2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Political Science, MA


Banner Code:  LA-MA-POS

Web: pia.gmu.edu

The MA in political science program prepares students for advanced work in political science, teaching, and research about government; a career in government and politics; and work in domestic and international nongovernmental organizations. Students may specialize in American government and politics, international relations, or comparative politics. In addition, interdisciplinary opportunities allow students to take up to 9 credits in related fields such as history or public policy.

The program is made up of four core courses in political science, two required seminars in a field of specialization, advanced seminars in the Department of Public and International Affairs, and elective courses in other departments.

The master’s degree is the first step in an engaging and stimulating career. Students develop a deeper understanding of political ideas and institutions, more sophisticated research skills, a better grasp of the intricacies of governments abroad, and a deeper knowledge of the complexities of international politics. This degree can lead to a career teaching about government; working with legislative bodies, government agencies, and international organizations; or doing research and writing about politics and government.

This program of study is offered by the Department of Public and International Affairs .

For policies governing all graduate degrees, see the Academic Policies  chapter of the catalog.

Application Requirements


Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Admission  chapter of this catalog. For information specific to the MA in political science, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental web site.

Degree Requirements


Students should develop an education plan with their advisors that lists the courses they plan to take. The plan is approved by the student’s advisor. Students may include courses from other departments to complement their field of specialization; they should reflect the ideas, institutions, or processes of contemporary governance. 

Students who wish to begin a career in government and politics or to alter their currrent career path in government and politics are encouraged to take a 3-credit internship in their area of interest. Internships can be arranged through the Department of Public and International Affairs.

Three to five courses (9 to 15 credits) in one field of specialization:


American government and politics


One to three elective courses (3 to 9 credits)

Comparative politics


One to three elective courses (3 to 9 credits)

International relations


One to three elective courses (3 to 9 credits)

Up to two elective courses (6 credits)


The number of electives students have will depend on how many credits they took in the field of specialization and whether they choose a 3-credit project or a 6-credit thesis. Students choose the remaining credits required for the degree, if any, from other courses in the department, including an internship, additional courses in the field of specialization, or from course work offered by other departments.

3 credits of project or 6 credits of thesis


Students who choose to do a project take 3 credits of GOVT 798 linked to an advanced specialty course and produce a final research project. Students who choose to do a thesis should be aware of the policies governing theses. They must follow the enrollment policy of the university and, once enrolled in GOVT 799, must maintain continuous enrollment as specified in the Academic Policies  chapter of the catalog. A thesis director and a committee of two additional faculty members appointed by the department read and approve the thesis. Students should make arrangements  for doing a project or thesis with their advisor.

Total: 36 credits


Master’s International


The Master’s International (MI), a joint program between Mason and the Peace Corps, enables participants to prepare for Peace Corps volunteer service while earning the MA. Students apply separately, but at the same time, to the Peace Corps and to Mason. Students must complete a minimum of 18 credits prior to their Peace Corps service; this will give the student a foundation to enhance their value as a Peace Corps volunteer. Six credits are earned as internship credits for the Peace Corps service. The internship requires a project, agreed upon by the student and his/her advisor, and includes a presentation delivered to faculty and students after the student returns to the US. Upon completion of the two years of service, the student will receive a tuition grant for the six internship credits. Students return to Mason after their two years of service to complete the remaining coursework required for the 36-credit MA.