Why
a masters degree in political science?
The reasons for pursuing a master's degree in political science are as diverse as our students. Some simply want to continue a formal education as a way of further understanding politics while they continue in their present profession. Others want to teach at the secondary or community college level or go on to pursue a doctorate and teach or conduct research at the university level. A number of students use the master's degree to gain entry into government positions at various levels or to pursue careers as political consultants or aids to elected officials. Other students wish to pursue a graduate degree before applying to law school, although students should check with law schools to see how much consideration a masters degree will receive.
Small
Classes Since our program has a large number of faculty members in proportion to the number of students, one half of the program requirements are met through participation in a closely coordinated sequence of seminars consisting of no more than twenty-two students. Every effort is made to create groupings of students who share a common experience through following the proper sequence. Each student must enroll in at least one seminar until the five required seminars are completed.
Outstanding Reputation The program
is one of the most highly respected master's
only programs in the California
State University system and in the region. Our graduate students are
accepted into some of the nations best doctoral programs and many others
pursue successful teaching careers in community colleges.
Flexible Program The master's program provides substantial scheduling flexibility. Students may complete the program in three semesters if they wish to attend full time, or they may also attend on a part-time basis and complete the program over several years while they work full time or maintain a household and family.
Student Support Each student chooses a committee
of faculty members that works closely with the student to provide advisement
and support. The department also has a teaching internship program for
credit and offers a limited number of paid teaching assistantships.
Where
have our alumni gone?
Our
graduates have a successful record of obtaining
admission to major universities for doctorate
work. They have been admitted to prestigious
universities from Toronto Canada, throughout
the United States, south through the University
of Texas to the National Autonomous University
of Mexico. Several now enjoy careers as university
professors after obtaining their doctorate. Others
teach in community colleges and secondary schools;
many of the latter were teaching while they attended
the program and gained new insights into the
substantive materials they dealt with in their
classrooms. Many of our alumni have continued
to law school and become successful legal practitioners.
Our graduates also have become aides to elected
and appointed officials and some have secured
employment in public agencies. A few of our alumni
have held elected office or positions in political
parties.
What
is required for admission to the master's program?
University requirements include a baccalaureate from an accredited institution and a grade point average of at least 2.5 in the last 60 semester units attempted. The university requires that students submit transcripts from every undergraduate institution attended. In addition, acceptance into the master's degree program in political science requires a 3.0 grade point average in the major field and in all political science courses. If the major is not one of the social sciences, the GPA requirement also applies to upper-division social science courses taken. If a student's GPA does not meet these criteria, the student may appeal to the department's graduate committee for a waiver. The program is competitive; average entering undergraduate GPAs are approximately 3.4-3.5 every semester. Supplemental materials for the application (such as GRE scores, a political science writing sample, and letters of recommendation) are highly recommended, and should be sent under a separate cover directly to the department. Applications are considered in November for spring admission and in April for fall admission.
What
are the requirements to complete the program?
The basic program requires completion of thirty units of class work and a written and oral comprehensive exam. At the student's option, a project or thesis may be undertaken to complete up to six of the required units. In addition, each student must demonstrate knowledge of relevant empirical research skills (usually by taking POSC 501) or reading knowledge of a relevant foreign language to their studies (by taking a graduate-level course in a language that is appropriate for their particular interests—it is not proper to get out of this requirement by simply speaking a second language).
Political Theory (6 units)
- Political Science 540 Seminar Readings in Political Philosophy (3)
- Political Science 541 Seminar in Contemporary Political Theory (3)
American Politics/Public Affairs (6 units)
One of the following:
- Political Science 511 Seminar in American Politics (3)
- Political Science 512: American Political Institutions (3)
- Political Science 513: American Political Behavior (3)
- Political Science 514: American Political Development (3)
One of the above or one of the following:
- Political Science 509 Administrative organization and Process (3)
- Political Science 519 State and Local Government (3)
- Political Science 525 Seminar in Metropolitan Area Government (3)
- Political Science 528 Seminar in Public Administration and Policy (3)
Cross-National Politics (3 units)
One of the following:
- Political Science 530 Seminar in Cross-National Politics (3)
- Political Science 551 Approaches to the Study of International Relations (3)
Electives
(12 Units)
These classes will be selected
from political science 400- and 500-level courses
in conjunction with the graduate adviser in such
a manner as to provide each student with and
appropriate concentration in one or two subfields
of the discipline.
For further information,
please call 657.278.3523.
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