COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science requires students to develop advanced knowledge and analytical competence in two subfields of the discipline, selected from American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Public Policy & Administration, and Political Theory, with one designated as a major field and the other as a minor field. The program is structured to ensure both depth and methodological training, regardless of whether students choose Plan I (thesis option) or Plan II (non-thesis option). All MA students must complete a common methodological core consisting of PSC 521 Research Design and PSC 522 Quantitative Methods, providing essential training in research design, data analysis, and empirical political science methods. In addition, students must complete a professionalization sequence through PSC 500 Departmental Seminar I and PSC 501 Departmental Seminar II, which together help develop academic writing, presentation skills, and professional preparation for careers or doctoral study. Under Plan I, students complete 36 total credit hours, including 12 credit hours in the major field, 6 credit hours in the minor field, 6 credit hours of methods coursework, 3 credit hours of elective coursework, and 6 credit hours of thesis research through PSC 599, which culminates in an original research thesis demonstrating mastery of a significant political science topic. Under Plan II, students also complete 36 credit hours, but replace the thesis requirement with additional elective coursework, totaling 9 elective credit hours instead of 3. Both tracks are designed to provide a strong foundation in theoretical and empirical political science while allowing flexibility to tailor study toward academic or professional goals. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, quantitative and qualitative research skills, and applied understanding of political systems and processes, preparing graduates for careers in public service, policy analysis, research institutions, or further doctoral study.