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 Conflict; 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 2 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 hours 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
Graduate Program Coordinator: Jessica Felts
Interim Director of Graduate Studies: Professor Josh Ryan
