Department of Political Science
M.A. Program
Requirements & Components of the M.A. in Political Science
For the Masters degree in political science, the Department requires a minimum of twenty-four (24) graduate hours of course work beyond the Master’s degree. Two (2) core courses, Blacks and the American Political System and Scope and Methods of Political Inquiry, are required of all students pursuing the M.A. degree in Political Science. A final oral examination, covering the U.S. government and politics subfield, is required. The Department may require some students to take additional hours as determined by review of the graduate application.
Masters Degree Program FAQs
1) Are students allowed to enroll in graduate courses outside the Department?
Yes. Required courses must be taken in the Department, however, a limited number of elective courses may be taken outside of the Department with the approval of the student’s advisor and department chair.
2) Are students required to enroll in additional courses, beyond the 24 hours, before reaching candidacy?
Yes. Prior to defending the thesis, candidates for the doctoral degree must demonstrate proficiency in one research tool in support of the thesis.
3) Is attendance at the weekly Departmental Seminar required?
Yes. The Political Science Departmental Seminar is a long-standing tradition since the inception of the doctoral program and attendance is mandatory for all students seeking a graduate degree in political science.
4) Is the thesis optional?
No. All candidates for the M.A. degree must complete a thesis, a scholarly analysis and presentation of a significant political research problem.
5) Is the Comprehensive Examination required for M.A. students?
No. however, during or prior to the thesis defense, M.A. students must take an oral examination in U.S. government and politics subfields.
Graduate Program Brochure
