Master of Arts - Political Science

Plan Description

The Department of Political Science offers a general Master of Arts degree with concentrations in American politics (including public policy and public law), comparative politics, international relations, and political theory. Students can normally expect to complete the program in from one-and-a-half to two years. The graduate program in political science is designed to prepare graduate students for doctoral studies, teaching positions at secondary schools and community colleges, or employment by government agencies, research centers, or private industry.  

For more information about your program, including your graduate program handbook and learning outcomes, please visit the Degree Directory.

Plan Admission Requirements

Application Deadlines

Applications available on the UNLV Graduate College website.

All domestic and international applicants must review and follow the Graduate College Admission and Registration Requirements.

(a) Graduate College Admission Requirements

1. Completed application in the Application Portal and non-refundable application fee. 
2. Bachelor’s Degree – You must hold a four-year baccalaureate from a regionally accredited institution or an approved equivalent.
   1. Post-Master’s tracks and Advanced Certificates require a regionally accredited Master’s degree.
3. Grade Point Average – You must have a minimum overall grade point average of 2.75 (4.00=A) for the bachelor’s degree or a minimum 3.00 (4.00=A) for the last two years (60 semester credits). 
4. All applicants are required to submit an unofficial transcript from each postsecondary institution attended, showing all degrees and coursework, the dates awarded, and grades received. Official transcripts required upon admission.
   1. Credentials not in English must be accompanied by an English translation certified as true by a university official, an official representative of a United States embassy or consulate, the United States Information Service, the United States Education Foundation, or an approved professional translating service. Notarized copies of originals or translations are not considered official.

(b) Department Admission Requirements

Post-Bachelor’s Professional Paper Subplan Admission Requirements:

1. The following department application materials must be uploaded into the online application:
   1. Submission of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test scores is optional
   2. Two letters of recommendation by recommendation providers (academic references preferred)
   3. A personal statement explaining why you want to enter the Master’s program
2. Applicants must possess a baccalaureate from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.00.

Integrated BA-MA Professional Paper Subplan Admission Requirements:

Accomplished UNLV undergraduates may apply for an Advanced Program subplan after completion of 75 credits (Junior Standing). Students must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for the Advanced Program subplan:

1. 75 credits (Junior Standing)
2. Completion of at least 13 Political Science undergraduate credits including: PSC 101, PSC 200, PSC 211, PSC 231.
3. The student must have earned a GPA within the Political Science Major of at least 3.5.
4. Submission of two letters of recommendation from professors (at least one of which must be from a UNLV Political Science Department faculty member) and a completed Enrollment Request form to the Political Science department no less than two weeks before the beginning of the semester for which they would like to register for graduate courses.
5. Department chair AND Graduate coordinator’s approval OR Approval by the Graduate Studies Committee.

All admissions to Subplan 2 (Integrated BA-MA Professional Paper subplan) will be conditional on earning a B or better in the 700 level courses in which they are enrolled while in undergraduate status. 

Students are accepted into a degree program as described in the Graduate Catalog. The faculty and corresponding sub-disciplines and sub-plans within the described programs are subject to change at any time.

Plan Requirements

See Subplan Requirements below.

Subplan 1: Post-Bachelor’s Professional Paper
Subplan 2: Integrated BA-MA Professional Paper

Degree Requirements

1. PSC 701 – Research Design and Methodology must be completed among the first 12 credits.
2. New students are assigned to the graduate coordinator for advising. Students will declare an advisor by submitting the Advisor Declaration Form to the Department before the completion of 12 credits. Each student must consult with their advisor and the graduate coordinator every semester before enrolling in courses.
3. A minimum of 30 credits to be completed must be pre-approved by the graduate coordinator to be counted toward the M.A. Each student must complete the six core courses (see below) as well as six credits (two courses) in one area of Political Science (American politics, comparative politics, international relations, or political theory); and six credits of PSC 795.
4. With department approval, students may complete a maximum of 6 graduate credits from outside Political Science. Students must obtain the permission of the Political Science graduate coordinator prior to enrolling in courses outside of Political Science otherwise the courses will not count toward the M.A. in Political Science. Courses from outside the Department that include an undergraduate component cannot be used for the degree. Independent Study (PSC 791) cannot be used to fulfill a core or elected requirement.
5. The candidate must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA at all times in order to remain in good standing. Only those courses in which a student receives a grade of B or better may be used for graduate credit.
6. In addition to the required coursework, in consultation with their advisor, a student will prepare and present a professional paper. The professional paper will be supervised by a committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department’s discretion. Please see Graduate College policy for committee appointment guidelines.
7. Additional Degree Requirements for Subplan 2: Students must complete 9 credits of 700 level courses from among PSC 701, PSC 710R, PSC 740, PSC 760R, and/or PSC 780R. Requirements related to 700 level courses taken while in the BA program will be waived.

Plan Graduation Requirements

The student must submit and successfully defend their professional paper by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.

Students may apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. All required forms must be submitted to the graduate college via the Grad Rebel Gateway.