Political Science, M.A.

Degree Requirements

Students will choose one option for the final culminating product of their MA degree. The choice should be made in conjunction with the committee chair (faculty member) and the format chosen should be finalized at the ‘prospectus meeting’ (typically the second semester in the case of full time MA students):

Plan A (Thesis)

At least 30 hours of graduate credit, to include:

• At least 6 additional hours of coursework in political science.
• A maximum of 9 hours of coursework in disciplines other than political science.
• A minimum of 4 hours thesis research.
• A master’s thesis demonstrating independent research, written under the supervision of the major professor.
• An oral examination conducted by the graduate committee covering all coursework and the thesis.
• No more than 6 hours of grades lower than 3.000 may be counted toward the minimum number of hours required for the degree.
• Students must maintain a graduate GPA of 3.000.
• POLS 5200 - Graduate Proseminar in Politics and International Studies Credits: 3  
• INST 5415 -Qualitative Methods in Politics & International Studies

Students selecting the thesis option will complete a research project that demonstrates their ability to design a significant scholarly study and conduct independent research. It may rely on use of secondary data rather than primary data collection. The thesis will:

• Be developed under the supervision of a committee chair and approved by a thesis committee.
• Demonstrate mastery of relevant theories, literature, and methodologies in the (sub)discipline(s) of focus.
• Typically be between 80-110 pages in length, although quality of argument and analysis is emphasized over length.
• Be defended in an oral examination before the committee covering the thesis and relevant coursework.

Students pursuing the thesis option must register for 4 credits of thesis research.

Plan B (Non-Thesis)

At least 30 hours of graduate credit, to include:

• At least 6 additional hours of coursework in political science.
• A maximum of 12 hours of coursework in disciplines other than political science.
• Plan B paper that reflects the quality but not scope of a master’s thesis, written under the supervision of the major professor.
• An oral examination conducted by the graduate committee covering all coursework and the Plan B paper.
• No more than 6 hours of grades lower than 3.000 may be counted toward the minimum number of hours required for the degree.
• Students must maintain a graduate GPA of 3.000.
• POLS 5200 - Graduate Proseminar in Politics and International Studies Credits: 3  
• INST 5415 - Qualitative Methods in Politics & International Studies Credits: 3

The Plan B option provides an alternative to the traditional thesis for students who wish to demonstrate their mastery of the discipline through research, applied, or professional work that is distinct from a single extended research document. Plan B projects must show evidence of original thought, critical engagement with the field or (sub)discipline(s) of focus, and professional-level communication. Plan B projects should be substantive, high quality and rigorous, and relevant to the student’s academic or professional goals. The Plan B will:

• Be developed under the supervision of a committee chair and approved by a thesis committee.
• Demonstrate mastery in the (sub)discipline(s) of focus.
• As appropriate, students may have to submit a substantial written component that situates the project within relevant scholarly or professional literatures.
• Be defended in an oral examination before the committee covering the project and relevant coursework.

Example Plan B Products
The parameters of Plan B projects will be determined in conversation with the committee chair and committee members. Some possible formats:

• Research Papers: One or more publishable-quality papers that demonstrate command of research design, theory, and analysis. A paper-length research paper would typically be narrower in scope than a thesis; it may rely on use of secondary data rather than primary data collection.
• Coursework Research Paper Portfolio: A collection of papers the student completed in courses related to their area of focus, and on a common or related theme. Papers would be heavily revised in conjunction with the committee chair and committee before submitting them to be considered for the Plan B culminating project.
• Comprehensive Exam: A written exam spanning several days in which the student is tested on their coursework and area(s) of study. A reading list the student draws from in the exam will be created by the student in consultation with the committee members.
• Policy or Consulting Reports: A client-based or applied research report designed to address a real-world problem in government, non-profit, or international organizations that demonstrated mastery of knowledge in the student’s discipline(s) of focus.
• Creative Works: A professionally produced documentary film, podcast series, or other media project that critically engages with research and scholarship in the student’s discipline(s) of focus.
• Teaching Portfolio: A collection of teaching materials (e.g., lesson plans, sample assignments, and teaching philosophy statement) demonstrating pedagogical skills for academic careers related to the student’s discipline(s) of focus.