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Graduate Program

Graduate Advisor

Dr. Brent Boyea
University Hall #409
(817) 272-5449
boyea@uta.edu

 
Summer 2012 Hours

Mondays 10am-12pm

by appointment only

 

The program leading to a Master of Arts degree in Political Science emphasizes preparation for service in many areas of our national life, both public and private. Students interested in careers in teaching and research or in leadership roles in the public or private sectors may pursue programs adapted to their individual objectives. The Department of Political Science endeavors to equip students with the research techniques and substantive background for coursework undertaken beyond the master's level. Particular attention is given to newer methodologies and approaches employed by scholars in the field.

Degree Requirements

The thesis degree plan requires 24 hours of coursework including three hours of methods in Political Science for those who have not had POLS 3310 or its equivalent. Of the remaining 21 hours, at least one course each must be taken from four of the following six areas:

Political Behavior and Processes—5300, 5311, 5391.
Comparative Politics—5303, 5312, 5391.
International Politics and Organization—5312, 5391.
Public Law and Jurisprudence—5301, 5313, 5391.
Public Administration and Policy Studies—5302, 5314, 5391.
Political Theory (Thought and Methodology)—5310, 5391.

Students should consult the Political Science Graduate Student Handbook for regulations on transfer courses, undergraduate courses, conferences, internships, and special courses. It is recommended that students complete at least one general field seminar (5300, 5301, 5302, 5303) prior to taking the topics courses. See the Graduate Advisor for more detail.

The non-thesis degree plan requires a minimum of 36 hours, including three hours of methodology, and courses from four of the six areas.

All candidates for the degree of Master of Arts with a major in political science must pass a final comprehensive examination, written, oral, or both written and oral. The scope, content, and form of the examination will be determined by the student's supervising committee. In the event of failure of the final comprehensive examination, the student may petition the Committee on Graduate Studies to retake the examination on a date no sooner than 60 days after the first examination. Students will not be permitted more than one reexamination after failure of the initial examination.

Admissions

The program is committed to a holistic admissions approach. As a result, admissions criteria include: grade point averages, letters of recommendation, personal statements, advanced degrees, leveling courses, graduate courses taken as a degreed student or in another program, and professional work experience. The major purpose of the admissions criteria is to promote access to our program, but maintain standards that will enable the department to determine if the applicant demonstrates the requisite skill level to master the requirements of the program.

For additional admissions information, see the UT Arlington Graduate Catalog.

Master's Graduate Teaching Fellows

The Department of Political Science offers a limited number of master’s graduate teaching fellowships.  These fellowship packages include a 9-month stipend and full tuition remission for up to 9 hours each semester.  For more information, please see the Graduate Teaching Fellowship application. The application also includes a FERPA consent form.

Resources