Program Overview

The Master's in Political Science at the University of West Florida is designed to prepare students for a career or career advancement in political science, as well as for doctoral programs or law school. The program focuses on training students to be skilled analysts of local, national, and international issues, with a emphasis on political behavior, government, institutions, security issues, and public policy-making.

Program Details

• Credit Hours: 33
• Course Length: 16 weeks
• Estimated Program Length: 24 months
• The program duration may depend on course load and availability, and students are advised to consult with their advisor.

Why Study Political Science at UWF?

The program will prepare students to be skilled analysts of local, national, and international issues. It is designed for students interested in the study of political behavior, government, and institutions, security issues, and public policy-making, both within the U.S. and globally.

What You Will Learn

The two-year program covers American politics, international relations, comparative politics, political theory, and research methods. Students will build skills in critical thinking, communication, and analysis while examining key questions surrounding government and policy-making. The program will train students to articulate and compare theories of political power and institutions, synthesize theory, evidence, and applications to produce a conclusion or solution, and present and defend their written work orally.

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.
• Each track includes room for students to choose electives, which allows them to customize their degree to suit their career goals.

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

Thesis Track

• POS 6971 - Thesis
• Department-approved electives
• Note: Students are required to maintain a 3.5 or higher GPA to be eligible for the thesis option. 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.

Non-Thesis Track

• 15 credit hours of electives, of which 6 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.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the University graduate admission requirements, the department bases decisions for regular admission on a holistic review of credentials, including:

• Undergraduate institutional GPA of 3.0 or above
• Submission of a sample research paper
• Completion of Supplemental Questions on Graduate Application

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester: July 1
• Spring Semester: November 1
• Summer Semester: April 1
• International students planning to study on campus with an F-1 visa must fulfill all application requirements by both the program deadline and International Graduate Admissions deadline, whichever comes first, to allow time for visa processing.

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: $377.60 per credit hour
  • Out-of-state Tuition: $1,037.24 per credit hour
• Total Tuition for the Program:
  • In-state: $12,460.80
  • Out-of-state: $34,228.92
• Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted.

Alabama, Military, and Financial Aid

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

Featured Courses

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

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

These courses provide a foundation in comparative politics, international relations, the study of politics, and research methods, preparing students for advanced study and careers in political science.

Degree Overview:

The Master's in Political Science program at UWF prepares students to be skilled analysts of local, national, and international issues. It is designed for students interested in studying political behavior, government and institutions, security issues, and public policy-making. The program focuses on training students for careers or career advancement in addition to preparing them for doctoral programs or law school. Students can apply for a graduate assistantship to work with faculty on research, with a half-tuition waiver and additional hourly pay. The degree is offered face-to-face and synchronously online.

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Outline:

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Core Courses

• American politics
• International relations
• Comparative politics
• Political theory
• Research methods

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Thesis Option

• Students choose nine hours of department-approved electives before writing a thesis project with the guidance of their faculty advisor.

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Non-Thesis Option

• Students choose 15 credit hours of political science electives.

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Teaching:

• The program is offered face-to-face and synchronously online, allowing students to interact with other students and faculty in real-time.

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Careers:

A master's in political science is highly sought-after by employers, including:

• Market research and analytics firms
• Political campaigns
• Non-profit organizations
• Municipal offices
• Development agencies
• Think tanks

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Common Job Titles for Political Science Graduates:

• Congressional Researcher
• Political Campaign Manager
• Public Policy Analyst
• Teacher
• Environmental Policy Analyst
• Legislator
• Survey Researcher
• Community Relations Director
• Labor Relations Specialist
• Journalist

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Employers of UWF Political Science Alumni:

• Florida State Legislature
• U.S. Department of Defense
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• FBI
• United Way
• Habitat for Humanity
• WEAR TV
• Escambia and Santa Rosa County School Districts

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.