2009-10 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

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http://www.pscj.appstate.edu/mps/index.php

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 the department are supervised by the departmental chair, the individual graduate program directors, and the graduate committee.

The Master of Arts program in political science is designed to prepare students for careers in a variety of government, educational, and private settings, and for further graduate work at the doctoral level. Students in our program may choose from one of two concentrations: American Government (267C) or International Relations/Comparative Politics (267E). Our enrollment over the last 10 years has fluctuated between 15-20 students. With a student/faculty ratio of 3 to 1, we are able to provide our students with the individual attention they expect and deserve. While we have two basic curriculums, the interests and aspirations of our students are quite diverse and therefore we allow each student, in consultation with the Program Director, to develop a program of study which meets his or her unique interests and aspirations.

The American government concentration (267C) promotes student understanding of the institutions of American Politics and the behavior of the public and political actors. The International Relations/Comparative Politics concentration (267E) promotes student understanding of world politics and U.S. interactions with other nations. While the issue content of each concentration varies, both of curriculums provide students with the methodological and analytic skills necessary for further graduate work at the doctoral level and careers in government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.

 

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 graduate school; official GRE general test scores.

Minimum 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 5001: Scope and Methods (3)
PS 5002: Research Methods and Statistics (3)

6

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 (12 s.h.)

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

OR
Without Thesis (18 s.h.)

  • 15 s.h. of graduate electives selected in consultation with the MA Advisor
    Select one of the following:
    • PS 5800: Directed Research (3)
    • PS 5900: Internship in Public Affairs (3)
              

12 or 18

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

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