University of Montana Catalog 2023-2024

Political Science M.A.

Master of Arts - Political Science

Summary

Core Courses18
Thesis/Non-Thesis Options12-18
Total Hours30-36

Degree Specific Credits:

Thesis Option: 30

Non-Thesis Option: 36

Required Cumulative GPA: 3.0

Notes

  • The Political Science M.A. Program provides students a rich learning environment in which to explore their interests and develop their skills and knowledge.  Our M.A. Program offers students a high degree of flexibility in their graduate studies to enable them to pursue their goals for learning, research and career preparation.
  • The M.A. Program develops students' knowledge of political science, policy and politics, as well as critical thinking, communications, and research skills.  This means our students gain excellent preparation for a wide range of careers in the research-based "knowledge economy", and for applying to highly selective graduate and law schools.  Our MA graduates develop the tools to be effective in government and public service, nonprofits and community organizations, media and journalism, and research and teaching.
  • Students can choose from two paths to the degree: a Thesis Option and a Non-Thesis Option.
  • The MA Core Requirements for both Options are to:
    1.  Complete six graduate seminar courses (18 credits) with at least one course in each of the following four subfields - (PSCI 580 can count for one of these subfields with the consent of the instructor). 
      American Politics
      PSCI 524Management and Policy Skills3
      PSCI 540American Government3
      Comparative Politics
      PSCI 520Comparative Government3
      PSCI 582Politics of the World Economy3
      PSCI 521Globalization3
      International Relations
      PSCI 530International Relations3
      PSCI 521Globalization3
      PSCI 582Politics of the World Economy3
      Political Theory
      PSCI 553Modern Political Theory3
      PSCI 557Political Science Theory Graduate Seminar3
    2.  Complete a Comprehensive Exam with both written and oral components set by three faculty in two or more of the core subfields of Political Science (the student may retake the exam once if a non-passing grade is received the first time).
    3.  Complete additional Elective courses - 18 for Non-Thesis Option, 12 for Thesis Option.  50% of all credits must be 500-level or above; 400-level courses may be used for credit if the course's graduate increment is successfully completed.  See additional specific Non-Thesis / Thesis requirements below
  • Non-Thesis Option Electives: 18 credits, of which up to 12 may be taken outside the Political Science department.  Up to six credits may be in Internships (PSCI 598) and up to six credits may be in Independent Study (PSCI 596)
  • Non-Thesis Option requires 3 professional-quality research papers:
    • At least two Political Science faculty as paper advisors
    • Topics in at least 2 subfields of political science
    • 25 pages with references
  • Thesis Option Electives: 12 credits, of which up to 6 may be taken outside the Political Science department.  Up to six credits may be in Internships (PSCI 598) and up to six credits may be in Independent Study (PSCI 596). Six credits maximum can be in thesis development (PSCI 599, one credit per semester)
  • Thesis Option: Writing the Thesis
    • Form a Thesis Committee of 3 or more faculty members.  The thesis committee chair and 1 other committee member must be from the PSCI department and one faculty member from another department related to your thesis.  In consultation with the committee chair, formulate a plan for your thesis, and complete the thesis in consultation with your committee.
    • Complete two oral exams: a thesis prospectus oral exam and a thesis defense.  The Thesis must be completed and delivered to the Graduate School before the oral exam.

Courses

Core Courses
Complete six of the following courses, at least one each in the four major subfields:18
Research Goals and Strategies Graduate Seminar (can count for any one of the four subfields with prior consent of the instructor)
American Politics:
Management and Policy Skills
American Government
Comparative Politics:
Comparative Government
Globalization
Politics of the World Economy
International Relations:
International Relations
Globalization
Politics of the World Economy
Political Theory:
Modern Political Theory
Political Science Theory Graduate Seminar
Non-Thesis Courses
Complete 18 additional credits: which may include credits taken in 400-level courses if graduate increment completed: up to 1818
Credits taken outside the Political Science Department - up to 12
Independent Study (up to 6)
Internship (up to 6)
Thesis Courses
Complete up to 12 credits: which may include credits taken in 400-level courses if graduate increment completed: up to 1212
Credits taken outside the Political Science Department - 6 hours
Independent Study
Internship
Thesis
Total Hours48

Minimum Required Grade: C