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Master's in Political Science 

The MA in political science is designed to prepare students for careers in public administration, law, policy analysis, business, education, lobbying, community engagement, survey research, journalism and non-profit organizations as well for further academic training (e.g., PhD programs, law school).

Our program provides opportunities to enroll in small classes, enhance your data analysis and research skills, receive personalized mentoring, and gain independent teaching experience.  Students may also apply to earn a full-tuition waiver, stipend and health insurance by working a graduate teaching assistant (GTA).
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Curriculum

  • 33 credit hours of coursework, including a thesis

Required courses for all MA students:

  • Quantitative Methods (POLS 5013)
  • Research Design (POLS 5103)
  • ProSeminar in International Relations (POLS 5203)
  • ProSeminar in Comparative Politics (POLS 5403)
  • ProSeminar in American Politics (POLS 5703)

Additional course requirements: 

  • 6 hours of thesis (POLS 5000)
  • 12 hours of electives (some restrictions apply)

ASSISTfaculty with teaching

As a graduate teaching assistant (GTA), you will receive a monthly stipend, health insurance and tuition waiver.

 

Research and Faculty

Murray Hall

Our faculty are well recognized for their expertise and featured in high visibility media outlets. OSU's Political Science program prides itself in the high quality research produced by their faculty, including NSF-funded research, but we are especially proud of mentoring the next generation of scholars and policy practitioners.

 

Admissions

  • Official undergraduate transcripts
  • Personal statement outlining your interest in the program and what you hope to achieve with help of an MA (1-2 pages)
  • Email addresses of three individuals willing to write a letter of recommendation, academic references are preferred.
  • 3.0 undergraduate GPA

*Note: Application fee waiver offered for current and former McNair Scholars  

 

Test csores:

  • GRE required with no minimum score
  • TOEFL scores required for international applicants who aren't native English speakers

Application Deadlines:

  • March 1 (Fall admission with funding consideration)
  • November 1 (Spring admission with funding consideration)
  • Applications considered at any time, space permitting

Cost & Assistance

The size of our program allows us to offer graduate assistantships to qualified students. These assistantships provide students with a tuition waiver, health insurance and a stipend during the academic year. Graduate teaching assistants (GTA) are typically responsible for attending lectures, holding office hours, leading discussion sections and assisting with the administration of assigned undergraduate course(s).

In addition, there are opportunities to obtain financial support to present your research at conferences.

 

Cost

Assistantships and Scholarships

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