MASTER OF ARTS
Students in the M.A. program may pursue studies in two of the following sub-fields: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, public policy and administration, political theory, and environmental politics and policy. Our M.A. program equips students with the skills necessary to succeed in a variety of local, state, and federal agencies as well as domestic and international non-governmental organizations. Internship opportunities are available for M.A. students in a variety of public and non-profit organizations. Graduate assistantships, which typically include a monthly stipend and tuition waiver, are available on a competitive basis.
Degree Requirements for Plan A (Thesis; 30 credits)
A minimum of 21 graduate credits in Political Science to include:
- Two methods courses: 1) EITHER Approaches to the Study of Politics (POLS620) OR Scope and Methods (POLS624) AND 2) one of the following: Qualitative Methods in Political Science (POLS621), Quantitative Methods of Political Research (POLS625) OR Public Policy Analysis (POLS665).
- At least two courses in each of two subfields in Political Science.
- Satisfactory performance on oral presentation of thesis.
- Thesis (a maximum of 6 credits may be allowed for preparation of the thesis.)
- A research tool as determined between the student and the committee.
Degree Requirements for Plan B (Non-thesis; 36 credits)
A minimum of 24 credits in approved courses in Political Science, at least 18 of which must be at the graduate level, to include:
- Two methods courses: 1) EITHER Approaches to the Study of Politics (POLS620) OR Scope and Methods (POLS624) AND 2) one of the following: Qualitative Methods in Political Science (POLS621), Quantitative Methods of Political Research (POLS625) OR Public Policy Analysis (POLS665).
- A minimum of 24 graduate level credits.
- Satisfactory performance on oral presentation of professional paper.
- A research tool as determined by the student and the committee.
M.A. SPECIALIZATIONS
1. Power, Justice and Democracy
The M.A. track in Power, Justice, and Democracy offers a unique curriculum through which students will:
- Study contemporary theories of justice, democracy, development, social change, and inequality from both domestic and international perspectives.
- Analyze and interpret contemporary political struggles around such topics as ecology, development, gender, race, sexuality, social movements, and peace building.
- Have the opportunity to pursue internships, fieldwork, and/or participatory action research opportunities related to power, justice, and democracy.
The track will prepare students for careers in a variety of governmental and non-governmental organizations, ranging from non-profits to advocacy groups to the private sector. It will also serve students who plan to continue their education in professional schools or Ph.D. programs, or secondary school educators who would like to deepen their expertise in the humanities and social sciences.
2. Environmental Politics and Policy
The M.A. track in Environmental Politics & Policy offers a unique curriculum through which students will:
- Be equipped with theoretical and practical knowledge about the politics, policy, and governance of the natural environment.
- Receive training in research methods to complement their substantive focus
- Produce a rigorous independent research project.
The Environmental Politics and Policy track builds upon the Department of Political Science’s international reputation for excellence in the study of the natural environment across the traditional subfields of political science. As a land-grant University, CSU offers a wide variety of environmental programs that students can leverage for advancing their academic and career goals. This specialization enables students to pursue careers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors that require expertise in environmental issues and/or political and policy processes. It will also serve as a springboard for students interested in pursuing doctoral studies in environmental politics and policy.
3. Political Analysis
The M.A. track in Political Analysis offers a unique curriculum through which students will:
- Use quantitative and qualitative methodologies to address important theoretical and practical questions about politics and political processes
- Be equipped with data analytic skills including data collection, management, and statistical analysis
- Conduct evidence-based research and present data-intensive work to non-technical audiences
Students in this track will have the opportunity to build networks with CSU’s Institute for Research in the Social Sciences, Geospatial Centroid, the Graybill Statistics and Data Science Laboratory, and others on campus who use political or social science data. Students in this track will be trained to pursue careers as data analysts, researchers, and consultants in government, non-profits, campaigns, advocacy groups, or the private sector.
For additional information or to set up a virtual appointment, please contact:
Dr. David McIvor
Graduate Coordinator
Dept. of Political Science
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1782
For more information about what our master's graduates have done with their degree, please click here to download our alumni PowerPoint.
