Students are also required to take a basic statistics course, a course in measurement and research design, and a course in scope and methods of political science. The components of this requirement are tailored to the interests and needs of the individual student. Typically, students majoring in American politics will take an advanced statistics course and one additional methodology course. Students in comparative politics are usually required to master a language at the advanced or research level. Students in international relations are generally required to take some mix of the American and comparative requirements.
Students take general examinations in both their major and minor areas.
These exams have both a written and an oral component. When a student successfully passes these exams, completes all the requirements outlined above and presents a prospectus for the dissertation, she or he receives a Master's degree. Remaining requirements consist of researching, writing and defending the Ph.D. thesis. In addition to course work, graduate students are required to serve as teaching assistants for at least two semesters. The department has regular teaching colloquia designed to help students learn to teach.