Political Science M.A.

The Master of Arts in Political Science focuses instruction on four areas: American politics, political theory, comparative politics, and international relations. This course of study is designed to 1) prepare students for matriculation to doctoral programs in political science, 2) train degree recipients for teaching responsibilities at the junior college level, and/or 3) provide professional competencies for private and public sector employment.

Master of Arts in Political Science--Total Semester Hours=36

Admissions Requirements

In addition to the general requirements for admission to graduate study, the requirements for admission to the political science program are as follows:

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
2. A directed essay designed to demonstrate the candidate's motivation for study in political science as well as the student's facility with analytical writing. 
3. A satisfactory grade-point average on all prior advanced-level (junior, senior, and graduate) work (Minimum GPA - 3.0).
4. Consideration is also given to one or more of the following: the applicant's demonstrated commitment to his or her chosen field of study, socioeconomic background, first generation college graduate, multilingual proficiency, geographic region of residence, and level of responsibility in other matters including extracurricular activities, employment, community service, and family responsibilities.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Arts degree in Political Science is intended for students seeking broad knowledge of the field of political science, and who may wish to complement that knowledge with additional course work and intensive reading within the discipline. Students will take 36 hours of coursework and then show mastery of three of the major sub-disciplines of Political Science by passing written comprehensive examinations in each.

Master of Arts in Political Science

Five core seminars (15 hrs.)

POLS 5300	Seminar in Scope and Methods
POLS 5311	Seminar in American Government
POLS 5321	Seminar in Political Theory
POLS 5331	Seminar in Comparative Politics
POLS 5341	Seminar in International Relations

Approved electives (21 hrs.)

Graduation Requirements 

All candidates for the Master of Arts degree in political science must also meet the following requirements:

1. A cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 in all course work applied towards the degree.
2. Satisfactory completion of a graduate capstone project. Under the direction of a member of the graduate faculty, the student will develop and produce a comprehensive research project as the concluding requirement for the Master of Arts degree in Political Science. The project may take the form of a research essay or other artifact, subject to approval by the graduate faculty, which will then be presented either before the departmental faculty or in another approved professional setting, like an academic conference.