The Master of Arts in Political Science provides students with a knowledge of the principal theoretical works in the field of Political Science. Students develop methodological skills that train them for further research and work in the study of politics and related fields. Our program also trains students in political science pedagogy. Graduates of the program go on to Ph.D. programs in Social Sciences or Law, pursue teaching and advising careers in higher education, find work in government and non-profit sectors, and general positions in the business world.

Program Requirements

The program is 30 credit hours and allows students to choose between the thesis and non-thesis options. Requirements in the two options may not be interchanged. Students should meet with the Director of Graduate Studies before registering for classes their first semester.

Thesis Option

1. Thirty hours of graduate credit in Political Science.

With the written approval of the Graduate Director, a student may substitute up to two courses with a maximum of eight hours of cognate work appropriate to his/her program.

2. Each student is required to take the following core courses (12 hours) or their equivalent:

PSCI 6010 - Foundations of American Politics Credits: 3 hours
PSCI 6410 - Foundations of Comparative Politics Credits: 3 hours
PSCI 6940 - Teaching Political Science Credits: 1 hour
PSCI 6960 - Research and Professional Skills Credits: 2 hours

And one of:

PSCI 6620 - Political Philosophy I Credits: 3 hours
PSCI 6630 - Political Philosophy II Credits: 3 hours
PSCI 6650 - Modern Democratic Theory Credits: 3 hours

3. Master’s Thesis

PSCI 7000 - Master’s Thesis Credits: 1 to 6 hours

4. Pass an oral examination on the thesis and on the student’s political science program.

Non-Thesis Option

1. Thirty hours of graduate credit in Political Science.

With written approval of the Graduate Director, a student may substitute up to two courses with a maximum of eight hours of cognate work appropriate to his/her program.

2. Each student is required to take the following core courses (12 hours) or their equivalent:

PSCI 6010 - Foundations of American Politics Credits: 3 hours
PSCI 6410 - Foundations of Comparative Politics Credits: 3 hours
PSCI 6940 - Teaching Political Science Credits: 1 hour
PSCI 6960 - Research and Professional Skills Credits: 2 hours

And one of:

PSCI 6620 - Political Philosophy I Credits: 3 hours
PSCI 6630 - Political Philosophy II Credits: 3 hours

or

PSCI 6650 - Modern Democratic Theory Credits: 3 hours

3. Submit an exit portfolio and pass an oral examination on the portfolio and on the student’s political science program.