The Master of Arts in Political Science prepares students for a wide range of careers. In addition to preparation for teaching, research and doctoral-level work in Political Science, students with an M.A. in Political Science typically find careers in law, government service, political parties, interest groups and associations, business, journalism, and private or non-profit organizations. The M.A. program is designed both to broaden the student's knowledge of the core area of Political Science - American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory - and to permit specialization. Courses are small, and both thesis and non-thesis options are available.
The Master of Public Administration program is designed to prepare students for administrative careers in public and nonprofit agencies and to enhance the professional competence of both pre-career and mid-career students. Class size is typically 15 students, which provides a high degree of interaction between faculty and students. The program emphasizes developing management generalists and provides a range of areas of technical specializations. Three options of study are available:
1.) General Administration
2.) International Development
3.) Local Government Administration
Students may, with approval of the program director, specialize in other areas. The M.P.A. requires 36 credits and a portfolio review.
The Joint Program in Law and Public Administration is designed for law students preparing for careers in government service requiring specialized legal knowledge. The heart of the program is a reciprocity agreement between UM's School of Law and the Graduate School, which allows the M.P.A. and J.D. degrees to be completed in a shorter period of time than if they were taken consecutively. Students interested in this program must apply to the School of Law and Graduate School separately.
| Program | Degree Offered |
|---|---|
| Political Science | M.A. |
| Public Administartion | M.P.A. |
| Public Administartion (Joint Law Program) | M.P.A./J.D. |
Requirements
Thesis: 30 credits, comprehensive field exams and oral thesis defense. Comprehensive study (non-thesis): 36 credits, comprehensive field exams and three formal research papers.
Requirements
36 credits, an optional internship and a portfolio review.
Admission is open. Applicants will be considered while there is still room in the program.
Instructions for applying to the Graduate School are in the Applying for Admission section on this web site.
In addition to the application materials required by the Graduate School, the Department of Political Science also requires:
Applicants must have applied and been admitted by April 1.
New students: Indicate interest in an assistantship position on the application form and letter of application.
Returning students: Assistantship positions are regularly advertised within the department.
For additional information about financial assistance, see the Financial Information section on this web site.
The Department of Political Science has a number of teaching assistantships available each year. Graduate students in these positions assist faculty with course instruction by leading discussion sections, delivering lectures and grading assignments. Only applicants admitted under full status to the Graduate School are eligible for teaching assistantships. Full-time teaching assistants work approximately 15 hours per week for 15 weeks each semester of the academic year. In addition to their salaries, teaching assistants receive a tuition fee waiver (in-state or out-of-state) and a waiver of the registration fee. Other fees charged by the University are not included in the TA fee waiver package. Assistantships are awarded for only one year. Both current and incoming graduate students are encouraged to apply. Teaching assistants are required to register for 9 credits each semester.
Susan K. Grebeldinger Scholarship: Open to both undergraduate and graduate students with a career or scholarship interest in legal studies. The scholarship is awarded each year in the amount of $1,000.
Maude and Grover Waldron Scholarship: Open to both undergraduate and graduate students with a career or scholarly interest in state and local government and politics. The annual award averages $500.
Application procedure: Contact Department Secretary at (406) 243-5202.
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Political Science |
|---|
Campus Location
Liberal Arts 350
Federal Express Delivery - Street Address
32 Campus Drive #5832
Missoula, MT 59812-5832
(406) 243-5202
Fax: (406) 243-4076
Graduate Coordinators:
Master of Arts in Political Science
Ramona Grey
(406) 243-2721
ramona.grey@umontana.edu
Master of Public Administration
Jeffrey Greene
(406) 243-6181
jeffrey.greene@umontana.edu
Program information last updated: 6/06
