MA in Political Science Degree Requirements

CORE COURSEWORK (21 credits)

  • GOVT 510 – American Government and Politics
  • GOVT 520 – Political Theory
  • GOVT 530 – Comparative Politics Fall
  • GOVT 540 – International Relations
  • GOVT 500 – The Scientific Method & Research Design
  • POGO 511 – Introductory Data Analysis for Policy and Government (Prerequisite: Passing grade on statistical screening exam; For more information, please visit schar.gmu.edu/511)
  • GOVT 798 – Political Science Research Project  (or GOVT 799 if thesis option chosen)

ELECTIVES (15 credits)

International Security (2 required and 2 approved Intel electives)

  • GOVT 745
  • Pick one of the following courses: PUBP 504, 505, or 506
  • Approved International Security Elective
  • Approved International Security Elective

 American Government and Politics (select 2 of 4 electives)

  • GOVT 603 – Seminar in the Courts & Constitutional Law
  • GOVT 604 – Seminar on Congress & Legislative Behavior
  • GOVT 605 – Seminar on the Presidency
  • GOVT 706 – Federalism & Intergovernmental Relations

 Comparative Politics (2 required electives)

  • GOVT 631 – Seminar in Comparative Politics & Institutions
  • GOVT 731 – Advanced Seminar in Comparative Politics

 International Relations (select 2 of 3 electives)

  • GOVT 741 – Advanced Seminar in International Relations
  • GOVT 743 – International Political Economy
  • GOVT 745 – International Security

CONCENTRATION AND SPECIALIZATION OPTIONS/ELECTIVE COURSES

Students must declare either a concentration or a specialization in one of the areas listed below. A concentration is a structured curriculum with a required set of core courses and a pre-approved set of supplemental courses listed below. A specialization is a more flexible curriculum with a required set of core courses and flexibility regarding supplemental courses. A concentration will appear on a student’s diploma and transcript, while a specialization will not. The concentration and specializations for Political Science are:

  • Concentration in International Security
  • Specialization in American Government and Politics
  • Specialization in Comparative Politics
  • Specialization in International Relations

Courses listed below will automatically apply to the concentration or specialization under which they fall as concentration/specialization electives. Students may petition their advisor to apply courses from outside this list to their concentration/specialization.

All non-Schar courses have to be pre-approved by your academic advisor before registering. PhD level courses and/or foreign language courses are not permissible elective options.

CONCENTRATIONS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE PROGRAM

Concentration in International Security

  • GOVT 741 - Advanced Seminar in International Politics
  • BIOD 621 - Ethics and International Security
  • BIOD 622 - Negotiating in the International Arena
  • BIOD 705 - Intelligence: Theory and Practice
  • BIOD 706 - Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Weapons Policy and Security
  • BIOD 709 - Nonproliferation and Arms Control
  • BIOD 722 - Examining Terrorist Groups
  • BIOD 725 - Terrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction
  • BIOD 760 - National Security Technology and Policy

American Government and Politics Specialization

  • GOVT 603 – Seminar in the Courts and Constitutional Law
  • GOVT 604 – Seminar on Congress and Legislative Behavior
  • GOVT 605 – Seminar on the Presidency
  • GOVT 706 – Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations

International Relations Specialization

  • GOVT 741 – Advanced Seminar in International Politics
  • GOVT 743 – International Political Economy
  • GOVT 745 – International Security