Master's Program in Political Science
Apply through the School of Graduate Studies
Program Highlights
- Broad training in American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory.
- Faculty clusters in areas such as Confrlict; Executive Politics; Law, Courts, and Constitutionalism; Legislative Politics; Parties; Security; and State Politics.
- Graduates go on to top Ph.D. programs, positions in government, interest groups, think tanks, nonprofits, and the private sector.
- Complete the MA or MS degree in two years or sooner.
Admissions Information
- Apply through the School of Graduate Studies.
- Requirements: bachelor's degree, GRE scores, 3 letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
- Funding packages including stipends and tuition waivers are available on a competitive basis.
- February 1 priority deadline for funding considerations.
- Admissions decisions made on a rolling basis (fall entry only).
Accelerated Option for USU Undergraduates
- Apply as early as spring semester junior year (see admissions requirements above).
- Formal admission to the graduate program is contingent upon completing the bachelor's degree.
- Take up to 9 graduate credits in political science as an undergraduate (POLS 5000+ or 6000+ classes).
- Use the split form to reserve these credits for graduate study (they cannot then be applied to the undergraduate degree).
Graduate Program Curriculum
- POLS 6010 Research Design (required)
- POLS 6300 American Political Seminar (required)
- POLS 6220 Comparative Politics Seminar (required)
- POLS 6250 International Relations Seminar (required)
- POLS 6310 Political Theory Seminar (required)
- POLS 6970 Thesis Research (6 credits if Plan A thesis, 3 hours if Plan B thesis)
- POLS 5000+ or 6000+ electives (9 hours if Plan a thesis, 12 hours if Plan B thesis)
- Students interested in the MA must also pass a second language competency exam.
- Note: 5000+ or 6000+ classes from outside the department may be credited as electives with department approval.
Forms and Contact
- Political Science Graduate Study Handbook
- USU School of Graduate Studies
- Graduate Program Coordinator: Candi Checketts
- Director of Graduate Studies: Robert Ross
- Graduate Program Requirement Information Sheet
- Accelerated Master's Program Information Flyer