Political Science (M.A.)

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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

For the Emphasis in American Politics and Public Policy, Research Methods in Political Science (POLS 765) is required of all candidates for the Master of Arts degree. Students must also take two seminars (POLS 711 Seminar in American Political Institutions and POLS 771 Public Policy Process). 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.

For the Emphasis in International Relations, Research Methods in Political Science is required of all candidates for the Master of Arts degree. Students must also take two seminars (POLS 751 Topics in International Relations and POLS 759 Readings in International Relationship Theory). 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.

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. (not in Political Science) 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.