Political Science - Master of Arts

The Master of Arts program provides general course work in each of the major fields of political science. Students may choose either the thesis option, under which they complete 30 credits of course work plus 6 thesis credits (POLS 599 Master's Thesis), or the nonthesis option, with 30 credits of course work plus 6 hours of special research credit (POLS 598 Special Research Programs) or 6 hours of approved internship credit (POLS 510 Internship). Both the thesis and nonthesis options require a final oral examination; the non thesis option requires a written examination as well. The program provides a broad-based foundation in political science while allowing students to pursue specific areas of interest.

Requirements

Flexibility in planning a program of study is permitted to meet the educational needs of a diverse student population. Structured areas of emphasis are available in several topical areas, including Latin American and international affairs. Students may also take a graduate minor in Security Studies. Information on these areas and the graduate minor may be obtained from the Department of Government. No more than 9 credits taken outside the department will be counted toward the degree.

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The remaining credits required for the degree are selected subject to advisor approval to satisfy particular academic interests or career goals. 

Master’s Accelerated Program (MAP)

The MAP program encourages qualified undergraduate students to consider taking graduate level courses in their junior or senior years. Eligible students can count up to 12 graduate-level credits by applying them to their BA degree as well as to the graduate degree if they are later admitted to either the Master of Arts in Political Science or the Masters in Public Administration (MPA). Students are advised to not attempt more than 3 credits of graduate coursework in one semester.

Students must earn a grade of B or higher to have graduate credits count under the MAP program. Graduate courses completed with a B- or lower are not eligible for MAP credit. By taking some graduate-level courses in the Department of Government, students can get a good idea of whether they wish to pursue a Masters degree. They can also complete a Masters degree in a shorter time period if they are admitted to their chosen degree program. Coursework tends to include a broader set of readings and more extensive research papers. Students seeking to go further in their understanding of a particular issue or debate can gain experience in developing an original research question, exploring relevant literature and in analyzing new data.

Students admitted to the MAP program continue to pay undergraduate tuition rates and remain eligible for undergraduate scholarships. Students should talk with their financial aid adviser prior to registering for graduate classes under MAP. Students are not guaranteed admission to a graduate program by participating in the MAP program. They will still need to submit an application for admission if they wish to complete an MA or MPA degree in the Department of Government. Students may be able to transfer graduate credits to programs at other universities but the program directors and Graduate Schools of those universities will have their own rules and policies regarding transfer credit and may not accept graduate credits earned at NMSU. 

Student Qualifications:

Undergraduate students may participate in the Master’s Accelerated Program (MAP) in the Department of Government after:

• Completing 60 semester hours of undergraduate coursework of which a minimum of 25 semester credit hours must be completed at New Mexico State University and apply towards the undergraduate major
• The grade point average must be at a minimum of 3.5
• May not have previously earned a Bachelor’s Degree
• Students have removed any Incomplete grades or holds at the time that they request admission to a graduate-level class.
• Honors Credit: Undergraduate students who obtain a grade of B or higher in graduate level classes can count their credits as Honors credits. Undergraduate students who earn a grade of B or higher in two 3-credit graduate classes will automatically graduate with an Honors Certificate. 

Accepted MAP Courses:

Students can count any four (4) graduate-level elective - up to 12 graduate-level credits (courses numbered POLS 450 or above). Sometimes these classes are cross-listed with undergraduate sections. Students who register for the MAP program will take the graduate section and complete the same requirements that are expected of graduate students in these classes. Any other courses may be considered after a consultation with an advisor. An exception will need to be made to the degree audit in order for the additional course(s) to be included on both the Undergraduate and Graduate degrees. Eligible undergraduates may take any of the following graduate courses under the MAP rules as established by the NMSU Graduate School and with the written approval of the course instructor, the MA Program Chair or MPA Director, as appropriate, and the Head of the Department of Government.