Political Science Master of Arts Degree Program

Please note, Political Science courses changed from 4 to 3 credits effective Fall 2020.

Requirements and Program of Study

The Master of Arts program may be pursued either as a terminal degree or as the first phase of a Doctor of Philosophy degree.

Required Courses

To receive the degree Master of Arts, a student must successfully complete a minimum of thirty-one credits. The MA will include a core of data and research courses to build skills appropriate for an M.A. or Ph.D. program. Students must take POS 516 (Introduction to Political Inquiry) and either POS 517 (Quantitative Research Methods) or POS 618 (Qualitative Methods).

Program Requirements (31 credits):

Core courses:

• POS 516 - Introduction to Political Inquiry (3)
• POS 517 - Quantitative Research Methods (4) OR
• POS 618 - Qualitative Methods (3)

Capstone Requirement:

• POS 698 - Master's Capstone (3-4 credits)

Elective Requirement - 21 credits minimum

Additional graduate courses must be completed, up to the required minimum 31 credits. We strongly recommend that students accumulate the remaining 21 credits through a systematically organized group of courses that enable focus and specialization. More information about suggested specialization is available on the department’s website and in the graduate student handbook. Courses in the Department of Political Science, or in other departments, must be approved as relevant to student's course of study by their academic advisor and the Political Science Director of Graduate Studies. 

Master's Capstone

The master’s essay is generally a substantial research paper of a length and quality appropriate for formal presentation at a New York State or regional political science annual meeting. The MA essay must be written under the direction of the student’s advisor or another appropriate faculty member in the political science department. It must incorporate original investigation of a significant research question and must go beyond a summary or evaluation of extant literature. In some cases, it may be appropriate to vary the format or length of the MA essay—for instance, to focus on developing and deploying a new research method, or to incorporate an applied or experiential component. Students must make any such decisions in consultation with the faculty member supervising their capstone and the Director of Graduate Studies.

Doctoral Students Pursuing the Master's Degree

Students pursuing a master's degree who have been admitted to the PhD program at the University at Albany may substitute successful completion of the PhD comprehensive examination (in both a major and second field) and dissertation prospectus defense for the master's capstone requirement. Students intending to enter the PhD program are advised to take both POS 517 and POS 618.

Please note: This program offers an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience in the course listing as an option to fulfill course requirements. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. If you have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of your intended academic program.