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

Political Science M.S.


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs

(33 credits minimum)

General requirements for the M.S. degree are the same as those for the M.A., including a minimum of 33 credit hours. 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 a program is planned. All courses in the degree program must be approved by the student’s academic advisor.

Research:


A candidate for the M.S. degree (paper option) will enroll in 698—3 credits, or a one-semester seminar course in the candidate’s field of concentration. This course will include the preparation of a special master’s paper, preceded by a formal proposal outlining the purposes to be achieved and the method to be used in the study. Completion of the paper shall be accomplished under the direction of the chairperson of a faculty committee formed for this purpose. The department recommends strongly that the special master’s paper be developed out of course work.

Major:


At least 24 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:


At least 6 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 candidate for the M.S. degree (paper option) shall make a seminar appearance near the conclusion of his/her program, at which time he or she will undergo an oral examination by a committee of members of the political science faculty on the content of the master’s paper and related material. A candidate for the M.S. degree (examination option) must pass comprehensive written examinations in three of the five subfields of political science. The candidate will choose the subfields; the questions will be formulated and evaluated by the appropriate area committees of the department.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs