Mar 28, 2024  
Graduate Catalog 2021-22 
    
Graduate Catalog 2021-22 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Master of Arts in Political Science (PSCM)


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Director of Graduate Studies: Priscilla Lambert
Room 3410, Friedmann Hall

The Master of Arts in Political Science provides students with a knowledge of the principal theoretical works in the field of Political Science. Students develop methodological skills that train them for further research and work in the study of politics and related fields. Our program also trains students in political science pedagogy. Graduates of the program go on to Ph.D. programs in Social Sciences or Law, pursue teaching and advising careers in higher education, find work in government and non-profit sectors, and general positions in the business world.

Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting the general admission requirements of the Graduate College, a student must have completed at least 24 hours of work in the social sciences or other relevant fields and have achieved a 3.0 grade point average. Additional materials to be submitted include a brief essay about the student’s academic and professional objectives, a curriculum vita, and three recommendations (on WMU Graduate Reference Forms). The department may require the student to make up deficiencies in undergraduate preparation.

Program Requirements


The program is 30 credit hours and allows students to choose between the thesis and non-thesis options. Requirements in the two options may not be interchanged. Students should meet with the Director of Graduate Studies before registering for classes their first semester.

Thesis Option


1. Thirty hours of graduate credit in Political Science.


With the written approval of the Graduate Director, a student may substitute up to two courses with a maximum of eight hours of cognate work appropriate to his/her program.

2. Each student is required to take the following core courses (12 hours) or their equivalent:


3. Master’s Thesis


4. Pass an oral examination on the thesis and on the student’s political science program.


Non-Thesis Option


1. Thirty hours of graduate credit in Political Science.


With written approval of the Graduate Director, a student may substitute up to two courses with a maximum of eight hours of cognate work appropriate to his/her program.

2. Each student is required to take the following core courses (12 hours) or their equivalent:


3. Submit an exit portfolio and pass an oral examination on the portfolio and on the student’s political science program.


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