UIC Political Science Graduate Programs

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

The Department of Political Science at UIC offers graduate training for a master's degree in political science and a doctorate in political science. These programs provide intensive study in the theoretical and methodological foundations of political science, with an emphasis on policy and governance. Both degree programs prepare students for careers in teaching and research, public service and government and non-profit organizations and agencies.

Information about the department is available on our home page: http://www.uic.edu/depts/pols. To download a UIC Graduate College application or apply on line, visit the Graduate College web site at http://www.uic.edu/depts/grad. The graduate advisor may be reached through e-mail at jnell@uic.edu.

All political science graduate courses are offered from mid-afternoon through early evening hours to accommodate part-time students. Although they typically take only one to two courses per semester, part-time students in the M.A. and Ph.D. programs are required to enroll in sequence in the courses normally taken by full-time students. Students enrolling part-time should work with the graduate advisor to devise a plan of study.

The University of Illinois at Chicago is located one mile southwest of Chicago's Loop at the intersection of three major expressways. The Behavioral Sciences Building (BSB) at the intersection of Harrison and Morgan Streets, 1007 West Harrison Street, is the home of the Department of Political Science. Ample parking is available. Public transportation to the campus includes subway trains, buses and nearby commuter railways.

******************************

The information in this packet reflects current programs and requirements. Courses, faculty, prerequisites, graduation or completion requirements, standards, tuition and programs may change from time to time. Students may choose to be governed by the rules in effect at the time of their original enrollment. This packet is intended for informational purposes only and is subject to change without notice.

THE MASTER OF ARTS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE

The Master of Arts in Political Science prepares students for application to a doctoral program, teaching at the junior college or high school levels, research, employment in public service or in government and non-profit organizations. The program is designed to provide students with theoretical and methodological training in the political science discipline. In addition to other requirements, MA candidates demonstrate their command of the requisite skills by writing a major research paper.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Full-time students normally complete the program in two years. The maximum time to complete the program is five years from the date of entry. A maximum of two courses (8 semester hours) may be taken outside the department.

Required courses must be taken within the program. No waivers are granted for graduate courses taken elsewhere.

A minimum GPA of 3.5 is required throughout graduate study (A= 4.00). Additional standards of adequate progress are described in the graduate student handbook made available to all students after enrollment in the program. Applicants may obtain a copy of the handbook at http://www.uic.edu/depts/pols/grad/

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
(for students entering fall 2005 and after)

32 semester hours

Required courses must be successfully completed with grades of B or better. Courses earn four credit hours unless otherwise noted.

1) PolS 401 - Data Analysis I

2) PolS 500 – Introduction to Policy & Governance

3) PolS 505 - Research Design and Methods

4) PolS 506 – Profession of Political Science (2 credits)

5) One of the following “gateway courses”
            a. PolS 504 – Theoretical Approaches to Policy and Governance
            b. PolS 551 – Introduction to Urban Politics
            c. PolS 560 – American Politics
            d. PolS 570 – Comparative Politics and Public Policy
            e. PolS 571 – Seminar in International Relations

6) Three elective graduate level courses of which one must be in Political Science

7) PolS 593 – Independent Research for Master’s Degree (2 credits).