The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Politics trains graduates in broad theoretical concerns about politics, government, and political values. CGU’s Department of Politics & Policy educates future scholars and practitioners of politics, government, and policy to make better decisions through rigorous research and a sophisticated understanding of political systems and policy analysis. Providing excellent grounding in contemporary methods, our M.A. in Politics offers built-in flexibility that allows students to emphasize that part of Political Science that is of most interest to them, choosing between American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Political Economy, and International Relations. Working alongside faculty who are experts in the field, you’ll conduct high-quality interdisciplinary research on the most pressing political and governmental issues of our time. These same skills are also useful for students who wish to pursue a PhD in Political Science or Public Policy.
This program is offered in-person with some coursework offered in an hybrid/online modality and can be completed in five semesters of full-time attendance (eight units/semester).
Program Outcomes
The M.A. Politics trains graduates in broad theoretical concerns about politics, government and political values. Program goals are to educate future scholars and practitioners of politics, government, and policy to make better decisions through contemporary methods of rigorous research and a sophisticated understanding of political systems, both domestic and international.
Degree Requirements
A minimum of 36 units are required for the degree. Additionally, all students are required to complete a final paper portfolio to the department.
Coursework
Research Tools (16 units)
Students are required to complete:
For the remaining four units, students are strongly encourage to complete one of the following courses. Any substitutions must be made in consultation with your faculty advisor must be documented and submitted to the Academic Coordinator.
* Recommended for students if completing the American or Comparative Politics concentration.
** It is strongly recommended to select one of these courses if completing the International Relations concentration.
Concentrations (8 units)
Students are required to complete one concentration. Any substitutions must be made in consultation with your faculty advisor must be documented and submitted to the Academic Coordinator.
American Politics
Comparative Politics
International Relations
International Political Economy
Electives (12 units)
Students must complete an additional twelve units selected in consultation with the academic advisor.
Final Paper Portfolio
All students in the Department of Politics and Policy are required to submit two papers to the Academic Coordinator during the semester they plan to confer their degree. One paper should be written during the student’s first semester in the program. A second paper should represent the student’s best work and may come from any subsequent semester that the student is enrolled in the program. Papers are used for accreditation review of the program.
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