Political Science (M.A.)

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Degree Requirements

Plan A (thesis): Total 33 credit hours

Political Science core: 12 credit hours
Elective courses: 15 credit hours
Thesis: 6 credit hours

Plan B (non–thesis): Total 33 credit hours

Political Science core: 12 credit hours
Elective courses: 15 credit hours
Supporting courses: 6 credit hours

Required course work for the Master of Arts in Political Science:

POLS 765

Research Methods in Political Science is required of all candidates for the Master of Arts degree. Students may take no more than nine hours outside of Political Science. Students must take at least 15 hours from the USD Political Science Department in actual course work. No more than six credit hours in Independent Study and no more than three credit hours of Internship will count toward the M.A. degree. The internship must be related to general theory to make it an academic as well as practical experience.

Students receiving more than one grade below a ‘B’ may be placed on probationary status or dismissed from the program.

Comprehensive Exams: If a student fails a comprehensive exam, three months must pass before the student may retake it. The entire exam must be retaken. A student may take the exam only twice. Failure to pass the exam on the second try will result in dismissal from the program. The student answers four questions in four hours. Passing the exam requires a composite score equal to at least a “High Pass” on three questions and a “Marginal Pass” on the fourth question.

Concurrent M.A. Program with Juris Doctor, Ph. D. and Ed. D.

A student can concurrently pursue a Master of Arts in Political Science or Master of Public Administration and a Juris Doctor, counting a maximum of nine credit hours in certain law courses toward either Master’s degree and nine hours in certain Political Science courses counting toward the Juris Doctor requirements. Students pursuing the Ph.D. or Ed.D. may also pursue a joint degree with the M.P.A. The Joint Degree program is open to Plan A and Plan B students in the M.A. program, as well as students in the M.P.A. program. Additional information available from the respective Program Directors upon request.