Our Program
Our M.A. program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in careers across business, international organizations, government agencies, and nonprofits, among others. Through rigorous coursework and learning, students develop the expertise to lead teams, develop policies that improve people's lives, and drive meaningful change.
Ready to challenge yourself? Explore our three areas of specialization!
M.A. Specializations
M.A. students will choose one of the following three specializations.
This specialization 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. 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. Pursue internships, fieldwork, and/or participatory action research opportunities related to power, justice, and democracy.
Degree Requirements
Plan A (Thesis Track; 30 credits)
The thesis track requires 30 credits total. A minimum of 21 credits must be at the graduate level in political science which include the following:
- Two methods courses
- 1) EITHER
- Approaches to the Study of Politics (POLS 620) OR
- Scope and Methods (POLS 624) AND
- 2) One of the following:
- Qualitative Methods in Political Science (POLS 621)
- Quantitative Methods of Political Research (POLS 625) OR
- Public Policy Analysis (POLS 665)
- 1) EITHER
- 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.
Plan B (Non-thesis, Professional Track; 36 credits)
The non-thesis track requires 36 credits total. A minimum of 24 credits must be in political science, and at least 18 of those must be at the graduate level to include the following:
- Two methods courses
- 1) EITHER
- Approaches to the Study of Politics (POLS 620) OR
- Scope and Methods (POLS 624) AND
- 2) One of the following:
- Qualitative Methods in Political Science (POLS 621)
- Quantitative Methods of Political Research (POLS 625) OR
- Public Policy Analysis (POLS 665)
- 1) EITHER
- Satisfactory performance on oral presentation of professional paper.
- A research tool as determined by the student and the committee.
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate assistantships, which typically include a monthly stipend and tuition waiver, are available on a competitive basis.
Internships
Internship opportunities are available for M.A. students in a variety of public and non-profit organizations.
Sub-Fields
Students in the M.A. program may pursue studies in two of the following sub-fields:
- Administration
- American Politics
- Comparative Politics
- Environmental Politics and Policy
- International Relations
- Political Theory
- Public Policy
Application Information
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Program Qualifications
-
- Students must have a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or better.
- Review CSU’s Graduate Admissions Requirements and Procedures.
- International Students: Admissions Requirements and Procedures < Colorado State University (colostate.edu)
- Review the Political Science Graduate Handbook
- Check out our faculty page to determine faculty members who have similar areas of study to you.
Step 2: Apply
-
- Complete the Online Graduate Application through Graduate Admissions by February 15
- A one-time non-refundable application fee is due
- $60 U.S. citizen/permanent resident
- $70 International students
- Required supporting documents
- The department is requiring GRE scores. Test scores should be submitted with institution code 4075.
- A paper submitted in English. The paper must be an appropriate writing sample that reflects a student’s abilities to conduct independent research and communicate effectively. Requirements include a minimum of 15 pages and maximum of 40 pages.
- For international students only: CSU requires proof of English language proficiency. See here for more information: https://graduateschool.colostate.edu/admissions-resources/english-proficiency/
- Resume/CV
- Statement of interest (300 - 500 words)
- Three letters of recommendation. Applicants are encouraged to submit letters of recommendation from academic instructors. Letters should be on original letterhead paper with original signatures.
- Original transcripts from all colleges and universities applicants have attended.
- Additional Information
- Applicants are automatically considered for GTA positions; there is not a separate process for applying for departmental funding.
- The department makes funding decisions immediately after the February 15 deadline. Applicants must submit completed application by February 15 to be considered for funding.
- The department reserves the right to review promising applications earlier or later than the formal deadlines.
- The department is unable to review any incomplete applications.
- Military veterans and service members may qualify for an application fee waiver.
Application Deadline
Applications for admission and financial aid for the fall semester must be completed by February 15. Deadline for application for Spring admission is August 1 for international students and October 15 for U.S. students. The department will continue to review applications after these deadlines on a space available basis.
Financial Awards
Graduate teaching assistantships are available on a competitive basis. Assistantship stipends vary between approximately $13,086 and $17,532 per nine-month academic year. Normally, part of the compensation that assistants receive includes tuition payments on their behalf. Applicants who submit an admissions application by February 15 for the following fall semester will automatically be considered for an assistantship. Initial assistantship award determinations will be made shortly after the February 15 deadline. Late applicants will be considered for assistantships on a funding available basis.
Can the application fee be waived? Does the department have financial support for the application fee?
The Department does not offer financial aid to cover the application fee, and payment is required to apply. However, CSU's Graduate School offers limited application fee waivers. You can find more information and eligibility criteria here: https://graduateschool.colostate.edu/skip-the-application-fee/.
Can the GRE test be waived?
No, GRE scores are required for admission to the Political Science graduate program. However, applicants may substitute the GRE with scores from other standardized tests, such as the LSAT or GMAT.
Can I apply after the February 15 deadline for fall admission?
Yes, applications submitted after the February 15 deadline may still be considered. However, late applications are reviewed on a space-available basis and are typically not eligible for funding, as priority is given to those received by the deadline.
Do I need to contact a faculty member before I apply? Do I need to identify a faculty advisor before I apply?
No, you are not required to contact a potential faculty advisor before applying. However, we strongly encourage you to identify faculty whose research aligns with your interests and feel free to reach out to them to discuss your research. In your personal statement, please describe your research goals and mention specific faculty members you are interested in working with, explaining why. This information is valuable to the admissions committee in evaluating your application.
Contact Information
For additional information about the Political Science M.A. program or to set up a virtual appointment, please contact Graduate Coordinator, Professor Julia Lee.
Julia Lee
- Assistant Professor