Program of Study - Political Science (MA)
Overview
The primary objective of the Master of Arts in Political Science is to provide graduates with training and expertise in selective subfields such as Governance and Policy Process, World and Borderland Politics, and the Politics of Race, Gender, and Class. The degree will
- Enhance student competence in the content, principles, and methods of political science;
- Prepare students for entry into jobs requiring a sound knowledge of statistical and other research methods; and
- Equip students with the skills necessary for jobs in secondary and community college education, governmental and quasi‐governmental agencies at all levels of government, non‐profit organizations, and the media.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the graduate program, prospective candidates must first meet all requirements for graduate admission to UT Rio Grande Valley, as well as the other requirements listed below:
- Have completed at least 12 hours of undergraduate courses in Political Science and/or Public Policy, including POLS 2370 (Introduction to Political Science Research, with a statistics lab).
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 hours completed in major coursework, and a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate political science coursework.
- GRE scores in verbal and quantitative sections.
- Three (3) letters of recommendation from individuals who are qualified to judge the student’s academic and professional potential.
- Statement of Purpose (1 or 2 pages) describing the applicant’s interest in political science, major field of study, and career goals.
- Curriculum vitae/resume of educational background, including any volunteer and/or work experience.
Application for admission must be submitted prior to the published deadline. The application is available at www.utrgv.edu/gradapply.
Program Requirements
Required Courses (9 Credits)
Prescribed Electives-9-Credits
Choose ONE course from each of the following subfields
Governance and Policy Process
Politics of Race Gender and Class
World and Borderland Politics
Capstone Requirement (6 Credits)
Thesis Option
Non-Thesis Option
(A petition must be made to the Graduate Coordinator to pursue this option)
Choose 6 hours from the subfield not selected as the primary subfield above.
Written Comprehensive Exam
Choose one of the following subfield concentrations:
All 12 hours must be chosen from ONE subfield.
(3 hours may be taken outside of political science with permission from the Graduate Coordinator)
Governance and Policy Process (12 Credits)
World and Borderland Politics (12 Credits)
Total Credit Hours: 36