Graduate Certificate in Political Science
The Graduate Certificate in Political Science is designed for high school and community college instructors who wish to obtain 18 hours of graduate coursework relevant to key fields in the discipline of political science, such as the field of American Politics. Course offerings allow students to complete the certificate in one year if students take two courses per semester including summer.
This Graduate Certificate is eligible to receive Title IV funding – Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS loans by request. To be considered for aid, students need to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Additional information: Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit.
Those wishing to pursue the certificate should hold a graduate degree from an accredited college or university and submit the following to the Office of Graduate Admissions:
- An application with accompanying application fee to the Sam Houston State University Office of Graduate Studies.
- Transcripts documenting all prior degrees.
- Names and contact information for at least two individuals who can speak to applicant’s academic and professional potential.
- A letter of interest that specifically addresses at least the following three elements: a) why they are applying to the program; b) how their experience (academic, work, etc.) has prepared them to enter the program; and c) what they plan to do professionally after completing the program.
- A current resume or curriculum vitae.
Note: Applicants may submit unofficial transcripts for review by the admissions committee. However, under university policy, admission decisions are contingent upon receipt of official transcripts.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Certificate in Political Science | ||
| Required Courses | 3 | |
| Scope & Methods of Political Science | ||
| Students must take 15 hours from the following: 1 | 15 | |
| Problems in Political Science | ||
| Women in Politics | ||
| American Politics | ||
| State Governments, Policies, and Politics | ||
| Judicial Politics | ||
| The United States Presidency | ||
| The United States Congress | ||
| American Political Parties | ||
| Political Attitudes & Behavior | ||
| Seminar in American Politics | ||
| Seminar in Political Theory | ||
| Media & Politics | ||
| Seminar in International Relations | ||
| Comparative Politics | ||
| Seminar in Comparative Politics | ||
| International Relations | ||
| Workshop in Teaching Political Science | ||
| Public Policy | ||
| Total Hours | 18 | |
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It is strongly recommended that students contact their employer, prior to registration, to request a credentialing review for elective courses.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers. Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.
The Graduate Certificate in Political Science is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:
- Problem solving: Critical, analytical, and evaluative thinking.
- Communication: Professional expression of ideas through written, verbal, and visual work.
- Leadership: Effective engagement as professional educators in local, state, national, and global communities.
