REQUIREMENTS FOR M. A. IN POLITICAL SCIENCE

Course of Study
Tools of Research
M.A. Thesis
Concentration in Public Policy (Optional)

I. COURSE OF STUDY

Required Credits

Students must complete a course of study consisting of 30 graduate credits, which includes 27 credits in political science and related disciplines and a 3-credit thesis tutorial.

Concentration

Students must complete at least three courses in one of the five fields (American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, and Public Policy).

Breadth of Study

Students are required to complete a course in a second field.                  

Course Level

Students are required to complete at least two 800-level courses.

II. TOOLS OF RESEARCH

Depending upon the research tools appropriate to their field, students must fulfill one of the following three requirements:  (1) demonstrate proficiency in quantitative methods; (2) demonstrate proficiency in qualitative methods; or (3) demonstrate a reading knowledge of one foreign language.  Proficiency in quantitative methods may be demonstrated by passing a graduate course in quantitative methods/statistics with a grade of B or higher; proficiency in qualitative methods may be demonstrated by passing a graduate course in qualitative methods with a grade of B or higher.  Foreign language proficiency may be demonstrated by achieving a B grade or better in an approved foreign language course or by passing the Program's foreign language proficiency exam.

 III.  M.A. THESIS

Students are required to complete a master's thesis.  This may take the form of a substantial revision of a research paper that has been submitted in a course during a prior semester, and ordinarily will be done under the supervision of the instructor in that course.  Students may also choose to undertake a new research project for the thesis.

IV.  Concentration in Public Policy (Optional)

The Political Science Department also offers a special Concentration in Public Policy as a separate component of the M.A. in Political Science. In order to qualify for the Concentration, students must complete at least three courses in the Public Policy subfield, take at least one course in a second subfield, and complete at least two 800-level courses in Public Policy. In addition, the Master's Thesis must pertain to the field of Public Policy. Please speak to your program advisor for more information.