With an M.A. in Political Science, you will be fully qualified for a range of professional opportunities — whether you elect to continue your education by earning a doctoral degree or choose to work in education, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, media, or the private sector.
Course Requirements
Students must complete a course of study consisting of 30 graduate credits, which includes 24 credits in political science and related disciplines, the 3 credit Core Seminar in Political Science, and a 3-credit thesis tutorial.
Students must select one of the five program subfields (American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, and Public Policy) in which to concentrate their studies. Students fulfill their concentration by completing at least three courses in their chosen field.
Students are also required to complete a course in a second field.
Students are required to complete at least two 800-level courses.
Additional Requirements
Students must demonstrate proficiency in one of the following research tools:
- quantitative research methods
- qualitative research methods;
- other methods of inquiry
- a foreign language.
Proficiency in a qualitative, quantitative, or other research methods (options 1-3) may be demonstrated by passing a graduate course on that method with a grade of B or higher.
Foreign language proficiency (option 4) may be demonstrated by achieving a B grade or better in an approved foreign language course or by passing the program’s foreign language proficiency exam.
Students should consult with the Executive Officer for information on courses which will fulfill this requirement.
Students are required to complete a master’s thesis. This may take the form of a substantial revision of a research paper that has been submitted in a course during a prior semester and ordinarily will be done under the supervision of the instructor in that course. Students may also choose to undertake a new research project for the thesis.
Thesis Guidelines and Deposit Procedures
Deadlines
Schedule your defense at least five (5) business days prior to depositing to allow time for corrections and revisions.
A dissertation or thesis may be deposited anytime; deadlines appear in the academic calendar and are available on the library's Graduation Dates and Deadlines page.
Optional Concentrations
The Political Science Department also offers a special Concentration in American Politics as a separate component of the M.A. in Political Science. M.A. students must complete a course of study consisting of 30 graduate credits, which includes 27 credits in Political Science and related disciplines and a 3-credit thesis tutorial. Students must complete at least three courses in American Politics. Students are required to complete a course in a second field. Students are required to complete at least two 800-level courses in American Politics.
The Political Science Department also offers a special Concentration in Public Policy as a separate component of the M.A. in Political Science. MA students must complete a course of study consisting of 30 graduate credits, which includes 27 credits in Political Science and related disciplines and a 3-credit thesis tutorial. Students must complete at least three courses in Public Policy. Students are required to complete a course in a second field. Students are required to complete at least two 800-level courses in Public Policy.
