Master of Arts Program
Program Overview
For the M.A. degree in political science, the Department requires a minimum of twenty-four (24) graduate hours, attendance at the weekly Departmental Seminar and a thesis. A final oral examination of the thesis and courses taken by the student is required. Blacks and the American Political System, Scope and Methods of Political Inquiry courses are required of all students pursuing the Master of Arts degree in Political Science. Students will select other courses according to their research interests.
Admissions Requirements
In addition to the General Admissions Requirements as published in this Catalog, applicants to the Master of Arts Degree in Political Science must have been awarded a Bachelor's degree with a major in Political Science from a regionally accredited four-year college or university with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0. Consideration may be given to other applicants whose academic preparation in related social sciences suggests that they are capable of successfully pursuing the Master of Arts Degree in Political Science. The Graduate Records Examination (GRE) is required.
Program Objectives
- Present major theories, concepts, systems, and methodologies used in the study of politics and international relations.
- Discuss the foundations, institutions, processes and values that shape politics within and among states and the world and emphasize the importance of political engagement.
- Prepare students to explore issues or problems in national and global political systems.
- Apply key analytic and theoretical frameworks to sub-fields of political science to formulate hypotheses, research questions and evaluate arguments based on these frameworks.
- Prepare students for advanced studies and careers in political science or related fields.
Ph.D. Program
Overview
For the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in political science, the Department requires a minimum of thirty (30) graduate hours of course work beyond the Master’s degree. Twelve (12) hours are awarded upon completion of the dissertation. The minimum credit hours requirement for the Ph.D. is forty-two (42) hours beyond the Master’s. Blacks and the American Political System, Scope and Methods of Political Inquiry, and Government and Politics of Modern Africa courses are required of all students pursuing the Doctoral degree in Political Science. If any of these courses have been taken in our M.A. program they need not be repeated but the minimum number of credit hours must be satisfied with elective courses.
Admissions Requirements
In addition to the General Admissions Requirements as published in this Catalog, applicants to the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Political Science should have been awarded a Master of Arts Degree in Political Science from a regionally accredited college or university. Consideration may be given to other applicants who have earned a master's degree in one of the social sciences related disciplines. In such cases, students should expect to be admitted conditionally and will normally be required to take additional credits beyond the minimum to complete degree requirements. Graduate Records Examination (GRE) required.
Program Objectives
- Introduce students to theoretical, analytic, and substantive approaches to public policy analysis and administration.
- Prepare students to design and conduct original high-quality research in Political Science
- Prepare students with skills necessary to communicate, in written and oral formats, significant issues, scholarly works and practices in Political Science to multiple audiences.
- Train students to teach political science at the post-secondary level.
- Prepare students for careers in political science or related fields.
