Master's Program in Political Science

Apply through the School of Graduate Studies

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.

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).

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).

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.