Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1. How do I get on the Political Science Graduate Student List-Serve?

Answer: Please use these instructions.

Question 2. How many classes should I take?

Answer: Most full time students take three 4-credit classes per term for a total 12 credits.  However, funded students serving as teaching or research assistants may take two 4-credit classes and one 2-credit class for a total of 10 credits. Usually, funded students return to a 12 credit load after their first semester of teaching. Most international students must take 12 credits for full time status for visa requirements. Almost all classes are taught as either 2-credit or 4-credit classes (e.g., RPOS-583 (4 credit) and RPOS-583R (2 credit)). In the 2-credit version, students complete all readings and course work but they typically do not complete a major written work (e.g., a 40-page seminar paper due at the end of the semester).   Students may take two 2-credit courses in place of a single 4-credit course.  For additional information see the "course load" discussion on the graduate admissions web page.