Graduate Bulletin and Course Catalog

Master of Arts in Political Science
Department of Government and Justice Studies
College of Arts and Sciences

Brian Ellison, Chair and Professor
EllisonBA@appstate.edu

Phillip J. Ardoin, Program Director and Assistant Professor
ArdoinPJ@appstate.edu

http://www.pscj.appstate.edu

The Department of Government and Justice Studies offers the Master of Arts in Political Science (Major Code: 267*/45.1001), with two concentrations:           
            American Government (267C)           
            International Relations/Comparative Politics (267E)           

The Department also offers programs in Criminal Justice (MS) and Public Administration (MPA), described under those headings in this bulletin. Graduate programs in Political Science/Criminal Justice are supervised by the departmental chair, the individual graduate program directors, and the graduate committee.

The Department of Government and Justice Studies prepares students for professional and academic careers. The political science program is designed to prepare persons for careers in a variety of public and private settings, and to prepare students for further graduate work at the doctoral level.

Students choosing the American government concentration (267C) will prepare for careers, or further study, in fields related to politics in either the national, state, or local levels of government.

The International Relations/Comparative Politics concentration (267E) promotes student understanding of world politics and U.S. interactions with other nations. It prepares students for job opportunities in government, non-government organizations, multinational corporations and a career in academia if students choose to pursue a Ph.D.

PROGRAM OF STUDY FOR THE MASTER OF ARTS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE (Major Code: 267*/45.1001)

Admission Requirements: Baccalaureate degree with a major or minor in Political Science, Criminal Justice or a related field from an accredited college or university; complete application to the Cratis Williams Graduate School (http://www.graduate.appstate.edu), including resume, three letters of recommendation, official GRE general test scores, and official transcripts from all colleges attended.

Basic Criteria for Unconditional Admission: (Undergraduate GPA X 400) + GRE Verbal + GRE Quantitative = 2000.

Location: On campus

Course Requirements for the Master of Arts in Political Science

Required Course

PS/CJ 5000: Research Methods (3)

3

Concentration (CHOOSE ONE)

American Government (267C):
PS 5030: Seminar in American Government and Politics (3)
9 s.h. from the following in consultation with the MA Advisor:

    • CJ 5150: The American Justice System and Social Justice (3)
    • CJ/PA 5180: Public Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation (3)
    • PS 5010: Seminar in Political Philosophy (3)
    • PS 5100: Seminar in Congressional Politics (3)
    • PS 5110: Campaigns and Elections (3)
    • PS 5130: Appalachian Political Perspectives (3)
    • PS 5135: Readings and Research in American Politics (3)
    • PS 5145: American Political Parties and Interest Groups (3)
    • PS 5330: Problems in State and Local Government (3)
    • PS 5530-5549: Selected Topics (1-4)
    • PS 5710: American Political Thought (3)

OR
International Relations/Comparative Politics (267E):
PS 5020: Pro-Seminar in International Relations (3)
PS 5040: Pro-Seminar in Comparative Politics (3)
6 s.h. from the following in consultation with the MA Advisor:

    • PS 5010: Seminar in Political Philosophy (3)
    • PS 5120: Readings and Research in International Relations (3)
    • PS 5125: Readings and Research in Comparative Politics (3)
    • PS 5530-5549: Selected Topics (1-4)
    • PS 5721: Human Rights (3)
    • PS 5722: U.S. Foreign Policy (3)
    • PS 5741: European Governments and Politics (3)
    • PS 5743: The European Union (3)
    • PS 5744: Middle East Politics (3)
    • PS 5745: African Politics (3)
    • PS 5748: Latin American Politics (3)

12

Thesis Option (CHOOSE ONE)

With Thesis (15 s.h.)
PS 5998: Thesis Preparation (3)
PS 5999: Thesis (3)
9 s.h. of graduate electives selected in consultation with the MA Advisor

OR
Without Thesis (21 s.h.)
         Select one of the following:                 
         PS 5800: Directed Research (3)
         PS 5900: Internship in Public Affairs (3)
         18 s.h. of graduate electives selected in consultation with the MA Advisor

15 or 21

Total Semester Hours Required for the Master of Arts in Political Science

30
(thesis)
OR
36

 

Other Requirements for the MA in Political Science:

Thesis: Optional
Proficiency: Students must demonstrate a proficiency in reading a foreign language or quantitative analysis as a research tool. The department may determine the proficiency required.
Comprehensive: During the final semester of course work, candidates must pass a written comprehensive examination.
Product of Learning: None required