Political Science Program

graduate programs

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Master of Public Administration   bullet item  MA/MS 

The MA/MS program is not currently accepting applications.


THE PROGRAMS

The Department of Political Science offers two Master's degree programs; one a Master of Arts (MA) degree and other a Master of Science (MS) degree. The basic difference between the two programs involves the thesis requirement. The MA program requires students to conduct major research in the preparation of a Master's Thesis. A formal presentation and defense of the thesis before a faculty examining committee is the culminating experience of the program. The MS does not require a thesis. Instead, it offers students two options regarding the culminating experience of their programs; the preparation of a Master's Paper which is then presented to a faculty examining committee or a comprehensive examination covering three major sub-fields of the Political Science discipline. Students who are planning to continue their education in doctoral programs are strongly advised to pursue the MA program.

STUDENT BODY

Normally there are about 20 students involved in the MA/MS programs. This group is extremely diverse, drawing its members not only from all sectors and regions of the United States, but also from abroad. International students have come from such countries as the People's Republic of China, Taiwan, South Korea, Indonesia, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Morocco, Kenya, Zaire, and Trinidad.

THE CURRICULUM

Both the MA and MS programs require a minimum of 33 total hours. Other requirements common to the two programs are: a 3-hour seminar in research methods; a 3-hour seminar in empirical theory; 6 hours in American Politics; 6 hours in Comparative Politics; 6 hours in International Relations; and 3-9 hours of directed electives. Also, MA students will write a thesis while MS students will choose between the paper and the comprehensive examination options.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Internships can be arranged which provide students with the opportunity to gain experience working in government agencies, public service organizations, and the private sector.

Indiana State University is vigorously pursuing exchange agreements with a number of foreign universities. It is anticipated that such arrangements will provide opportunities for graduate students to engage in overseas study and research. The Political Science Department strongly supports and is heavily involved in efforts to establish such programs.

ADMISSION

Persons holding a Bachelor's degree may enroll in MA/MS classes as unclassified students. Applicants for regular admission to the program must have an undergraduate degree (preferably a Bachelor of Arts) from an accredited four-year college or university, a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) in their undergraduate work, and at least 18 semester hours of undergraduate credit in Political Science courses (or equivalent courses). Applicants must provide official transcripts of all undergraduate work and three letters of recommendation. A resume or a cover letter detailing factors that the admissions committee should consider is recommended. Although it is not required for admission, all applicants are strongly urged to take the Graduate Record Exams (GRE) and submit their scores when applying. Conditional admission may be granted to students who do not meet all the formal requirements, but who are nevertheless deemed to have considerable potential for graduate work.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

In addition to the requirements listed above, international students are required to take the TOEFL exams. A minimum TOEFL score of 600 is necessary for admission. The GRE exams must also be taken and the scores submitted when applying.

The ISU Office of International Student Affairs will assist international students with application procedures, visas, documentation, etc. See address on reverse page in order to contact the office.  International students who wish to apply should contact the School of Graduate Studies.

TUITION

Students from certain counties in Illinois pay in-state rather than out-of-state tuition rates. Currently, these Illinois counties are Clark, Crawford, and Edgar.

FINANCIAL AID

Full-time students can apply for assistantships (which provide a stipend for services rendered) along with scholarships (which involve waiver of tuition costs and some fees). Contact the Department to procure application forms. Applications should be submitted as early as possible (ideally before January 15) and no later than April 1. The selection process is competitive. Early decisions may be made in some cases and normally all awards are made no later than May 1. Occasionally extra funds become unexpectedly available and thus students are strongly advised to keep updated applications on file with the Department at all times.

GRADUATE PLACEMENT

Most MA students are interested in gaining admission to doctoral programs where they can attain a Ph.D. The department's graduates have been quite successful in such endeavors. Examples of recent placements are the University of Tennessee, the University of South Carolina, Portland State, and Pennsylvania State University. Other students have pursued careers in government service at various levels. Several graduates, for instance, have entered the U.S. State Department's Foreign Service and now hold diplomatic assignments abroad. Private sector placements with corporations heavily involved in international business are likely to become more common in upcoming years.

MPA PROGRAM

The Department of Political Science also offers a Master of Public Administration degree. Information about this program may be obtained from Dr. Stan Buchanan, Director, MPA Program.

DEPARTMENT HOMEPAGE

For additional information about the ISU Political Science Department and the University, visit the Department's Internet homepage at http://www.indstate.edu/polisci/

FACULTY MEMBERS--MASTER OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

MICHAEL CHAMBERS; Ph. D., Columbia University,  Chairperson, Associate Professor of Political Science.  International Relations, Comparative Politics, Asian Politics.

ROBERT VAN SICKEL; Ph.D., University of California. Assistant Professor of Political Science and Legal Studies Program.

H. MICHAEL ERISMAN; Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University, Professor of Political Science. International Relations, Latin American Affairs, Political Economy.

GASTON A. FERNANDEZ; Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, Professor of Political Science and ISU Director of International Programs.
Comparative Politics, International Relations, Latin American Affairs.

CARL KLARNER; Ph.D., Texas A & M University, Assistant Professor of Political Science.

LINDA S. MAULE; Ph.D., Washington State University, Associate Professor of Political Science and Director of Legal Studies Program. Judicial Process, Constitutional Law, American Politics.

GLENN E. PERRY; Ph.D., University of Virginia, Professor of Political Science. Comparative Politics, International Relations, Middle Eastern Affairs.

SAMORY RASHID; Ph.D., University of Chicago, Associate Professor of Political Science and Special Assistant to the Dean of Arts and Sciences. Comparative Politics, African Affairs, Political Economy.

STAN BUCHANAN; Ph.D., University of Tennessee,  Assistant Professor of Public Administration and Political Science.