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    Mar 28, 2024  
American University Catalog 2017-2018 
    
American University Catalog 2017-2018 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Political Science (MA)


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Admission to the Program


In addition to meeting the minimum university requirements for graduate study, applicants must earn a satisfactory score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). All applicants are evaluated on the basis of scholastic achievement in their undergraduate work, two letters of recommendation, and an essay on career interest. Applicants who wish to be considered for merit based awards may apply for full or part-time status.

Degree Requirements


  • 33 credit hours of approved graduate work
  • Written comprehensive examination in American politics, applied politics, or comparative politics, depending on track
  • Tracks: Political Science, or Applied Politics

Course Requirements


Tracks (27 credit hours)


Complete one of the following:

Political Science: American Politics


American Politics (15 credit hours)

Complete 15 credit hours from the following:

Comparative Politics or Political Theory (3 credit hours)

  • 600-level course in comparative politics or political theory (3)
Additional (9 credit hours)

  • 9 credit hours selected from political science or other disciplines, which may include 3 credit hours of GOVT-691 Internship (1-6)  

Political Science: Comparative Politics


Political Theory (3 credit hours)

  • One course in political theory
American Politics (3 credit hours)

  • One 600-level course in American politics
Additional (9 credit hours)

  • 9 credit hours selected from political science or other disciplines, which may include 3 credit hours of GOVT-691 Internship (1-6)  

Applied Politics


Topics (2 credit hours)

Complete two 1 credit courses from the following:

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