The Master of Arts in Politics offers students the opportunity to focus study in one of two areas of concentration.

The American Politics concentration prepares the political professional for work in American politics.  A practical program focuses on the development of the knowledge base and skill set essential for an individual seeking to shape the future of American society through political action.  Seminars survey the broad spectrum of American political life, examining current research and scholarship on institutions and social behavior.  Students learn the analytical and communication skills vital for effective participation in the political arena.  Courses in statistical analysis and applied research projects prepare students for engagement in political campaigns, legislative office, and political advocacy.

The Political Philosophy concentration grounds students in the interrelationship of ideas, principles, and institutions within a historical context in order to draw insights for contemporary issues and problems.  Students delve beyond current events and operations to understand the character and foundation of regimes and political processes.  Political philosophy has always proceeded as a dialogue with the past, teaching students to understand and argue with the positions and value systems of the philosophers of the past, becoming familiar with the institutional structures that embody and sustain those values.  Developing a skill for critical and theoretical thinking, students learn to appreciate and to evaluate the key assumptions that underlie beliefs and arguments about institutions and regimes–and the values that animate them.  Focus is on philosophers of the Euro-American tradition and, to some extent, on the non-Western traditions that include the Chinese, Indian, and Islamic.

Degree Requirements

Generally completed in three to four semesters, degree requirements for the degree depend upon the area of concentration selected by the student.

Program Options.  Two programmatic options are available to the student.

• Completion of 48 units.
• Completion of 36 units and a Master’s Research paper.

Final Paper Portfolio.  All students are required to submit two papers to the program office.  One paper must 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.

University Policies.  University policies detailed in the Academic Policies  section of the Bulletin apply.