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2016-2017 University Catalog 
  
2016-2017 University Catalog

Political Science, MA


Banner Code:  PP-MA-POS

School/Department: Schar School of Policy and Government (formerly SPGIA)  

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.

The program is made up of four core courses in political science and completion of either a concentration in international security or a broader field of specialization in American government and politics, international relations, or comparative politics. Students choosing a specialization have interdisciplinary opportunities to take up to 9 credits in related fields such as history or public policy.

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.

An accelerated master’s option  is available to students in any bachelor’s degree program.

Admission Requirements

Please see the Graduate Admission Policies  section in this catalog for general information on graduate admission to George Mason University.  Specific information on application requirements and deadlines for the M.A. in Political Science program may be found on the SPGIA admissions web site.

Completed applications for fall and spring semesters are reviewed on a rolling basis, with late applications considered on a space-available basis.  Students may be admitted for nondegree study and apply a limited number of credits toward the master’s degree should they choose to apply to the degree program later, in accordance with university policy.

Academic Policies

Students admitted to an SPGIA program will be terminated from SPGIA upon receiving one grade of F and are no longer eligible to take courses in SPGIA. Per university regulation, students are terminated from the university after accumulating grades of F in two courses or 9 credits of unsatisfactory grades in graduate courses.  The catalog contains additional information on university graduate academic policies .

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 units 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 current 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 School of Policy, Government, and International Affairs.

Three to five courses (9 to 15 credits) in the concentration or a specialization


Students complete the degree by completing additional coursework in the concentration or one of the specializations.

▲ Concentration in International Security (INLS)


Two required courses (6 credits)

American government and politics specialization


One to three elective courses (3 to 9 credits)

Comparative politics specialization


One to three elective courses (3 to 9 credits)

International relations specialization


One to three elective courses (3 to 9 credits)

Up to two elective courses (0-6 credits)


The number of electives students have will depend on how many credits they took in the concentration or 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 SPGIA, including an internship, additional courses in the field of specialization, or from course work offered by other units.

3 credits of project or 6 credits of thesis


A project or thesis is required for the MA in political science. 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  section of the catalog. A thesis director and a committee of two additional faculty members appointed by the school 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.