30 credits
This degree gives students opportunities to broaden and strengthen their understanding of political science. The master of arts in political science prepares students for a variety of goals. Some students may wish to pursue doctoral work at another university after earning the MA degree at Ball State University. Some may wish to enter law school; others may seek governmental employment; still others will go into business or professional organizations that require a knowledge of governmental processes. The MA degree program is flexible enough to prepare students for such a range of possibilities.
Degree requirements
Requires a minimum of 30 credits, at least 15 of which must be earned in political science courses at the 600 level. The 600-level courses must include POLS 625 Research Methods in Political Science and at least three additional 600-level courses in at least two subfields of the discipline chosen by the student in conjunction with her/his advisor. Subfields include American politics, comparative politics/international relations, and public policy/administration. The university research and writing requirement can be met in one of three ways: a thesis for 6 credits, a research paper for 3 credits, or satisfactory completion of POLS 626 Research Seminar. Before graduation, students must pass a departmental comprehensive exam in two subfields of political science.
Core area of study
| POLS 625 | Research Methods in Political Science | 3 |
At least 9 credits of approved 600-level POLS electives covering at least 2 subfields
Research requirement
Electives
Total Credit Hours: 30