University of Oklahoma doctoral program

Abstract

The only Ph.D. program in political science in Oklahoma celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. In 1951, Walter F. Scheffer, a newly arrived assistant professor, prepared the proposal to offer the doctoral degree at the University of Oklahoma. Five years later, the University conferred its first Ph.D. in political science. Over the past 20 or so years, the department has seen an average of four to five doctoral students finish the degree each year. Based on doctoral student placement and the placement rate for its graduates, the program at OU compares well with others from similar institutions.