Program Overview
Program Overview
The Political Science MA program at Temple University is a 30-credit program that requires students to complete a series of core courses, subfield courses, and elective courses.
Program Requirements
General Program Requirements
The program requires 30 credits beyond the baccalaureate degree. The required courses include:
- Core Course:
- POLS 8001: Political Statistics I (3 credits)
- Subfield Courses:
- Select three from the following:
- POLS 8101: Government in American Society
- POLS 8201: Comparative Politics
- POLS 8301: International Politics
- POLS 8401: Introduction to Political Theory (9 credits)
- Select three from the following:
- Electives:
- 15 credits
- Methodology Course:
- POLS 8002: Qualitative Research Methods (3 credits)
- or POLS 8003: Political Statistics II
- Total Credit Hours: 30
Culminating Event
Seminar Paper
Students must complete a seminar paper in one of their elective courses. The seminar paper must contain original arguments grounded in extensive reference to relevant secondary and/or primary sources. The Graduate Chair must certify that the paper meets the seminar paper requirement before the degree is awarded.
Program Structure
All students should consult with their faculty advisor on course selection and exam preparation. Students select two elective courses in two main fields and one in a third minor field. Those who plan to continue into the PhD program should take their two main-field elective courses in the two fields in which they plan to complete written comprehensive exams and the third in a minor field.
