M.A. Degree Requirements
Master of Arts (33 hours)
Specializations:
American Politics
International and Comparative Politics
Public Law
Professional Political and Governmental Practices
Students who do not wish to select a concentration earn a degree in General Political Science. The basic requirements for all concentrations are below.
1. POLS 8800, POLS 8805 and either POLS 8810 or POLS 8840, our core methods courses, must be taken in the first and second semesters of the program
2. An additional six courses (18 hours) must be taken. Each concentration has its own specific requirements for these. In addition, two elective courses may be taken in a field other than Political Science with permission of the graduate director. This may include practical internships taken for academic credit.
3. Options:
Thesis option:
a. A minimum of six hours of POLS 8999, Thesis Research.
b. A thesis proposal and proposal defense completed accordingly to departmental guidelines.
c. A thesis.
d. A thesis defense completed according to departmental guidelines.
Non-thesis option:
a. Six additional semester hours of coursework in graduate Political Science courses.
b. A research paper completed according to departmental guidelines.
Once students have decided whether to pursue a thesis or non-thesis option they must complete a Declaration of Intent Form.
Students may pursue the degree as either full or part time students. Part time students should be aware of the University's continuous enrollment policy. Graduate assistantships are available for full time students only.
