Master of Arts in Political Science

Program Description

The Master of Arts in Political Science is an online degree program designed for both recent college graduates and individuals seeking to advance their professional or academic careers. The program serves students preparing for doctoral studies or law school, high school teachers seeking to improve their professional credentials, individuals wanting to teach in the community colleges, and individuals preparing for careers or advancement in nonprofit organizations (international and domestic) and the public sector. 

Admissions

Students seeking admission to the graduate program in political science must supply the following materials directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

1. Graduate Application
2. Application fee
3. Official transcripts from the baccalaureate degree granting institution
4. Official GRE scores
5. A current resume
6. Two letters of recommendation that discuss the applicant’s suitability for graduate study
7. A writing sample of scholarly or professional work
8. A statement of interest summarizing the applicant's reasons for pursuing the MA degree and the applicant's professional and life experiences that prepare him or her for the MA program. The statement should be roughly two pages in length and single spaced.

A holistic review of each student’s application file will be completed, and admission will be granted on a competitive basis.

Degree Requirements

The program offers two degree plans:

• a thesis option (30 hours of coursework and a written thesis)
• a non-thesis option (36 hours of coursework and written comprehensive exams)

The thesis degree plan is designed for students who plan to pursue a doctoral degree. The non-thesis degree plan is designed for students who plan to pursue a career in the public and non-profit sectors or other employment fields relevant to the study and practice of government.

Students on either plan must take either POLS 5377 or POLS 5362 and then focus on the areas of concentration appropriate to their professional needs and interests. The department offers three areas of concentration:

• American politics
• comparative politics
• international relations

With graduate advisor approval, students may take a concentration in an appropriate area from one or more other departments.

Students must pass comprehensive exams in their areas of concentration. These exams are administered during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Students take their comprehensive exams during their last semester of coursework. Students must be enrolled in the University during the semester or summer session in which the comprehensive exams are administered.

Plan 1 - Thesis: MA in Political Science

Plan 2 - Non-Thesis: MA in Political Science