Apr 11, 2025  
2012-2013 Graduate Catalog 
    
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2012-2013 Graduate Catalog ARCHIVED CATALOG: CONTENT MAY NOT BE CURRENT. USE THE DROP DOWN ABOVE TO ACCESS THE CURRENT CATALOG.

Political Science M.A.
 

Admission Requirements

Admission to the department is competitive, with only the strongest applicants gaining admission in any given year. Applicants must complete the Graduate College online application.  The following department application materials must be uploaded into the online application

  1. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test scores
  2. Two letters of recommendation by recommendation provider
  3. A personal statement explaining why you want to enter the master’s program.
  4. Applicants for admission must have earned:
    a. A baccalaureate from an accredited college or university.
    b. A grade point average of at least 3.00.
    c. Satisfactory scores on the GRE General Test. Minimum scores are 500 on each of the verbal and quantitative sections of the exam; we also consider the analytical writing score. In unusual circumstances, students who do not meet the above criteria may still be admitted.

*Note: Official transcripts must be submitted to the Graduate College.

Degree Requirements

The candidate for the Master of Arts degree must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours under Plan A or 33 credit hours under Plan B in courses designated for graduate study in political science and related disciplines. Candidates must designate two fields as their major fields. They must successfully complete three courses in each field. Eighteen credits must be taken in graduate seminar work. Students may complete a maximum of 6 graduate credits in related areas outside political science.

To be counted toward the M.A. degree, all courses must be pre-approved by the graduate coordinator. The candidate must maintain a minimum B average during the semester 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. The candidate, in conjunction with the graduate coordinator, will select either Plan A or Plan B. All graduate students are required to take:

PSC 701 - Research Design and Methodology  among their first 12 credit hours. Other seminars may have prerequisite requirements; for example, PSC 701 must be taken before PSC 729. Internship credits do not count toward a degree program.

Plan A: Thesis Option

Students must complete 24 credit hours of course work in at least two areas of political science plus 6 credit hours of thesis. Completion of the thesis consists of an oral examination administered by the advisory committee.

Plan B: Comprehensive Examination Option

Students must complete 33 credit hours of course work in at least two areas of political science, including:

PSC 795 - Directed Readings in Political Science . PSC 782 encompasses preparation for, and taking of, written and oral examinations administered by the advisory committee.