| 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.
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 fifteen 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 one year 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. 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.
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 reading proficiency in a foreign
language or knowledge of relevant empirical research
skills.
Required Seminars (15 units)
Political Theory
American
Politics/Public Affairs
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
*Additional
requirement for students entering the program in
Fall, 2004.
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 714.278.3523.
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