Political Science

The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at the University at Buffalo offers a comprehensive and rigorous undergraduate program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of political systems, institutions, and processes both within the United States and globally. This program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, analytical skills, and a broad knowledge base necessary for active citizenship, public service, and participation in democratic governance. Students in the Political Science program have the opportunity to explore diverse areas such as American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and public policy. The curriculum is designed to integrate both theoretical frameworks and empirical research methods, equipping students with the tools needed to analyze political phenomena and to address complex societal issues.

Throughout the program, students can engage in a variety of experiential learning opportunities, including internships, research projects, and participation in policy debates, which help to bridge classroom theory with real-world practice. The faculty members are renowned experts in their fields, offering mentorship and guidance to foster academic growth and career development. The program also prepares students for advanced study in graduate or professional schools or for careers in government, non-profit organizations, international agencies, journalism, and private sector businesses involved in policy analysis and advocacy.

The University at Buffalo’s diverse and inclusive academic environment encourages students to develop a nuanced understanding of different political perspectives and cultural contexts. Students are motivated to become informed and responsible citizens capable of engaging thoughtfully with issues such as governance, human rights, international conflict, environmental policy, and social justice. The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at UB aims to produce graduates who are not only knowledgeable about political systems but also committed to contributing positively to society through informed action and leadership. With a strong foundation in both theory and practice, students graduate ready to pursue a wide range of professional opportunities or further education in political science or related fields.

Students in the M.A. program must complete a total of 30 credit hours: eight courses (24 credit hours) and a Master’s Thesis (six credit hours) or 9 courses (27 credit hours) and a Research Project Paper (three credit hours). A maximum of 6 hours of transfer credit may be allowed. No more than three credits may be earned through the satisfactory completion of Political Science 599,
Supervised Teaching or PSC 600 Supervised Research.

In accordance with Graduate School regulations, all requirements must be completed in four years. Masters students are required to take the following Department Core Courses (PSC 500-Introduction to Political Inquiry and PSC 508-Basic Statistics for Social Science) plus the Core Courses in two of the four Fields (PSC 503 in Comparative Politics; PSC 504 in International Politics; PSC 505 in American Politics; PSC 561 in Public Law). A maximum of three courses (nine credit hours) may be taken outside the Department, subject to prior approval for each by the Director of
Graduate Studies.

The Master’s Thesis or Research Project Paper is written under the direction of, and must be approved by, two faculty members; it is also subject to the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies. Although the research paper is ordinarily less substantial than the thesis in scope, it is expected to be of comparable quality. As appropriate, faculty members outside the Department may
participate in the guidance of theses or research papers.

Admission to the Master’s program is open to students who hold a Bachelor’s degree.

Successful applicants will have a combined score of at least 310 on the Verbal and Quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Exam (1200 on old version), and a score of at least 4.5 on the Analytical Section of the same exam. A minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) is required for admission to the graduate program.  For International applicants, the University at Buffalo requires international students to have a TOEFL score above 550 on the paper-based test (PBT) or 79 on the internet-based test (iBT).  The Graduate Admissions Committee may waive these requirements if other application materials are deemed sufficient to warrant admission to the graduate program.

A limited number of fellowships and assistantships are available for qualified graduate students. Departmental assistantships include a stipend for the academic year of $13,400 (on average) and a full tuition scholarship. In addition, the University offers a limited number of one- to four-year fellowships awarded on a competitive basis to outstanding students. These fellowships increase the base Departmental stipend by $2,000 to $8,000 per year. Recently, more than half of the students on Departmental assistantships also received University-level fellowships.

The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, offers students a comprehensive foundation in the study of government systems, political behavior, and public policies. This program is designed to develop students’ analytical, research, and communication skills, preparing them for careers in government, law, journalism, international relations, non-profit organizations, and graduate study. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics including American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and public administration. Students have the opportunity to engage with faculty who are active researchers and practitioners in their fields, allowing for an enriched learning experience. The program encourages critical thinking and the ability to evaluate diverse perspectives on political issues. Students can choose electives aligned with their interests such as environmental politics, human rights, or policy analysis. The university provides various experiential learning opportunities, including internships, research projects, and study-abroad programs, enabling students to gain practical experience and a global perspective. Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in various sectors or continued their education through graduate or professional schools. The program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, making it suitable for students aiming for versatile careers in politics and related fields. The faculty members are committed to fostering a stimulating intellectual environment, encouraging student engagement and critical inquiry. Overall, the Political Science program at UB is tailored to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand complex political systems and to become active, informed citizens and professionals.