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    Mar 28, 2024  
American University Catalog 2022-2023 
    
American University Catalog 2022-2023 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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
  • Capstone Experience: complete one of the following:

Course Requirements


Tracks (27 credit hours)


Complete one of the following tracks:

American Politics


American Politics (15 credit hours)

Complete 15 credit hours from the following:

Note: GOVT-651 The Legislative Process (3)  may be substituted with another course on Congress with permission of the student’s advisor.

Comparative Politics or Political Theory (3 credit hours)

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

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

Applied Politics


Comparative Politics


Political Theory (3 credit hours)

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

  • 3 credit hours in American politics at 600-level
Additional (9 credit hours)

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

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