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Masters of Arts Degree in Political Science - Non-Thesis Track

The MA in Political Science (non-thesis track) requires 36 hours of approved course work, including POLS 598 (Scope and Methods in Social Science) and POLS 599 (Practicum, Field Problems, or Internship). Each student may choose up to 12 hours in appropriate supporting work, which, if in a single specific field, may be declared a minor.

Each non-thesis track student may demonstrate proficiency in at least one foreign language prior to the awarding of the MA degree. Proficiency will be measured either by the successful completion (with a C or better) of 14 hours in a single foreign language (either as an undergraduate or graduate student) or by obtaining a passing score on a standardized foreign language exam.

A written comprehensive examination will be administered after the student has completed course work, or during the semester of anticipated graduation. The examination, based on course work submitted for the MA degree plan., will be constructed, administered, and evaluated by the student's graduate advisory committee. If the examination result is unsatisfactory, the student will be allowed to retake the comprehensive examination one additional time. Additional course work in areas of weakness may be required.