The Master's Degree - The Academic Track
For the academic track students are required to take PSC 501 Introduction to the Graduate Study of Politics, PSC 502 Methods of Inquiry, and PSC 503 Graduate Research Methods. Students are also required to take three of the subject matter seminars, and closure (PSC 590). The degree consists of a minimum of 40 credit hours, this leaves 3 classes for electives.
The only prerequisite is an undergraduate research methods class. The department will determine whether previous coursework fulfills this requirement. If it does not, you are required to take PSC 451, Empirical Political Analysis. You are allowed to take up to 12 credit hours at the 400 level, thus this course will count toward your degree.
Concentration in Academic Politics 40 Hrs.
Foundation Seminars:
- PSC 501 Introduction to the Graduate Study of Politics 4 Hrs.
- PSC 502 Methods of Inquiry 4 Hrs.
- PSC 503 Graduate Research Methods 4 Hrs.
Subject Matter Seminars: (three required)
- PSC 511 Seminar in American Politics 4 Hrs.
- PSC 512 Seminar in State Politics 4 Hrs.
- PSC 513 Seminar in Politics and Law 4 Hrs.
- PSC 514 Seminar in Political Philosophy 4 Hrs.
- PSC 515 Seminar in International Relations 4 Hrs.
- PSC 516 Seminar in Comparative Politics 4 Hrs.
- PSC 517 Seminar on Congress 4 Hrs.
- PSC 518 Seminar on Public Policy 4 Hrs.
Internships: (not required, may do one as an elective)
- PSC 520 Internship in Teaching Process 4 Hrs.
- PSC 521 Internship in the Electoral Process 4 Hrs.
- PSC 522 Internship in the Legislative Process 4 Hrs.
- PSC 523 Internship in the Executive Process 4 Hrs.
- PSC 524 Internship in International Policy 4 Hrs.
Electives 8-12 Hrs.
- PSC 590 Closure Exercise: (choose one) 4 Hrs.
- Group Research Project
- Comprehensive Examination
- Master's Project in Practical Politics
- Thesis
