Program Overview

The University of West Florida's fully online M.A. in Political Science, presented by the Reubin O'D. Askew Department of Government, is a writing and research-intensive program that develops skills to serve students' future careers. With a master's in political science, graduates can pursue work as policy analysts, information or intelligence analysts, data analysts, policy researchers, advisors or strategists, strategic planners, non-profit organizers, educators, political staff, military leaders, or government officials.

Program Details

• Next Start Date: May 11
• Credit Hours: 33
• Course Length: 16 weeks
• Estimated Program Length: 24 months

What You Will Learn

The online curriculum allows students to interact with faculty in real-time through synchronous coursework. Students can customize their curriculum with their choice of electives and the option to pursue a thesis or non-thesis track. After completing a core of foundational political science courses, students can choose between a thesis and non-thesis completion option.

Thesis Track

• Students can choose nine hours of department-approved electives before writing a thesis project with the help of their faculty advisor.
• A match between faculty expertise of a thesis director and intended thesis topic is necessary, in addition to approval from the thesis director and chair.
• Students are required to maintain a 3.5 or higher GPA to be eligible for the thesis option.

Non-Thesis Track

• Non-thesis students take 15 credit hours of electives, of which 6 credit hours may be taken outside of the discipline.
• Non-political science credits require prior approval of the department chair.
• Completion of the degree requires successful completion of a chair- and advisor-approved comprehensive exam.

Courses and Requirements

The M.A. in Political Science requires a core of 18 credit hours in subjects such as comparative politics, international relations, research methods, and theory. Upon core completion, students may choose either a thesis or non-thesis option to complete the degree.

Required Core Courses

• CPO 6006 - Seminar in Comparative Politics
• INR 6007 - Seminar in International Relations
• POS 6006 - The Study of Politics
• POS 6045 - Seminar in American Politics
• POS 6704 - Political Science Research Methods
• POT 5016 - Seminar in Political Theory

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the University of West Florida's online master's in political science program, students must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Other criteria for successful admission include:

• An institutional undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on the last 60 hours of coursework in the baccalaureate degree.
• Submission of official transcripts confirming a bachelor's degree from an institution whose accrediting agency is included on the list of UWF approved accrediting agencies.
• Submission of a sample research paper.

Careers and Outcomes

A master's degree in political science equips graduates with advanced research, analytical, and problem-solving skills, preparing them for a wide range of careers in government, public policy, law, and political consulting. With a deep understanding of political systems, governance, and global affairs, graduates are well-positioned to influence policy decisions, contribute to political campaigns, and work in public administration, non-profits, and international organizations.

Job Titles

• Political Scientists
• Public Policy Analyst
• Legislative Assistant
• Political Consultant
• International Relations Specialist
• Government Affairs Manager

Career Outlook

• The median wage for political scientists is $128,020.
• The job outlook is 7% (faster than average).

Cost and Financial Aid

Tuition Rate Per Credit Hour

• In-state Tuition: $384.60 per credit hour
• Full Out-of-state Tuition: $1,044.24 per credit hour
• 90% Out-of-state Tuition: $478.83 per credit hour

Alabama, Military, and Financial Aid

• Residents of Alabama are eligible for Alabama Differential Tuition, a reduced out-of-state tuition rate.
• The UWF Military & Veterans Resource Center (MVRC) serves as the campus advocate for military, dependents, and veteran students.
• The University of West Florida offers various financial aid options for online students, including loans, scholarships, and grants for degree-seeking students.

Featured Courses

A sample of featured courses in the Political Science M.A. program includes:

• CPO 6006 - Seminar in Comparative Politics
• INR 6007 - Seminar in International Relations
• POS 6006 - The Study of Politics
• POS 6045 - Seminar in American Politics

Related Programs

• Public Administration, MSA Online
• Social Media for Public Relations and Advertising Graduate Certificate
• Master of Business Administration, MBA
• International Affairs, M.A.

University of West Florida

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Overview:

The University of West Florida (UWF) is a public university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. It prides itself on providing a personalized learning experience with small class sizes and dedicated faculty. UWF emphasizes a strong student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring individual attention and support.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UWF offers a vibrant campus community with various facilities and resources. Students can explore the Pensacola campus, UWF Emerald Coast in Fort Walton Beach, UWF Historic Trust in Historic Pensacola, and UWF's downtown Pensacola facilities. A virtual tour is available to experience the campus remotely.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Personalized Attention:

UWF boasts a 100:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and support from world-renowned professors.

Diverse Programs:

Over 110 undergraduate and graduate programs cater to various interests and career aspirations.

Strong Reputation:

UWF is ranked #100 in the "Top Public School – Regional Universities South" by U.S. News and World Report.

Engaging Campus Life:

UWF offers a vibrant campus community with various facilities and resources, including a virtual tour for remote exploration.

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Academic Programs:

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Other:

UWF actively engages in research and community outreach. Recent initiatives include:

Archaeology Institute Field Schools:

Offering students hands-on experience in archaeological investigations.

HeirStory Project:

Collaborating with a renowned journalist to develop technology for preserving family legacies.

Galapagos Islands Study Abroad:

Providing students with immersive cultural and historical experiences.