MA in Political Science

Rationale

The post-1991socio-economic and political changes in Ethiopia especially the change in ideological orientation, introduction of federalism, re-orientation of the country’s foreign policy as well as decentralization as part of the democratization initiative necessitate professionals particularly of political science. Ethiopia is emerging as a power house in the horn and Africa at large, given that Ethiopia is the center of African and international diplomacy as many Continental like African Union and International Organizations like the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa located in the Country, experts in political science are no doubt central in helping the country to play a leading role.

The need for the program arises from different stakeholders both at federal and regional institutions and offices as well as non-governmental organizations. They indicated that there are vacant positions and also demands which require competent professionals in Political Science in their respective institutions. Especially, the regional bureaus (Amhara region in particular) have shown great interest for such program in meeting the gaps of well trained professionals in areas of decentralization, governance, public relation, public administration, advisors, advocacies, etc. Informally as well Regional offices repeatedly inform as to open such program.

The program is of interest by various stake holders ranging from regional governments to federal ministries and nongovernmental organizations. Meeting the demand of such organizations/institutions at undergraduate level is not suffice, specialty courses at postgraduate level are vital to meet the growing needs of the country, i.e., producing experts, academicians and researchers.

The MA program in Political Science offers high quality education and training to scholars interested in broadening their intellectual horizon in the field. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in higher education, government or international agencies, NGOs by equipping them with knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions about a wide range of national, regional and international issues in the ever changing  and dynamics of today’s world.

Besides its practical relevance in terms of seeking solutions to the multifaceted socio-economic and political problems facing the country like Ethiopia, the program will also contribute for the generation of new knowledge and theories in the field in order to understand the complexities and changing nature of national, regional and global politics through scientific research.

Since various organizations are on the look at for specialized and skilled personnel, it will expand prospect of employment for those completing postgraduate program in political science. More than two dozen new universities are established throughout the country and the need for higher level training for teaching and research personnel for second and third degree is utmost importance for the nation where postgraduate programs are limited. Thus, the launching of post-graduate program in political science is not only timely by any standard, but it will brand BDU as one of the fewest to host such program in Ethiopia.

Launching the program, thus, will help not only to produce skilled and professional scholars to engage themselves in problem solving research activities in the region as well as in contributing their part to the overall development endeavor of the country but also help the faculty and the university to work and establish links with different regional and national stake holders as well as with foreign higher education and research institutions.

OBJECTIVES

The general objective of the program is to produce well qualified and high level professionals in the field who could play a leading role in contributing for new knowledge, engaging higher-level research, teaching and consultancy services. It also has the following specific objectives that would:

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Produce  highly trained and qualified manpower in the field of Political Science

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Equip trainees of necessary knowledge and skills  for teaching, research and training for governmental, non-governmental and international stakeholders

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Contribute for widening  the research interest, skill and output of  trainees

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Meet the growing demand for analysts, researchers, policy advisors, etc

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Promote research in political science focusing on Ethiopia, the horn and Africa at large and beyond

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Meet the growing demand of internal and external stakeholders for skilled, professional manpower

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Provide short term and long term training for different stake holders

COURSE BREAKDOWN/ SEMESTERIZATION- REGULAR: MA political Science

Year I     Semester I

Year I             Semester II

   Year II   Semester I and II