Program Overview

Master of Arts in Political Science

The Master of Arts in Political Science program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the field of political science.

Admission Requirements

For admission to the program, a student should have a baccalaureate degree with a minimum grade point average of 2.75 and an undergraduate background in the social sciences. The GRE is required, and scores should be submitted at the time of application. Two letters of recommendation are also requested for each student applying to the program. Students who do not meet these requirements may be admitted upon approval of the department and the dean of the Graduate School.

Degree Requirements

Beyond the general requirements of the Graduate School, the department requires a minimum of 27 semester hours of course work, of which:

• 18 hours must be at the 6400 level
  • This includes core courses in political science
• 12 hours must be in core courses in political science, including:
  • POL SCI 6401, Introduction to Policy Research
  • Three of the following political science courses:
    • POL SCI 6410, Introduction to Policy Analysis
    • POL SCI 6420, Proseminar in Public Law
    • POL SCI 6430, Proseminar in American Politics
    • POL SCI 6440, Proseminar in Public Policy Administration
    • POL SCI 6450, Proseminar in Comparative Politics
    • POL SCI 6470, Proseminar in Urban Politics
    • POL SCI 6480, Proseminar in International Relations

Emphasis Areas

Students can plan their degree program to reflect the following six emphasis areas:

• American Politics
• Comparative Politics
• International Politics
• Political Process and Behavior
• Public Administration and Public Policy
• Urban and Regional Politics

Exit Projects

Students must also select one of the following exit projects:

• A six-hour thesis
• A six-hour internship
• Six hours of additional course work and an approved paper

Program Review and Final Oral Review

Students will have a mid-program review at the end of 12-15 hours of course work, at which time they will discuss their academic performance and program with a faculty committee and determine the most appropriate exit project. Each candidate is given a final oral review conducted by a faculty committee and focused on the course work completed and the student's chosen exit project.