International and Comparative Politics, MA

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Program Description:

The Master of Arts in International and Comparative Politics prepares students who intend to continue their education in a Ph.D. program in international relations, comparative politics, or a related field. The program also provides continuing international education opportunities for those working in the public or private sector. Graduate seminars, education abroad, and practicum opportunities enable students to explore the scholarship in their field and its applications. Students may select from among three specialized Major Fields: Area Studies, Peace and Security Studies,or International Organizations. Students are required to complete or demonstrate proficiency either in quantitative research methods or modern foreign language. The degree culminates in either a traditional thesis or a project developed in consultation with a committee of program advisors. The program offers a dual degree option with the Master of Public Administration. (Students intending to pursue the dual degree must apply separately to both degree programs.)

Admissions Requirements:

Applicants to the International and Comparative Politics M.A. degree program must meet the graduate school’s admission criteria, and should additionally demonstrate in their letter of application how their undergraduate and/or professional record will be enhanced by participation in the program. Candidates should also prepare an essay that discusses a current issue or policy related to international affairs or comparative politics. The essay should be approximately 500 words and should use secondary sources. Once all application materials have been received, students will be contacted by the Program Director to conduct an admissions interview.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Master graduate level quantitative or qualitative research skills as appropriate to the study of international relations and comparative politics.
Master formal graduate writing skills appropriate for the creation of graduate theses and projects.
Have a solid understanding of the knowledge of their chosen specialties within international relations or comparative politics, with an understanding of the surrounding their topic of inquiry and the methodologies used to examine it.
Have effective communication skills, both oral and written.

Program Requirements:

I. Core Requirements

PLS 7030 - International and Comparative Politics Research Design Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 7200 - Grad Seminar in IR Theory Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 7300 - Theories of Comparative Politics Credit Hour(s): 3

II. Methodology

Quantitative Analysis Option:

PLS 7010 - International and Comparative Politics Statistics I Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 7020 - International and Comparative Politics Statistics II Credit Hour(s): 3

Foreign Language Option:

*Students may demonstrate proficiency in a modern language and complete the methodology requirement by submitting evidence of an undergraduate major in a modern language (within the last 5 years) or by completing the language proficiency testing offered through the Department of Modern Languages. Students may only count graduate-level courses (5000-level and above) toward the final credit hour count to complete the program.

Demonstrate or achieve proficiency through first semester course of the third level of a modern language (example: CHI 3110 , FR 3110 , GER 3110 , SPN 3110 )

III. Major Field: 15 Hours

**Students are not permitted to count “Independent Readings” courses (PLS 6910) toward this total.

Students select 15 semester hours (5 courses) in a related field to help develop expertise in their intended area of research.

Major Fields of Concentration: Area Studies; Peace and Security Studies; or International Organizations.

IV. Thesis or Project: 8 Hours

PLS 7990 - Graduate Thesis Research Credit Hour(s): 1 to 8
PLS 7980 - Graduate Project Credit Hour(s): 1 to 8