Political Science M.A.

The Master of Arts in Political Science focuses instruction on four areas: American politics, political theory, comparative politics, and international relations. This course of study is designed to 1) prepare students for matriculation to doctoral programs in political science, 2) train degree recipients for teaching responsibilities at the junior college level, and/or 3) provide professional competencies for private and public sector employment.

Master of Arts in Political Science--Total Semester Hours=36

Admissions Requirements

In addition to the general requirements for admission to graduate study, the requirements for admission to the political science program are as follows:

  1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
  2. A satisfactory score on the General Test (verbal, quantitative, and analytical) of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
  3. A satisfactory grade-point average on all prior advanced-level (junior, senior, and graduate) work (Minimum GPA - 3.0)
  4. Consideration is also given to one or more of the following: the applicant's demonstrated commitment to his or her chosen field of study, socioeconomic background, first generation college graduate, multilingual proficiency, geographic region of residence, and level of responsibility in other matters including extracurricular activities, employment, community service, and family responsibilities.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Arts degree in Political Science is intended for students seeking broad knowledge of the field of political science, and who may wish to complement that knowledge with additional course work and intensive reading within the discipline. Students will take 36 hours of coursework and then show mastery of three of the major sub-disciplines of Political Science by passing written comprehensive examinations in each.

Master of Arts in Political Science

Five core seminars (15 hrs.)

POLS 5300Seminar in Scope and Methods

POLS 5311Seminar in American Government

POLS 5321Seminar in Political Theory

POLS 5331Seminar in Comparative Politics

POLS 5341Seminar in International Relations

Approved electives (21 hrs.)

Graduation Requirements 

 

All candidates for the Master of Arts degree in political science must also meet the following requirements:

  1. A cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 in all course work applied towards the degree.
  2. Satisfactory performance on a final comprehensive written examination. The examination will consist of questions from three of the following sub-disciplines: American politics; comparative politics; international relations; political theory. The student must take at least 6 hours of coursework in a sub-discipline in order to take an exam in that sub-discipline.