above.
A second special field may be designed in consultation with the Faculty Advisor.
Successful completion of the written qualifying examinations in two major fields.
Successful dissertation proposal defense.
Successful completion of the dissertation.
Transdisciplinary course requirement (T-course)

All doctoral students are REQUIRED to complete the transdisciplinary course requirement during their SECOND year of coursework. The course will count as four (4) of the regular 72 or 80 units toward your degree— it will not add any additional units to your degree requirements, nor count against the total number of transfer units from previous graduate course work.

The goals of the program include the development of substantive knowledge in international relations or regional comparative; an understanding of the linkage between politics and economics in the international arena; an ability to use a variety of tools in the study of comparative or international relations; and, a capacity to use theoretical knowledge for practical purposes. Each MAIS student works out an individualized curriculum in consultation with his or her advisor. The career path a student wishes to pursue upon graduation heavily influences the selection of elective courses and research tools. A student intending to work in an international NGO might include courses thematically related to the work of the NGO and about the area(s) within which the NGO operates. A student planning a career in investment banking would be advised to develop a concentration in international political economy and political risk. A student who wishes to be employed by an agency working on the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction might concentrate on course offerings in defense and foreign policy.

The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program is designed to provide broad preparation in the fundamentals of public health, while offering opportunity for specialization in interest areas.

The degree is offered with major concentrations in:

Biostatistics
Environmental and Occupational Health
Epidemiology
Global Health
Health Education
Health Policy and Leadership
Lifestyle Medicine (online only)
Nutrition
Population Medicine

Learning Outcomes of the Program in Neuroscience

The Neuroscience major of the Keck Science Department aims to provide students with skills and knowledge to prepare them to effectively engage and evaluate issues and innovations in neuroscience. In particular, the program prepares students for graduate programs in Neuroscience and contributes towards the preparation for professional programs such as biotechnology and medicine.

We see the following specific student learning goals as critical to achieving the above:

Understand the structure and function of the nervous system at various levels of organization.
Understand a number of research techniques in neuroscience and will gain training in evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of various methods.
Design experiments, analyze data and think critically.
Critically evaluate published scientific literature.