Master of Arts in Political Science
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. The university research and writing requirement is met through the required completion of the methods sequence: POLS 625, POLS 626, and POLS 627. At least 18 of the remaining credits must be earned in the core classes that cover the four subfields (American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory).
30 credits
Core area of study, 9 credits
Core Requirements, 18 credits
18 credits required from the core courses (both courses in two sub-fields and one each in the remaining two)
American politics
Comparative politics
| POLS 636 | Democratization and Development | 3 |
| POLS 689 | Comparative Political Institutions | 3 |
International relations
Political theory
Any 3-credit 600-level POLS course as approved by the program director
Total Credit Hours: 30
Accelerated Master's Program (AMP)
Undergraduate students accepted to the Accelerated Master's Program (
AMP) create a plan of study with the graduate advisor.