Master of Arts in Political Science

Political Science – MA4201

Department of Political Science
Bentley Annex, Second Floor
Ohio University
Athens, OH 45701
polsba@ohio.edu

Delivery Mode: Athens Campus

Terms of Entry: Fall

Program Overview

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Political Science provides students of a variety of goals and backgrounds with a rigorous and flexible course of study, an accessible faculty with diverse interests and experiences, and excellent facilities for research and study. The department offers a variety of courses at the graduate level, including seminars in the scope and theory of political science, research methods in the discipline, and seminars in five areas of concentration:

• American Government
• Comparative Politics
• International Relations
• Political Theory
• Politics and Law

This breadth allows graduate students, in consultation with an adviser, to construct a program that fits their particular needs and provides students the opportunity to explore various post-graduate career options while strengthening their analytical, research, and writing skills. Through this combination of rigorous academic training, the flexibility to specialize and develop expertise in their areas of interest, and the opportunity to work closely with faculty known for the research and teaching excellence, the M.A. in Political Science prepares students for entry to law schools and doctoral programs in political science; for working for political campaigns, interest groups, non-profits, and policy think tanks; and for entry-level local, state, and federal legislative and bureaucratic positions. Elective credits can include Political Science electives, courses in a student’s specialization, and approved internships. The program also offers students either a thesis or non-thesis option as alternative routes to completing their degrees. Expected time to degree with full-time enrollment is two semesters.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• Explain how a variety of political systems operate.
• Identify honest and ethical research practices.
• Identify, apply, and interpret appropriate research methods and theories to investigate a variety of political and social phenomena.
• Identify an area of concentration for in-depth study and analyze a variety of political and social phenomena in their selected area
• Evaluate, critique, and synthesize scholarship in their selected area of concentration.
• Conduct original research that investigates political or social phenomena in their area of concentration using appropriate methodologies and theories.
• Communicate their original research effectively to the scholarly community.

Opportunities for Graduates

The M.A. program prepares students for entry to law schools and doctoral programs in political science; for working with political campaigns, interest groups, non-profit organizations and policy think tanks; and for positions in local, state, and federal legislative and bureaucratic offices. A number of our graduates have gone on to attend leading law schools and graduate programs in political science, and others have secured professional positions in government public affairs and the private sector.

Further Information

Link to Program: https://www.ohio.edu/cas/political-science/graduate/master

Admission Requirements

Applications for admission to the Master of Arts in Political Science program are accepted throughout the year. However, students are encouraged to begin coursework during fall semester. The following admission requirements must me met:

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Applicants are expected to have some academic training in political science. Generally, a minimum of 18 semester hours of undergraduate work in political science (approximately six courses) or the equivalent is expected, although exceptions can be made for those with coursework in closely related fields or with practical political or administrative experience.
2. Minimum GPA of 3.0 for unconditional admission. Applicants with less than a 3.0 overall GPA, who have a 3.0 or better in Political Science or other compensating qualifications (such as political or administrative experience and training) can be admitted only on a conditional basis. Students with a GPA below a 3.0 are required to take the GRE. Conditionally admitted students must maintain at least a 3.0 average during the first 12 hours of coursework to be retained in the program and are not eligible for financial assistance during this period. In certain cases, an applicant who lacks the necessary background may be admitted as a special non-degree student. Courses taken in this status do not count toward the degree but can be used to provide the necessary back ground for admission and to demonstrate the ability to handle graduate-level work.
3. Three letters of recommendation.
4. Resume or vitae.
5. Personal Statement of purpose (approximately 500 words).
6. English Proficiency. All non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting official test scores for either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS academic). To be considered official, test scores must be reported directly from the testing agency to Ohio University. Minimum TOEFL-iBT 80. IELTS 6.5 minimum across all bands. See more information on English Proficiency.
7. Writing sample *(optional).

International Students

This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.

Graduation Requirements

The M.A. in Political Science program requires a minimum of 32 semester hours of graduate-level credit at the 5000 and 6000 level. Up to 8 hours of credit may be taken in a related discipline or transferred from another graduate program with the approval of the graduate director.