Why study political science?
Because political science advances our understanding of politics, power, governance, and public policy in the United States and across the globe. In the broadest sense, political science is the study of governments and governmental procedures. Political science is as old as civilization, because people always have been interested in their government and in their leaders. But political science as it is thought of today, as one of the social sciences, is a comparatively new discipline. It developed in the United States during the last century as political scientists developed an ability to make increasingly scientific observations of government. Political scientists are concerned with the origins and sources of governmental organizations, their growth, and their decline, as well as with the processes and structure of government.
What's special about the Political Science graduate program?
Our medium size allows faculty to teach seminars on a variety of topics with individualized mentoring in and out of the classroom. Graduate students work closely with faculty on research and themselves publish independent papers and win fellowships and awards. This productivity is complemented by a diverse group of students, many coming from around the world. In addition, by the time of graduation most of our graduate students will teach their own classes. We believe teaching is important part of a graduate education and serves our students well in an increasingly competitive job market. Our unique Thompson Summer Scholarship Research Program offers students the opportunity to engage in a genuine collaborative research project with selected faculty. Working with faculty on a variety of research topics, students maximize their potential by earning a competitive stipend and sharpening their research skills across the summer months. The program has generated many conference papers and publications as well. Our department therefore offers unparalleled access to our faculty and valuable opportunities in both research and teaching.
Admission to Graduate Studies
An applicant seeking to pursue graduate study in the College may be admitted as either a degree-seeking or non-degree seeking student. Policies and procedures of Graduate Studies govern the process of Graduate admission. These may be found in the Graduate Studies section of the online catalog.
Please consult the Departments & Programs section of the online catalog for information regarding program-specific admissions criteria and requirements. Special admissions requirements pertain to Interdisciplinary Studies degrees, which may be found in the Graduate Studies section of the online catalog.
Graduate Admission
The MA program in Political Science accepts applications for the fall and spring semesters. Applications and all required supplemental materials must be submitted by the deadlines listed on the program's website to be considered for admission.
Application Materials
Applicants should upload the supporting application documents listed below to the online application. There is no need to send copies of application materials directly to the Department of Political Science.
- Copy of official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
- Statement of purpose (no longer than two pages, single spaced)
- Resume or CV
Non-native speakers of English must meet KU's English proficiency requirements.
Contact
Visit the Admissions page on the Department of Political Science website for detailed information about the application process.
M.A. Degree Requirements
The Master of Arts program is a 30 credit hour coursework only M.A. degree with no required thesis or exam. The program may be completed entirely online. There are 12 credit hours for required courses and 18 credit hours for electives. All courses must be at the 500 level or above. At least 50% of the coursework counted toward the degree must be 700 level or above.
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| |
| POLS 705 | Research Design for Political Science | 3 |
| POLS 810 | American Politics | 3 |
| POLS 850 | Introduction to Comparative Politics | 3 |
| POLS 870 | International Relations | 3 |
| |
| 18 |
Directed readings courses in excess of 5 hours cannot be counted toward the 30 hours required for the degree. With prior written approval, candidates may count up to 6 graduate hours taken outside the department (either at KU or via transfer credit from another regionally accredited institution) toward the 30 hours required for the degree.
A digital portfolio will be required to complete the degree.
