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Master of Arts Degree in Political Science |
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The
Master of Arts Degree in Political Science is designed to prepare
persons for careers in a variety of public and private settings,
and to prepare students for further graduate work at the doctoral
level. In today’s expanding economy many individuals find
it beneficial, or even necessary, to obtain an advanced degree
in order to achieve career goals.
What can I do with a MA degree in Political Science? The MA degree can provide a wide array of opportunities. Individuals obtaining the MA degree can seek employment working with government agencies dealing with national, state, local, and even international politics. The MA can assist persons seeking employment in criminal justice fields that require, or prefer, advanced degrees. Opportunities also exist for graduates to work with individuals or organizations that are involved in campaigns and elections. There is also the possibility to work with organizations that are closely associated with the government such as interest groups, research firms, and non-profit organizations. Political journalism is also an option. In addition to the many career opportunities that the MA can afford, the MA can be extremely beneficial to those students that plan to seek further education such as law school or doctoral studies in Political Science or a related field.
Our graduate students have gone on to pursue a host of careers. We can not list every one, but here are some of the different types of things our students have gone on to do: *
Professor Attorney Campaign Manager Political Analyst
The program of study is very flexible. Students seeking the MA degree can focus their curriculum in a variety of ways. Students can choose to concentrate their studies in either American politics, International and Comparative Politics, Justice Studies, or take a broad overview of political science in general. Working with the MA Advisor, each student’s program of study will be developed with his/her own individual goals in mind. In addition to the variety of classes offered in the Political Science/Criminal Justice department, students may also take some classes outside the department if this is beneficial to rounding out their academic training.
I’ve been in school all of my life – How long will this take? The MA degree requires 30 semester hours if a student does a Thesis, and 36 semester hours otherwise. Occasionally this has been accomplished in a single calendar year, but usually it takes students a year and a half to two years to complete the degree. Students who are currently employed full time may find it necessary to take longer to finish the requirements.
Students in the MA program can obtain practical experience. Internships are an optional part of every student’s program of study. The department regularly places students in a variety of internships and will make every effort to help students obtain an internship that will provide them with practical experience suitable for their individual aspirations.
The Political Science/Criminal Justice faculty are skilled teachers and scholars known nationally and internationally. The
department is dedicated to providing an education at the highest
academic standards. Our faculty utilize a variety of pedagogical
techniques that include a great deal of interaction between students
and professors, as well as employing modern technology in the
classroom. The department has in house access to modern
computer labs, several "Smart" classrooms, and a variety of technological
equipment that can be used for presentations by both students
and faculty. In addition to our own faculty, the department
often has international scholars offering classes to our students.
The department’s faculty and areas of expertise include:
* Dr. Jawad L. Barghothi, Ph.D. Southern Illinois University. International/Comparative Politics; Middle East politics. * Dr. James F. Barnes, Ph.D. Ohio State University. Comparative Politics; American Government. ** Dr. William Cassie, Ph.D. University of Kentucky. Research Methods/Policy Analysis; American Government; Parties and Elections. * Dr. Daniel B. German, Ph.D. Georgetown University. Political Socialization, Public Opinion, American Government ; Eastern & Central European Politics. * Dr. Dennis O. Grady, Ph.D. Emory University. Public Administration, Public Personnel Administration, Comparative State Politics. * Dr. Marvin K. Hoffman, Ph.D. University of Georgia. Public Administration; Budgeting; State and Local Politics. * Dr. Andrew M. Koch, Ph.D. University of California at Santa Barbara. Political Philosophy, American Political Thought. * Dr. Kenneth Mullen, Ph.D. State Univ. of New York, Albany. Law Enforcement; Organized Crime; Private Security. * Dr. Matt Robinson, Ph.D. Florida State University. Criminology; Crime Policy; Victimization; Crime Prevention. * Dr. Renee Scherlen, Ph.D. University of Texas. International/Comparative Politics; Latin America Politics. * Dr. Kathleen M. Simon, Ph. D. University of Tennessee. Administrative Law; Criminal Law. * Dr. Dragan Stefanovic', Ph.D. University of Tennessee. International/Comparative Politics, Organizational Theory; Public Management; Research Methods. * Dr. Ronald Stidham, Ph.D. University of Houston. Constitutional Law; Public Law and Judicial Behavior; Court Administration. * Dr. Ruth Ann Strickland, Ph.D. University of South Carolina. American Government; Public Policy. * Dr. C. David Sutton, Ph.D. Indiana University. American Government; Appalachian Politics; Legislative and Executive Politics. * Dr. Joel Thompson, Ph.D. University of Kentucky. American Government; State Politics; Legislative Behavior, Parties and Elections; Research Methods. * Dr. Barbara Zaitzow, Ph.D.Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Corrections, Crime and Punishment; Gender and the Criminal Justice System.
Admission to the program is competitive. Prospective students must submit an application, three letters of recommendation, transcripts of grades earned at an accredited college or university leading to a baccalaureate degree, as well as scores from the Graduate Record Examination. A formula is used to calculate admission scores. Applicants may calculate this score by multiplying their undergraduate GPA by 400, and adding to that number the verbal and math scores on the GRE. A minimum admission score of 2000 points is required. Students are admitted each semester and may begin studies in August, January or May.
Financial assistance is available. In addition to loans, scholarships and assistantships are available. Out of State and International students may qualify for an out of state tuition remission. These are awarded on a competitive basis. Assistantships carry with them an obligation to assist faculty members in their research or may involve advanced graduate students in teaching a class. All awards are competitive. Assistantships currently provide a stipend of $3000 per semester and require 20 hours of work each week.
Appalachian State University is situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina. Boone
draws visitors year round because of its mild summers, beautiful
Fall colors and exciting winter sports. Appalachian State
University provides its 12,000 students with a full array of intramural
sports facilities, and excellent computer facilities. The
surrounding mountains provide a natural laboratory in which to
observe the challenges posed by significant economic development
while maintaining a dedication to protecting the heritage and
environment of the area. Boone, with a population of approximately
13,000 residents, offers excellent opportunities for persons looking
for outdoor activities, shopping, eating, or religious activities.
The area has excellent medical facilities, surpassing those found
in much larger areas. Nearby Beech and Sugar Mountains offer excellent
skiing opportunities while Grandfather
Additional information can be obtained. Call or write Dr. Phillip J. Ardoin, MA Director, Department of Political Science/Criminal Justice, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC 28608—telephone 828-262-3085 for application materials and other information. Or e-mail Dr. Ardoin at ardoinpj@appstate.edu Click to go to top |
