Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]


Political Science (M.A.)



Offered through the Political Science  department, the master of arts program meets the educational and professional needs of three groups of students: (1) working professionals and other adults desiring to improve their qualifications or seeking a greater understanding of political life; (2) those planning to become high school teachers or instructors in two year colleges; and (3) students wishing to prepare for Ph.D. or other advanced study. The degree requirements are structured, therefore, to provide students with an education which prepares them for a mature grasp of politics, a respect for intellectual integrity, and an ability to communicate effectively.

Subfield Specialization


Students are required to focus their studies in one of the four subfields of political science: American government and politics, comparative government and politics, international relations, and political thought. Most if not all courses taken beyond the required courses should be in the chosen subfield.

Additional Requirements:


  • Master’s students should earn 60% or more of their credit hours in courses numbered 700 or higher.
  • No more than three hours of “non-class” seminars of courses (e.g., readings, problems, internships) are allowed to count toward the 30 hours required for the M.A.
  • Written Comprehensive Examination
  • Written Research Requirement:
    • Option A: This option requires 30 hours of graduate credit, including 6 hours of credit for a thesis. Of the remaining 24 hours, at least 18 must be in political science.
    • Option B:  This option requires 30 hours of graduate credit, including 2 hours of credit for a written research report.  Of the remaining 28 hours, at least 19 must be in political science.
    • Option C:  This option requires 30 hours of graduate credit in political science, of which at least four courses should be 800-level seminars taken from at least three different professors.  In addition, students in this option submit four seminar research papers acceptable to the professors involved.