Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science

Program Description

The Ph.D. in Political Science is aimed at developing a pool of scholars who are able to probe effectively into political questions and issues within their chosen sub-fields. The program places a strong emphasis on research and publication to support the student’s scholarly credentials. Its principal goal is to train scholars as leaders in research, teaching, and propagation of the discipline. Specifically, the program aims at deepening specialized knowledge through research in comparative politics, international relations, political economy, political dynamics, political theory, public policy, and public administration. Full-time students shall observe a minimum residency period of at least three years, within which they have completed the course work, dissertation as well as publication/dissemination requirements of the program.

Prerequites

Applicants to the Ph.D. program should have an M.A. in Political Science (with thesis) and a research plan submitted at the time of application. The plan should be approved by the department and serves as the basis for assigning a mentor to the doctoral student.

Courses

Based on the guidelines prescribed by CHED in its Memorandum No. 32, series of 2011, the courses of the program are divided into core, major, and elective courses.

Core Courses (15 Units, 3 units per course)

  • Philosophy of Social Sciences
  • Theories of State and Economy
  • Global Politics
  • Advanced Quantitative Research Methods
  • Advanced Qualitative Research Methods

Major Courses (15 Units, 3 units per course): 
The major courses shall be tailored according to the student’s approved research plan. It may be a combination of directed research courses (individual special classes) and regular classes.

  • Advanced Seminars
  • Directed Readings/Research

Upon consultation with and guidance of the mentor, the student takes advanced seminars in any of the following:

  • International Relations
  • Comparative Politics
  • Political Theory and Analysis
  • Governance and Public Policy
  • Political Economy and Political Dynamics

In addition, Directed Readings courses may be assigned for a more focused study by the student as prescribed by the mentor.

Elective courses (6 units): 
Students can choose any 2 approved course such as :

  1. Elective courses offered by the Department of Political Science (e.g., Development Studies or additional Seminar Courses from the above list)
  2. Approved electives courses offered by other departments in De La Salle University

Comprehensive Examination and Proposal Defense
The student should pass the oral comprehensive examination before proceeding to take major and elective courses. After passing the said examination and approval of the dissertation proposal, the student becomes a Ph.D. candidate.

Publication and Dissertation Requirements
To complete the doctoral program, the Ph.D. candidate shall have two options for a dissertation:

  1. A dissertation based on three (3) published peer-reviewed and abstracted journal articles organized around a research theme with an introduction and a synthesis chapters.
  2. A traditional dissertation that incorporates one (1) published peer-reviewed and abstracted journal article.

For inquiries about the program, kindly get in touch with:

Dr. Maria Milagros Regina Lomotan
Graduate Program Coordinator
Political Science Department
De La Salle University
[email protected]
(632) 524-4611 Loc 570