Political Science, M.A.

Admission

Admission to the M.A. in Political Science degree program requires an average of B+ or better in Honours Political Science or, with the approval of the Department’s Graduate Chair, in another discipline. The Department offers a regular M.A. in Political Science program in four areas: Canadian Politics, Comparative Politics, Political Theory and Public Policy. There is also a Collaborative M.A. Program with the University of Guelph in Public Policy and Administration. Students must indicate the area in which they wish to major in their application.

In the regular M.A. in Political Science program, studies in all areas may take the form of course work and comprehensive examinations, or course work and a thesis.

A. Course Work with Comprehensive Examinations

Six half courses (or equivalent) at the graduate level and written comprehensive examinations. Normally 3 half courses are taken during the Fall term and 3 half courses during the Winter term. The comprehensive examinations are written in the latter half of July. Students are responsible for one major (two subfields) and one minor (one subfield) area chosen from: Canadian Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, and Public Policy and Administration.

B. Course Work with Thesis

Five half courses (or equivalent) and a thesis, which must demonstrate independent research skills. Full-time students who wish to write a thesis must submit a thesis proposal for departmental approval by a date to be determined by the Department. If the thesis proposal is not approved, students may continue in the course/comprehensive option. The thesis option is normally a two-year program.

C. Public Policy and Administration

The Public Policy and Administration Program is offered in collaboration with the Department of Political Science at the University of Guelph. Students concentrating in this area must satisfy the following requirements:

1. Six half courses (or equivalent) at the graduate level
2. The two half year courses beyond those required may be taken on either campus or, with the approval of the Graduate Advisor, up to six units (2 half courses) may be taken from an allied discipline at the McMaster campus; and
3. Written comprehensive examinations in the major field of Public Policy and Administration with a minor field of Canadian Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations or Political Theory.