Program of Study for the Master of Arts in Political Science

Admission Requirements: Baccalaureate degree with a major or minor in Political Science, Criminal Justice or a related field from an accredited college or university; complete application to the Graduate School ; official general GRE exam scores, unless waived; two-page statement of intent explaining applicant’s academic and professional goals in chosen concentration; additional courses (up to 15 hours maximum) may be required if so indicated by the student’s deficiencies.

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the criteria for admission to the Graduate School . Meeting this condition does not guarantee admission.

Standardized Exam Waiver Eligibility: The standardized exam (GRE) is waived for applicants with:

• A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher or a master’s degree from an accredited institution from the last 5 years; AND
• A sample of written work (This should be a paper representative of your best work, preferably under 25 pages; if you are uncertain about what to send, contact the Program Director.)

Accelerated Admission Option: This program offers an accelerated admission option for undergraduate students currently enrolled at Appalachian State University.   

Location: On campus

Additional Information about Standardized Exam Waiver Eligibility

Any standardized exam waiver for a graduate degree program at Appalachian State requires that applicants hold a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher in their last earned degree (undergraduate or graduate; some programs have established higher GPA requirements). No exam waiver is automatic but will require review and approval by the Graduate School upon submission of a complete application. An approved waiver request does not guarantee acceptance into the program. A denied waiver request does not mean that a candidate is denied admission to the program, only that a standardized exam score is needed to more fully evaluate the application. Standardized test scores may be required for scholarship consideration.

Course Requirements for the Master of Arts in Political Science

Concentration Requirements

• P S 5020 - Pro-Seminar in International Relations (3)
• P S 5040 - Pro-Seminar in Comparative Politics (3)
• 12-15 hours of graduate electives selected in consultation with the MA Advisor

Other Requirements for the MA in Political Science

• Thesis: Optional
• Proficiency: Students must demonstrate a proficiency in reading a foreign language or quantitative analysis as a research tool. The department may determine the proficiency required.
• Candidacy: Required for thesis option; awarded upon approval of thesis committee and prospectus
• Comprehensive: During the final semester of course work, candidates must pass a written comprehensive examination.
• Product of Learning: Not required