The Department of Government & Politics, Graduate Division
of Arts and Sciences, provides students with the analytical skills
necessary to evaluate political issues and to function effectively
in a political environment.The primary objective of the M.A. in
Government & Politics is to enhance students' professional
expertise in today's complex global environment.
Entrance Requirements
For admission to graduate studies in Government & Politics,
students are expected to have an undergraduate preparation of at
least 24 credits in the field. In lieu of this, subject to
departmental review, students may be accepted with Special Student
status, and be required to complete additional credits in the
program.
Program of Study
For students who meet the entrance requirements, the program
requires a minimum of 11 classes of course work, including GOV 205,
which must be completed during the first year of matriculation.
Students must take at least 4 classes from the International
Relations and Comparative Politics course offerings. Of the
remaining 6 classes, at least 1 class must be taken from the
American Government or Public Administration field and at least 1
class from the Political Theory field.
Thesis Option
Students who select the thesis option must complete 2 classes of
Master Research GOV 900 as part of their 11 course degree
requirements in 2 consecutive semesters. In addition, students must
present evidence of their knowledge of a foreign language, normally
French or German. This can be done by passing the ETS Clep
Examination, taking a reading course in their chosen language, or
passing a translation test. Native speakers or students who have
majored/minored in their chosen language can submit a special
request to the Chair. Upon the approval of the Department, another
language may be substituted if such substitution is deemed
desirable due to the nature of the specialized field of
research.
Comprehensive Exam
All students are required to pass a comprehensive examination which
tests the student's knowledge in the International Relations
concentration field and in one additional field.