Political Science (MA)

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Offered by the Department of Government , School of Public Affairs .

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

Research Methods (6 credit hours)

Tracks (27 credit hours)

Complete one of the following:

Political Science: American Politics

American Politics

Complete 15 credit hours from the following:

GOVT-651 The Legislative Process (3) (or another course on Congress with permission of the student’s advisor)
GOVT-652 The Presidency and the Executive Branch (3)
Approved courses on public opinion, political behavior, elections, parties, or interest groups

Comparative Politics or Political Theory

3 credit hours of coursework at 600-level in comparative politics or political theory

Additional

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

Required

GOVT-730 Seminar in Comparative Politics (3)

Comparative Politics

Complete 9 credit hours from the following, or other SPA comparative politics courses:

Political Theory

3 credit hours in political theory

American Politics

3 credit hours of American politics courses at 600-level

Additional

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

Applied Politics

Required

GOVT-620 Applied Politics and American Public Policy (3)

Institutes

Complete 3-4 credit hours from the following:

Topics

Complete 2 credit hours from the following:

GOVT-521 Topics in Campaign Management (1) :
Campaign Field

Strategy, Theme and Message

Political Writing

or other approved topics
GOVT-524 Topics in Public Affairs and Advocacy (1) :
Survey Research, Focus Groups, Media

Lobbying and the Internet

Grassroots Lobbying

or other approved topics
GOVT-685 Topics in Women and Politics (1-4) :
Women in Congress

Women’s Health Policy

Politics of Women and National Security

or other approved topics

Additional

Complete 18-19 credit hours from the following, or other SPA comparative politics courses:

GOVT-520 Advanced Studies in Campaign Management (4) (if not taken to fulfill requirement above)
GOVT-521 Topics in Campaign Management (1)
GOVT-523 The Art and Craft of Lobbying (3-4) (if not taken to fulfill requirement above)
GOVT-524 Topics in Public Affairs and Advocacy (1)
GOVT-641 The Politics of Mass Communication (3)
GOVT-643 Applied Political Writing (3)
GOVT-644 Political Speechwriting (3)
GOVT-645 Political Parties, Interest Groups, and Lobbying (3)
GOVT-651 The Legislative Process (3)
GOVT-652 The Presidency and the Executive Branch (3)
GOVT-656 Voting Behavior, Elections, and Campaigns (3)
GOVT-674 Constitutional Law and Politics (3)
GOVT-685 Topics in Women and Politics (1-4) (if not taken to fulfill requirement above)
GOVT-691 Internship (1-6)