Curriculum
The program is sequenced over three semesters: fall, spring and summer.
Students take a total of ten graduate courses in the Government Department. This includes five electives (at least three of which should be in the American Government subfield) and five required classes: Approaches/Topics in American Politics, Analysis of Political Data, M.A. Capstone I and II Seminars on Leadership and Process in American Government and the M.A. Writing Seminar.
In addition, students are required to participate in a 7 month practicum experience, where they are apprentice practitioners in a public or private sector position related to their particular interests and to American Government and Politics more broadly. The practicum is designed to prepare students for future careers in their chosen field.
The program culminates in a field examination in American Government and with the writing of a major applied research paper on a topic related to the practicum experience.
Fall Semester: 12 Credit Hours (4 Courses)
Required (2 courses):
GOVT-501: Analysis of Political Data
GOVT-520: Approaches/Topics in Am. Politics
Fall Electives (Choose 2):
May include:
GOVT 623: Congressional Politics
GOVT 629: Executive Branch Politics and Policy Making
Spring Semester: 12 Credit Hours (4 Courses) + 20 hours/week Practicum
Required (1 course):
GOVT-521: M.A. Capstone Seminar: Leadership and Process in American Government
Spring Electives (Choose 3):
May include:
GOVT 523 Values in Political Advocacy
GOVT 529 American Political Development
GOVT 612 Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations
*GOVT 731 Political Behavior
*GOVT 770 American Foreign Policy
*Students also choose a department elective outside of the American Government field
Summer Term: 6 Credit Hours + 25- 30 Hour per week Practicum
Required (2 courses) in Summer Session
GOVT 522: Leadership Seminar
GOVT 524: Practicum Writing Course
Practicum Paper Due
Practicum Ends
Program Completion Celebratory Dinner