Political Science M.S.
Political Science offers a program of study leading to a Master of Science (M.S.) degree, with two distinct tracks: a traditional two-year thesis track and an accelerated one-year nonthesis track. Both tracks provide a strong foundation in political science theory, research methods, and professional skills.
Two-Year Thesis Track
This track is designed to be completed in two years and offers significant flexibility. Students complete a foundational curriculum in political science theory and research methods, followed by elective coursework tailored to their interests and goals. This track works well for students contemplating pursuit of a doctoral degree in political science, as well as those interested in careers in law, legislative affairs, or the foreign service. Students have the option to substitute internships for credit during their second year and complete a master's thesis.
Accelerated One-Year Nonthesis Track
This innovative track allows students to complete their M.S. degree in one calendar year. It emphasizes a more streamlined curriculum with increased elective options, allowing for greater customization of the learning experience. This track is ideal for professionals seeking to quickly enhance their credentials and advance their careers in politics, public policy, and related fields. Students complete a combination of coursework, research projects, and/or internships, providing a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Students who are in the PS Pathways program (BS+MS) are not eligible for the one-year track.
Both tracks maintain the program's commitment to flexibility, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific career aspirations. The foundational curriculum ensures all students develop a strong grounding in political science theory, research methods, and professional skills.
Degree Requirements
Core Courses
Students in both tracks are required to take 17 credits of core coursework:
| PS 590 | Introduction to Graduate School: Skills for Scholarly Success | 1 |
| PS 511 | Advanced Overview of Political Science | 4 |
| PS 591 | Testing Theories in Political Science | 4 |
Two of the following field seminars:
| PS 520 | Seminar on American Political Institutions | 4 |
| PS 530 | Proseminar in International Relations | 4 |
| PS 569 | Comparative Political Institutions | 4 |
| PS 585 | Political Theory and Governance | 4 |
Methods Courses (Thesis Track)
Students in the two-year thesis track are required to take 6 additional credits of coursework in research and teaching methods:
| PS 589 | How to Teach and Present Social Science Research | 2 |
One of the following methods courses:
| PS 595 | Topics in Specialized Research Methods for Political Science | 4 |
| PS 594/PAP 690 | Research Design for Politics and Policy | 4 |
| PA 551 | Qualitative Methods for Public and Nonprofit Managers | 4 |
| PA 552 | Quantitative Methods for Public and Nonprofit Managers | 4 |
Elective Courses
Students in the thesis track take 20 credits of elective courses, which may include up to 8 credits of
PS 504 Internship. Students in the nonthesis track take 20 credits of elective courses; internship, research, and/or practicum credits do not satisfy the elective course requirement for nonthesis students.
Thesis or Project
Thesis students complete 9 credits of
PS 503 Thesis. The master's thesis is an original investigation that demonstrates mastery of a topic in political science and the ability to communicate this understanding to an audience of one's peers. The thesis topic is chosen during Spring term of the first year in consultation with the student's thesis advisor, who supervises the drafting of a thesis prospectus. The completed thesis is defended during Spring term of the second year in an oral presentation laying out the purpose, implementation, and findings of the project, and making a case for its contribution to political science scholarship.
Nonthesis students complete 8 credits of
PS 501 Research or
PS 504 Internship as their summative project. The research option involves producing two substantial research papers that address significant questions in political science or public policy. The internship option provides students with practical experience in a professional setting related to government, public policy, or political analysis. Both options are typically chosen during the Winter term of the first year and concluded during the Summer. The project should address a specific professional or organizational need, develop particular skills, or deepen knowledge in a specific area of government, public policy, or political analysis.
Total Credit Hours
Thesis Track: 52
Nonthesis Track: 45