Political Science

The Department of Political Science’s Doctoral Program places special emphasis on the study of Environmental Politics and Policy. Master of Arts students may select Environmental Politics and Policy as one of their two subfield areas of study.

Students in the M.A. program may pursue studies in two of the following sub-fields: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, public policy and administration, political theory, and environmental politics and policy. Our M.A. program equips students with the skills necessary to succeed in a variety of local, state, and federal agencies as well as domestic and international non-governmental organizations. Internship opportunities are available for M.A. students in a variety of public and non-profit organizations. Graduate assistantships, which typically include a monthly stipend and tuition waiver, are available on a competitive basis.

Degree Requirements for Plan A (Thesis; 30 credits)

A minimum of 21 graduate credits in Political Science to include:

1. Two methods courses: 1) EITHER Approaches to the Study of Politics (POLS620) OR Scope and Methods (POLS624) AND 2) one of the following: Qualitative Methods in Political Science (POLS621), Quantitative Methods of Political Research (POLS625) OR Public Policy Analysis (POLS665).
2. At least two courses in each of two subfields in Political Science.
3. Satisfactory performance on oral presentation of thesis.
4. Thesis (a maximum of 6 credits may be allowed for preparation of the thesis.)
5. A research tool as determined between the student and the committee.

Degree Requirements for Plan B (Non-thesis; 36 credits)

A minimum of 24 credits in approved courses in Political Science, at least 18 of which must be at the graduate level, to include:

1. Two methods courses: 1) EITHER Approaches to the Study of Politics (POLS620) OR Scope and Methods (POLS624) AND 2) one of the following: Qualitative Methods in Political Science (POLS621), Quantitative Methods of Political Research (POLS625) OR Public Policy Analysis (POLS665).
2. A minimum of 24 graduate level credits.
3. Satisfactory performance on oral presentation of professional paper.
4. A research tool as determined by the student and the committee.

• The Department of Political Science requires TOEFL scores of 600 (paper-based) or 250 (computerbased) or IELTS score of 7.5 from all applicants for whom English is not the official language. Students who have received their undergraduate degrees in the USA are exempted.
• The Department requires standardized exam scores for all applicants. GRE scores are required for all Ph.D. applicants. M.A. applicants can submit LSAT or GRE scores. M.A. applicants should have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better and a combined score of 301 or better (1080 on the old GRE scoring system) on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE aptitude test, and an analytical score of 5.0. 
• All applicants must submit a paper written in English. 
• All applicants must submit three letters of recommendation. We encourage applicants to request the majority of their letters of recommendation from academic instructors. Letters of recommendation should be on original letterhead paper with original signatures.
• We require original transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended.
• A copy of diploma with official University or College Stamp.
• We make our funding decisions immediately after the February 15th deadline. If you wish to be considered for funding we must have your completed application by then

Scholarships

• McPherson Graduate Scholarship
• Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Graduate Scholarships
• Global Education
• Assistantships