Overview of Political Science M.A.
Overview |
Admission
|
Requirements
Overview
The M.A. in Political Science program provides students with an understanding of the theories and methods necessary for success in (1) research or college-level teaching in political science, (2) high school social science teaching, or (3) careers in policy analysis or administration in government or non-governmental organizations.
The undergraduate degree should provide students with a broad knowledge of political science; graduate education is an opportunity for more focused study. M.A. students will earn most of their credits in courses sharing a common theme, such as a subfield of the discipline (American politics-administration, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, public law, or methodology), a world region, policy in a particular issue area, or a phase of political development. Courses from other departments may be taken with the approval of the student's advisory committee. For example, students interested in diplomacy could combine in the international relations subfield with courses in history.
The department offers both Plan A (thesis) and Plan B (non-thesis) options. Plan A is recommended for students planning to pursue a Ph.D. in political science.
Admission
To be considered for admission to the M.A. program, one must:
- Possess a B.A./B.S. in political science or a cognate discipline (international studies, criminal justice, history, sociology, or economics), including substantial undergraduate course work in political science.
- Have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 (A=4.0)
- Have combined scores on the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) of at least 900
- Submit a one-page, typed statement describing his/her objectives in seeking the degree
- Arrange for three letters of recommendations to be sent to the department by individuals knowledgeable about his/her preparation and qualifications for graduate education.
Applicants from outside the United States must also demonstrate English language proficiency by a TOEFL minimum of 540 (Written), 207 (Computerized) or 76 (Internet-Based). The M.A. Admissions Committee may recommend provisional admission, including specific coursework to be completed, if a student's background in political science is deemed insufficient.
Degree Requirements
Plan A: Thesis Option
-
POLS 5680 “Research Methods for Political Science and Public Policy.”
-
POLS 5710 Topics – “Capstone Seminar in Applied Research.”
-
At least 20 hours of additional coursework of which at least twelve (12) are to be in political science with a maximum of nine (9) possible in course work in disciplines other than political science.
-
A master's thesis demonstrating independent research written under the supervision of the major professor. Signing up for four (4) thesis hours is required.
Plan B: Non-thesis Option
-
POLS 5680 “Research Methods for Political Science and Public Policy.”
-
POLS 5710 Topics – “Capstone Seminar in Applied Research.”
-
At least 24 hours of additional coursework of which at least twelve (12) are to be in political science with a maximum of twelve (12) possible in course work in disciplines other than political science.
-
Plan B paper(s) that reflect the quality but not the scope of a master's thesis, written under the supervision of the major professor.
-
An oral examination conducted by the graduate committee covering all coursework and the Plan B paper(s).
Program Goals and Learning Outcomes
a) Acquire a specialized knowledge and understanding of politics, government, and/or public policy through a coherent program of study.
b) Acquire a knowledge of the theories and methodology necessary to evaluate conflicting arguments, assemble and present empirical evidence, and make reasoned conclusions from the evidence available.
c) Communicate effectively, both orally and in written form.
