2009-2010 Graduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2009-2010 Graduate Catalog [Archived]

Political Science M.A.


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs

(33 credits minimum)

General requirements for the M.A. degree include a minimum of 33 credit hours, although deficiencies or particular requirements may necessitate additional work. Requirements to meet deficiencies must be satisfied early in the student’s program. Each student is assigned an advisor with whom he or she works in determining an academic program. All courses counted toward a degree must be approved by the student’s academic advisor.

Research:


Original research and the writing of a thesis (699—6 credits) is considered to be an extremely important part of the requirements leading to the degree. The candidate, in addition to the general thesis requirements of the School of Graduate Studies, must satisfy all requirements set by the department as follows:

  1. During the initial year of graduate work, a student should select a thesis topic after consulting with his/her advisor and other appropriate faculty members.
  2. Following the student’s selection of a topic, the advisor will seek the appointment of a thesis committee.
  3. The student, in consultation with the chairperson of the thesis committee, will prepare a thesis proposal for the  committee’s consideration.
  4. Upon approval of the proposal, the student will proceed to research and write the thesis under the direction of the chairperson of the committee.
  5. It is the responsibility of the student to see that all members of the committee are kept informed of the scope, plan, and progress of both the research and writing of the thesis.

Major:


24 additional credits of political science course work, including:

  • 18 credits, of which at  least 6 credits are at the 600 level and which include 6 credits in American government, politics, and administration
  • 6 credits in international relations
  • 6 credits in comparative politics

Note:


No more than 9 credits in 695, 697, and 698 combined can be included in the degree program. Only one reading course may be applied to the degree program. All course work must receive prior approval of the advisor for inclusion in the program.

Other Requirements:


  • 3 credits of approved electives selected from inside or outside the department. Courses taken outside the department must be clearly related to the student’s program.

Culminating Experience:


A copy of the thesis, in appropriate format, must be in the hands of the thesis committee at least two weeks before the final examination. Each M.A. candidate is required to pass a final oral examination over the thesis and related material, conducted by the committee and open to all faculty members.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs