MASTER OF ARTS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE
Students have two options to choose from to fulfill the master’s degree program requirements:
- Thirty credit hours of course work, a thesis for six credit hours, and an oral examination, or
- Thirty-six credit hours of course work, a written comprehensive examination, and an oral examination.
A student interested in the thirty credit thesis option must secure approval of the department. Only students who have demonstrated high proficiency in various aspects of graduate studies (writing, discussion, analysis, creativity, etc.) will be permitted to write a thesis.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO THE PROGRAM:
Students must fulfill the requirements for admission to the College of Graduate Studies & Research. (These are set out in the academic catalog in the section “College of Graduate Studies & Research .” Applications may be secured from the office, located in LWH-0006).
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE:
For students admitted to Master’s Programs, all graduate credits must be at the 400 level, except for a limited number of 300 level courses specifically approved for graduate degree credits in a given Master’s degree program. Departments may permit students to apply up to three of these 300 level courses, to a maximum of ten credit hours, to fulfill program requirements. This policy applies to all students. Consult with your program advisor or the College of Graduate Studies & Research for details.
Students must select one area of emphasis from the following:
- American Politics and Public Affairs
- International and Comparative Politics
- Political Theory
Students are required to take:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| PSCI-401 | Classics Of Political Science | 3 |
| PSCI-402 | Research Methods In Political Science 1 | 3 |
| Five course in the area of emphasis, including a 400-level seminar or a thesis seminar. | 15 | |
| Three courses selected from a second area. | 9 | |
| Two elective courses from any area of emphasis. | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
| 1 | If possible before graduate seminar courses. |
Students should consult with the graduate advisor before taking their courses.