Master of Political Science Program

The Master of Political Science with a concentration in European Union Policy Studies is an accelerated, one-year program.

Program Overview

The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of European Union policy studies. The workload is significant, with students generally working on a 5-day schedule (Monday to Friday). In addition to classes, students often attend additional guest lectures, study excursions, group meetings, and community service events.

Curriculum

The program consists of three semesters, with coursework equally intensive across all semesters. An average week includes one or two classes per day and activities that engage students for about 20 hours of in-class work and 20 hours of personal study and group activities.

Academic Resources

Students have full access to the library of the European University Institute (EUI), which has one of the most extensive and complete European libraries for political science. Students may use books from the EUI library on-site and have access to extensive electronic material. Additionally, students have access to the full collection at the Florence local municipal libraries upon requesting a free membership card. While in Florence, students also have full access to the JMU library and its Interlibrary Loan services.

Travel and Accommodations

Students are responsible for making their own travel arrangements and arriving at the program location at the appropriate time. Students are strongly encouraged to purchase trip cancellation insurance. The program provides accommodations for the duration of the program, and the cost of housing is included in the total program costs and fees.

Life in Italy

Students should budget for everyday expenses such as groceries and consider additional expenses like eating out, entertainment, and non-program travel. Students who are not EU citizens are not permitted to work during their studies, except for assistantships made available by the program. All classes, apart from some Italian language instruction, are conducted in English.

Frequently Asked Questions

Academics

• What is the workload like in the M.A. in Political Science program? The program is an accelerated, one-year M.A. program with a significant workload.
• Will I have access to academic resources for research and study? Yes, students have access to the EUI library, Florence local municipal libraries, and the JMU library.

Travel

• Do I need to apply for a visa before coming to Italy? Students who do not hold EU passports must obtain a study visa before the program starts.
• Am I responsible for booking my own way to and from Florence? Yes, students are responsible for making their own travel arrangements.
• Which airport in Italy should I fly into? Florence is close to both the Florence-Amerigo Vespucci-Peretola (FLR) airport and the Pisa-Galileo Galilei (PSA) airport.
• When do I need to arrive? The date that the program begins is the date that students are required to be on-site.
• Will there be time to travel individually during my course of study? Yes, students have opportunities to travel individually during the program.

Accommodations

• What sort of Internet access will I have? Student apartments and JMU's study center at Palazzo Capponi are fully equipped for Internet access.
• Can I arrange for my own living accommodations? No, students are required to live in program-provided accommodations for the duration of the program.

Life in Italy

• How much spending money should I budget for my time in the program? Students' average monthly costs vary significantly depending on their lifestyle.
• Can I work while I am in Florence? Students who are not EU citizens are not permitted to work during their studies, except for assistantships made available by the program.
• Do I need to speak Italian? No, all classes are conducted in English, but committing oneself to learning Italian can significantly affect the type of experience that students have.
• What should I bring with me to Florence? Students should consider luggage restrictions and pack specific items that cannot be bought in Italy.
• What kind of electrical devices should I bring? Students should be aware of the different electrical plugs and voltage in Italy.
• Do I need an international cell phone plan? Students are encouraged to add international service to their primary cellphone or consider carrying a second phone with an Italian-based telephone number.
• Is there gym access at the Florence campus? No, JMU's premises at Palazzo Capponi do not include a gym, but there are many gyms around the city that students can join for a membership fee.
• How can I get around the city? Florence is very manageable by foot, and many students rent or purchase bikes for the duration of their stay.

James Madison University

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Overview:

James Madison University (JMU) is a public research university located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. It is known for its strong academic programs, vibrant student life, and beautiful campus.

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Services Offered:

JMU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Libraries, career planning services, tutoring, and academic advising.

Student Life:

Housing, dining, clubs and organizations, recreational activities, and student government.

Health and Wellness:

Campus health center, counseling services, and wellness programs.

Financial Aid:

Scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

JMU boasts a vibrant and active student body with a strong sense of community. Students can expect:

Living on Campus:

A variety of residence halls and apartment-style living options.

Clubs and Organizations:

Over 300 student organizations catering to diverse interests.

Spirit and Traditions:

Strong school spirit with numerous sporting events, concerts, and other campus traditions.

Harrisonburg:

A charming town with a thriving arts and culture scene, offering opportunities for exploration and entertainment.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Programs:

JMU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with particular strengths in business, education, and the arts.

Vibrant Campus Life:

A lively and engaging campus environment with numerous opportunities for student involvement and personal growth.

Beautiful Campus:

A picturesque campus with modern facilities and a welcoming atmosphere.

Affordable Education:

JMU offers a relatively affordable education compared to other universities.

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Academic Programs:

JMU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate Majors:

A diverse selection of majors across various disciplines, including business, education, engineering, health sciences, and the arts.

Graduate Programs:

Master's and doctoral programs in fields such as business, education, nursing, and public administration.

Research Opportunities:

Opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to engage in research projects with faculty mentors.

Study Abroad:

Programs to study abroad in various countries around the world.