Political Science - Environmental Politics and Policy Analysis Concentration, MA

Program Code: MA_267F
CIP Code: 45.1001

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.)

Location: On campus

Additional Standardized Exam Waiver Eligibility Information

Standardized exam (GRE, GMAT, MAT) waiver eligibility for graduate degree programs at Appalachian State varies by program, but requires that applicants hold a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher in their last earned bachelor’s degree or 3.3 or higher in an earned graduate degree. No exam waiver is automatic but will require review and approval by the program and 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. More complete information about standardized exam waivers can be found in the Admissions Requirements section of this Bulletin .

Accelerated Master’s Program

This program offers an Accelerated Master’s option for undergraduate students currently enrolled at Appalachian State University.

Course Requirements for the Master of Arts in Political Science

Total Required (Minimum 33 Hours)

Required Courses (9-12 Hours)

P_S 5001 - Scope and Methods (3)
P_S 5002 - Research Methods and Statistics (3)
P_S 5900 - Internship in Public Affairs (3-9) *
* P_S 5998 - Thesis Preparation (3) and P_S 5999 - Thesis (3) may be counted in place of P_S 5900 for students when appropriate with permission of the graduate program director(s).

Concentration Requirements (21 or 24 Hours)

Additional Requirements (9-12 Hours)

9-12 hours chosen from the following in consultation with the MA Advisor. At least ONE must be from Policy and Governance.

Policy and Governance

Professional Skills

Scientific Principles

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 submit an ePortfolio and earn a passing grade.
Product of Learning: Not required