The M.A. in Political Science
Whether one is interested in public service, community development, or private sector work, the knowledge-based and analytic skills acquired in our MA program will prepare you for success. MA candidates are encouraged to delve deeply into the practical implications of scholarship and engage the ways in which research can be utilized across a range of professions. Internship work and consistent mentoring are key components student success. Together, these prepare candidates for careers in which knowledge translates into action. Broadly but not exclusively focused on the dynamics surrounding representation, equity, conflict, rights, and conflict resolution, our graduate program gives M.A. students the tools necessary to lead in addressing some of today's major socio-political challenges.
Candidates for the M.A. in Political Science at Kent State University focus their study on either American Politics and Policy, Transnational and Comparative Politics, Conflict Analysis and Management, or a mix from the concentrations. Each concentration gives students the opportunity to develop a broad understanding of the field, as well as a more nuanced understanding of specialized issues.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE M.A.
M.A. students complete 30 credit hours of course work. All students must complete the three core courses. Beyond those, students select one of our three concentrations, and may choose a thesis or a non-thesis track.
CORE COURSES
Students in the program take four courses designed to help them comprehend the tools of social science research, generally taken during the first year of study. The core courses include:
POL 60002 Scope and Epistemology
POL 60003 Quantitative Methods I
POL 60010 Qualitative Methods
CONCENTRATION COURSES
M.A. candidates select a concentration: American Politics and Policy or Conflict Analysis and Management. Students will take the Status of the Field course for the selected concentration (POL 60101, 60501, or 60901), as well as three additional seminars (9 credit hours) in the field. It is possible to study a mix of both concentrations.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS, NON-THESIS TRACK
Students not writing a thesis will also complete two electives and one capstone paper (POL 60099). The six elective credit hours may include an internship course. See the graduate handbook for more details on guidelines for the capstone paper.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS, THESIS TRACK
Thesis writers complete a substantive thesis, the topic of which is identified in consultation with the advisor and committee. The thesis research and writing is generally conducted during the second year of study and fulfills remaining credit requirements. See the graduate handbook for more details on guidelines for the M.A. thesis.
Please contact Dr. Daniel Chand, Graduate Coordinator, with questions regarding the M.A. program at dchand@kent.edu or (330) 672-8939.