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Master's Degree - The Academic Track
For the academic track students are required to take POS 501 Introduction to the Graduate Study of Politics, POS 502 Methods of Inquiry, and POS 503 Graduate Research Methods. Students are also required to take three of the subject matter seminars, and closure (POS 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 POS 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:
- POS 501 Introduction to the Graduate Study of Politics 4 Hrs.
- POS 502 Methods of Inquiry 4 Hrs.
- POS 503 Graduate Research Methods 4 Hrs.
Subject Matter Seminars: (three required)
- POS 511 Seminar in American Politics 4 Hrs.
- POS 512 Seminar in State Politics 4 Hrs.
- POS 513 Seminar in Politics and Law 4 Hrs.
- POS 514 Seminar in Political Philosophy 4 Hrs.
- POS 515 Seminar in International Relations 4 Hrs.
- POS 516 Seminar in Comparative Politics 4 Hrs.
- POS 517 Seminar on Congress 4 Hrs.
- POS 518 Seminar on Public Policy 4 Hrs.
Internships: (not required, may do one as an elective)
- POS 520 Internship in Teaching Process 4 Hrs.
- POS 521 Internship in the Electoral Process 4 Hrs.
- POS 522 Internship in the Legislative Process 4 Hrs.
- POS 523 Internship in the Executive Process 4 Hrs.
- POS 524 Internship in International Policy 4 Hrs.
Electives 8-12 Hrs.
- POS 590 Closure Exercise: (choose one) 4 Hrs.
- Group Research Project
- Comprehensive Examination
- Master's Project in Practical Politics
- Thesis
