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College of Arts and Sciences
MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE IN POLITICAL SCIENCE
The Master of Arts degree in political science focuses instruction on four areas: American politics, political theory, comparative politics, and international relations. This course of study is designed to 1) prepare students for matriculation to doctoral programs in political science, 2) train degree recipients for teaching responsibilities at the junior college level, and/or 3) provide professional competencies for private and public sector employment.
Admissions Requirements
In addition to the general requirements for admission to graduate study, the requirements for admission to the political science program are as follows:
A. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
B. A minimum total score on the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination of 1000 (verbal and quantitative or analytical) (The GRE should be completed prior to the conclusion of the first long semester of enrollment. Courses taken after the first long semester of enrollment will not apply toward the degree unless the student has successfully completed the GRE.)
C. A satisfactory grade-point average on all prior advanced-level (junior, senior, and graduate) work (Minimum GPA - 3.0)
D. Completion of the appropriate application prepared by the Department of Social Sciences
E. Completion of a minimum of 18 hours undergraduate preparation in political science (The course prerequisites for admission to the program shall be commensurate with the minimum upper-division field requirements of the University of Texas at Tyler B.A./B.S. in political science. Fulfillment of prerequisites is subject to approval by the Graduate Advisor.)
F. Students who satisfy all requirements except the acceptable GRE score may be admitted under the condition that they obtain a grade of B or higher on a prescribed set of graduate courses that are approved by the program advisor. G. Consideration is also given to one or more of the following: the applicant’s demonstrated commitment to his or her chosen field of study, socioeconomic background, first generation college graduate, multilingual proficiency, geographic region of residence, and level of responsibility in other matters including extracurricular activities, employment, community service, and family responsibilities.
Transfer of Credit
A student may transfer a maximum of nine semester hours of graduate work in which a grade of "B" or better has been earned from approved institutions. All transfer work is subject to approval by the graduate advisor.
Degree RequirementsTwo degree options exist. Option A is intended for students seeking broad knowledge of the field of political
science, and who may wish to complement that knowledge with additional course work, and intensive
reading within the discipline.
Option B is designed especially, but not exclusively, for students contemplating
doctoral study, and those desiring advanced competence in research skills. Students choosing either option
are advised to complete a graduate level research methods course; those choosing Option B, will with rare
exception, be expected to complete such a course before beginning thesis research.
Option A: Master of Arts in Political Science (Non-Thesis)
A. five core seminars-- 15 hours
(POLS 5300, 5311, 5321, 5331, 5341)
B. approved electives-- 21 hours
36 hours total
The directed reading option consists of supervised study in at least three fields of political science. Faculty will develop and periodically revise a comprehensive list of books and journal articles with which students should be conversant.
Option B: Master of Arts in Political Science (Thesis)
A. five core seminars-- 15 hours
(POLS 5300, 5311, 5321, 5331, 5341)
B. approved electives-- 15 hours
C. thesis (POLS 5395, 5396)-- 6 hours
36 hours total
The thesis will be in an area of faculty expertise. A three-person committee, which shall include at least two political science faculty (one of whom shall chair the committee) shall direct the thesis.
Graduation Requirements
All candidates for the Master of Arts degree in political science degree must also meet the following requirements:
A. A grade-point average of 3.0 in all course work applied towards the degree
B. Demonstrated competence in a methodological skill, normally including a) reading ability in a foreign language, or b) advanced research and analytical techniques (Such competencies shall be determined by the Department of Social Sciences.)
C. Satisfactory performance on a final comprehensive written and/or oral examination.
Time Limitation
Degree requirements for graduate programs at UT Tyler must be completed within a six-year period. This includes graduate credit transferred from another institution.
