Political Science is the study of how societies govern themselves and interact with one another. Courses of instruction in the Political Science M.A. program are offered in the following subfields: American politics, comparative government, international relations, political philosophy, public law, and public administration. Areas of focus include analysis of government structures and processes, citizens’ influence on government, policy content, philosophical concepts and traditions, political systems of other states, and resolution of conflicts between nations. By developing critical thinking and analytical skills, the major prepares students for effective participation in the political process, successful careers in the public and private sectors, and further study in law, political science, and public administration.
We continuously and actively assess the Political Science graduate curriculum to ensure that the following learning outcomes are being met for each of our graduates: Acquisition of a knowledge and understanding of the values, beliefs, and institutions that constitute governing processes; Acquisition of an understanding of the distinctions among the major subfields of the discipline including: American politics and law, international relations, comparative politics, and political theory; Development of a knowledge and understanding of citizens’ roles within governing processes; Acquisition of a knowledge of the theories and analytic skills necessary to evaluate conflicting arguments, assemble and present appropriate evidence, and make reasoned conclusions from the evidence available; and The ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in written form.
