MA Political Science

The Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science program, offered through the Department of Political Science, is designed to prepare students for careers in professional political science (teaching, research, writing, policy analysis, public service, foreign service) and to provide a general liberal arts education for students who might desire to enter one of several other fields, including government, law, business, and journalism. Courses are offered in a number of different areas, including American national government, state and local government, international relations, comparative politics, and political theory.

Admission
In addition to Graduate College standards, applicants have the following requirements:

Background Hours
Although there is no minimum requirement for background hours in Political Science, courses may be assigned at the discretion of the Graduate Advisor.
Grade Point Average
The Applicant must have earned a grade point average of 2.90 on a 4.0 scale on the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework leading to a bachelor's degree.
Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
Students with a grade point average of 2.5 to 2.89 must take the GRE prior to admission, and earn a preferred score of 900 (verbal and quantitative) or better in order to be considered for regular admission to Master of Arts degree Program.
Conditional Admission
On rare occasions, a student may be granted conditional admission if his or her grade point average is slightly less than a 2.90. The student will be required to meet conditions stipulated by the department.
International Students
All international students must score at least 550 on the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or a 220 on the TSE (Test for Spoken English).

Degree Program Options
Master of Arts (MA), thesis option
The student must successfully complete a minimum of 24 hours of Political Science. Six (6) of these hours will be thesis hours. In addition, students select a minimum of 6 hours in an approved minor.
Master of Arts (MA), non-thesis option
The student must successfully complete a minimum of 27 hours. In addition, students will select a minimum of 6 hours in an approved minor.

Comprehensive Examination
Degree candidates for the MA must successfully complete a comprehensive examination (oral or written or both) over coursework in the major field. The examination will take place near completion of the degree program. For MA thesis candidates, the examining committee is the thesis committee.

Thesis
Upon completion of 15 hours in Political Science and after consultation with the Graduate Advisor, students may select a committee with one member designated as chair, and secure approval of a thesis proposal before registering for thesis hours. When the thesis proposal has been approved by the Comittee, the appropriate forms are submitted to the Graduate Office. In addition, students must also satisfy all of the Graduate College requirements as stated in the thesis handbook.

Additional Information

Master of Arts in Political Science Handbook

Contact Information

Ms. Dodie Weidner
Administrative Assistant
dw29@txstate.edu
(512) 245-2143
ELA 266

Dr. Cecilia Castillo
Graduate Advisor
cr09@txstate.edu
(512) 245-2143
ELA 329

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