The Master of Arts in Political Science, Political Analysis Specialization, Plan B offers advanced training in empirical inquiry while gaining a sophisticated understanding of politics and political processes. The specialization prepares students for careers as analysts in a broad range of organizations including government, non-profits, campaigns, advocacy groups, and the private sector.
For more information on the Master of Arts in Political Science please email cla_polisci@mail.colostate.edu.
Students interested in graduate work should refer to the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Learning Objectives
Students who choose the Political Analysis Specialization will:
- Design and conduct original empirical research on politics or policy.
- Master appropriate software necessary for statistics, qualitative coding, surveys, data management, and/or data visualization.
- Clearly articulate and present technical and methodological material to a general audience.
- Understand the strengths and weaknesses of a variety of methodological approaches.
- Identify and apply the appropriate tool for analysis of substantive issues.
- Demonstrate competency in a traditional subfield of political science or Power, Justice and Democracy Specialization.
Effective Fall 2021
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | ||
| POLS 624 | Scope and Methods of Political Science | 3 |
| POLS 625 | Quantitative Methods of Political Research I | 3 |
| POLS 693 | Advanced Topics--Research Methods | 3 |
| Select one course from the following: 1 | 3 | |
| Qualitative Methods in Political Science | ||
| Quantitative Methods of Political Research II | ||
| Track Electives 2 | 9 | |
| Traditional Subfield Courses (Select one option below): | 9 | |
| First Option: | ||
Three courses across the subfields of American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, Public Policy and Public Administration, Environmental Politics and Policy, or the Power, Justice and Democracy Specialization | ||
| Second Option: | ||
Two courses in one POLS subfield | ||
| Approaches to the Study of Politics | ||
| Electives 3 | 6 | |
| Program Total Credits: | 36 | |
A minimum of 36 credits are required to complete this program.
- 1
If students do not take POLS 621, at least 3 credits of Track Electives must focus on qualitative methodology.
- 2
At least 3 credits in POLS. For example: Environmental Research Methods, Environmental Organizations and Networks, Surveys and Experiments, International Research Methods, Field Research, Participatory Action Research, Comparative Research Methods, Data Visualization; other graduate and undergraduate (at least 300 level) methods courses from Statistics, Sociology, Anthropology, Computer Science, Public Health, and other departments (consistent with restrictions in the graduate handbook); other Political Science courses with a methodological component – e.g. culminating in a research project or focusing on a particular research method in addition to substantive theories.
- 3
Students may choose substantive or methodological courses from across the university that best fit their intellectual and professional goals, subject to the approval of their advisor. An internship may account for three of these credits. POLS 620 may be an appropriate elective if not taken in fulfillment of Traditional Subfield Courses.
For more information, please visit Requirements for All Graduate Degrees in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Summary of Procedures for the Master's and Doctoral Degrees
NOTE: Each semester the Graduate School publishes a schedule of deadlines. Deadlines are available on the Graduate School website. Students should consult this schedule whenever they approach important steps in their careers.
Forms are available online.
| Step | Due Date |
|---|---|
| 1. Application for admission (online) | Six months before first registration |
| 2. Diagnostic examination when required | Before first registration |
| 3. Appointment of advisor | Before first registration |
| 4. Selection of graduate committee | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 5. Filing of program of study (GS Form 6) | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD) | Two terms prior to final examination |
| 7. Report of preliminary examination (GS Form 16) - (Ph.D. and PD) | Within two working days after results are known |
| 8. Changes in committee (GS Form 9A) | When change is made |
| 9. Application for Graduation (GS Form 25) | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 9a. Reapplication for Graduation (online) | Failure to graduate requires Reapplication for Graduation (online) for the next time term for which you are applying |
| 10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee | At least two weeks prior to the examination or at the discretion of the graduate committee |
| 11. Final examination | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 12. Report of final examination (GS Form 24) | Within two working days after results are known; refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form (GS Form 30) to the Graduate School and Submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates (Ph.D. only) prior to submitting the electronic thesis/dissertation | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website. |
| 14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 15. Graduation | Ceremony information is available from the Graduate School website |