GRADUATE PROGRAMSMaster of Arts in Political Science
Requirements and Rules
The political science department offers a master’s of arts (MA) degree in Political Science with an emphasis on building academic and practical skills in key areas of the discipline. Research and teaching in the department centers on the major fields of American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory and Public Policy; however, the department also offers more specialized training in Human Rights, Legal Studies, Gender Politics, Race and Ethnic Politics, European Studies, Indigenous Politics, and Urban Politics. Students pursuing the MA have the option of completing the traditional track or an alternative track centered on the study on politics, public policy and leadership. Students completing the program have gone on to PhD programs across the country and work in a variety of areas including; state and local elected office, government service, directors of community-based organizations and non-governmental organizations, legislative analysts, UN affiliates, lobbyists, teachers, media analysis, and political consulting.
There are two plans students may pursue to fulfill their M.A. degree requirements in the Political Science Department. Examine the two plans below to decide which is better for you. With either plan you must complete a minimum of 16 credit hours with the Political Science Department at the University of Colorado at Denver, and maintain a B (3.0) overall GPA or better.
The Project Plan (Plan 2) is available not only on the Denver campus, but also through the Center for New Directions in Public Policy at the Chaparral Center in Douglas County and in Durango. The New Directions program offers a weekend schedule with a public policy emphasis.
Required Courses |
Plan 1: Thesis |
Plan 2: Project |
|---|---|---|
Seminar Hours: PSC 5000-The State of the Discipline Plus one graduate seminar in each of the following areas:
|
12 | 12 |
Thesis -PSC 5950 (Plan 1) |
6 | 3 |
Elective Credits - see below for description of allotments |
12 | 15 |
Total Credit Hours |
30 | 30 |
Elective Credits for Both Plans:
Students can take an unlimited number of Political Science Graduate Seminars to fulfill their elective credits or take some combination of seminars and the following:
Independent Study - Maximum Allowed 6 credits
Courses in other Departments - Maximum Allowed 6 credits
Internship/Cooperative Education in Political Science - Maximum Allowed 3 credits
Total of Independent Study, Courses in Other Departments and Internship CANNOT EXCEED 9 credit hours
Non-Degree and Transfer Credit Hours to be Applied Toward M.A. (both plans)
Non-Degree Credit Hours - Maximum Allowed 9 credits
Transfer Credit - Maximum Allowed 9 credits
Maximum of Non-Degree and Transfer Credit CANNOT EXCEED 9 credit hours
