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Political Science ProgramPhotos of Students and Faculty

The Master's Degree - The Practical Track

For the practical track students are required to take PSC 501 Introduction to the Graduate Study of Politics and PSC 502 Methods of Inquiry. Students must take either PSC 511 Seminar in American Politics or PSC 512 Seminar in State Politics, and they must take one of two practical politics seminars, PSC 562 Practical Politics Seminar in Political Campaigns or PSC 563 Practical Politics Seminar in Lobbying and Policy Analysis. The other two required courses are the internship (PSC 520-524) and closure (PSC 590). The degree consists of a minimum of 40 credit hours, this leaves 4 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 Practical Politics 40 Hrs.

Foundation Seminars:

  • PSC 501 Introduction to the Graduate Study of Politics 4 Hrs.
  • PSC 502 Methods of Inquiry 4 Hrs.

Subject Matter Seminar:

  • PSC 511 Seminar in American Politics

    OR

  • PSC 512 Seminar in State Politics 4 Hrs.

Advanced Seminars:

  • PSC 562 Practical Politics Seminar in Political Campaigns

    OR

  • PSC 563 Practical Politics Seminar in Lobbying

    OR

  • PSC 564 Policy Analysis 4 Hrs.

Internships: (choose one, no more than two)

  • PSC 520 Internship in Teaching Process
  • PSC 521 Internship in the Electoral Process
  • PSC 522 Internship in the Legislative Process
  • PSC 523 Internship in the Executive Process
  • PSC 524 Internship in International Policy 4 or 8 Hrs.

Electives 12-16 Hrs.

PSC 590 Closure Exercise: (choose one) 4 Hrs.

    • Comprehensive Examination
    • Master's Project in Practical Politics
    • Thesis