Master of Arts in Political Science

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. 

Students are admitted to the graduate program for the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters, with the following application deadlines: 

Fall semester enrollment: August 1

Spring semester enrollment: December 1

Summer enrollment: May 15

Admission into the program is based on the listed requirements and faculty/student ratios. The following are required for admissions consideration:

1. Graduate Studies Application: The Graduate Studies Application is an institutional application required by SHSU. Students must provide biographical and educational information and information relevant to determining State of Texas residency.
2. Application fee: An application fee is required for all applications to graduate programs at SHSU.
3. Official transcripts: Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education, showing all degrees conferred. Students must contact their previous institution and arrange to have that college or university send transcripts directly to Graduate Admissions at SHSU.
4. Official GRE Scores: GRE scores are required for all applicants who do not possess a graduate degree (e.g. MA, MBA, MPA, JD, etc.) from an accredited institution.
5. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0: Applicants, who do not possess a graduate degree from an accredited institution, are required to have earned a minimum GPA of 3.0 from the accredited institution granting the undergraduate degree.
6. Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required for each applicant. Letters should be submitted by someone who is able to evaluate the applicant’s academic and professional potential.
7. Statement of Intent: Applicants should submit a written statement explaining why they are applying to the program; how their experience (academic, work, etc.) has prepared them to enter the program; and what they plan to do – professionally – with the degree.
8. Writing sample of scholarly or professional work. 

All application materials are submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions, who will forward completed applications to the Director of Graduate Studies.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

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 nonprofit sectors, other employment fields relevant to the study and practice of government, or teach political science/government classes at the post-secondary level. All students are admitted as non-thesis students, but may petition to change to the thesis option after completing preliminary coursework.

Requirements for the non-thesis degree plan include:

• three subfield seminars:  POLS 5330, POLS 5371, POLS 5373
• nine elective courses from among the subfields
• passing comprehensive exams

For their nine elective courses, students should choose POLS courses appropriate to their professional needs and interests. With graduate advisor approval, students may pursue a concentration in an appropriate area from one or more other departments.

Students take their comprehensive exams during the last semester of coursework.  They are required to be enrolled in the University during the semester or summer session in which the comprehensive exams are administered. 

Requirements for the thesis degree include:

• three subfield seminars:  POLS 5330, POLS 5371, POLS 5373
• five elective courses from among the subfields
• two thesis courses: POLS6098, POLS6099
• successfully defending a written thesis 

For their nine elective courses, students should choose POLS courses appropriate to their professional needs and interests. With graduate advisor approval, students may pursue a concentration in an appropriate area from one or more other departments.

Students defend their written thesis during the last semester of coursework. They are required to be enrolled in the University during the semester or summer session in which the thesis is defended. 

Plan 1 - Thesis: MA in Political Science

Plan 2 - Non-Thesis: MA in Political Science