Graduate Program in Political Science

A flexible, affordable graduate program tailored to you!

We offer a master of arts (MA) degree in political science with an emphasis on building academic and practical skills in key areas of the discipline.

Research and teaching in the department center on the major fields of American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory and public policy. However, the department also offers more specialized training in human rights, legal studies, gender politics, race and ethnic politics, European studies, indigenous politics, and urban politics.

You choose your program

Our MA students have the option of completing the traditional track on the CU Denver Auraria campus, our new 4 + 1 - dual BA/MA combination program, or an alternative track centered on the study of politics, public policy, leadership, and community organizing through our Center for New Directions program.

What happens next?

Our graduates have gone on to Ph.D. programs across the country and work in a variety of positions including state and local elected offices, government service, directors of community-based organizations and non-governmental organizations, legislative analysts, UN affiliates, lobbyists, teachers, media analysts and political consultants.

Apply Now

To apply to for our New Directions or Standard MA programs, please submit the following online:

Online graduate school application
Personal statement of about 1 ½ pages
Three reference letters (academic and/or professional)
Official transcripts
Writing sample of about 10 pages

To pursue our 4+1 Program, please submit the following online:

If you are in your Junior Year:

Complete Intent to BA/MA Form
Meet with Undergraduate (Karen Breslin) and Graduate Director (Michael Berry)
Meet with Financial Aid

If you are in your Senior Year:

Apply for Graduation
Complete Graduate School Application

Preferred Application Deadlines

Summer term applicants - April 1

Fall semester applicants - May 1

Spring semester applicants - November 1

Job Opportunities in Political Science!

PSCI periodically has Research Assistant, Student Assistant and Student Journal Editor positions available. Be sure to check your student email for job application information! If interested, please contact Angie Schmitt at Angela.Schmitt@ucdenver.edu for more information.

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Tuition
MA Degree Requirements
New Directions
BA/MA - 4 + 1 Program
Certificates

Our Graduate-Level Learning Goals & Objectives

In their introductory classes, and continuing at successively higher levels across their departmental studies, Political Science students will consistently improve their:

1. Knowledge of the role of political action and political systems in shaping human cultures and socio-economic patterns, including:

Knowledge of the American Political System Knowledge of political systems across history and world region Knowledge of theoretical foundations of political systems and political values Ability to compare political systems in their differing abilities to deliver public welfare Knowledge of the processes, institutions and actors involved in globalization This knowledge will be focused by engagement with the fundamental questions of political life, both contemporary and enduring. Students will place themselves in conversation with multiple political and moral perspectives, including those outside of the traditional Western canon, by developing their own positions and by seeing how their positions build from and contribute to these perspectives.

2. Intellectual and Practical Skills, including:

Inquiry and analysis • Critical thinking • Creative thinking • Written communication • Oral communication • Reading Ability • Quantitative literacy • Information literacy • Teamwork • Problem solving These skills will be applied to evaluate conflicting arguments, assemble and present empirical evidence using appropriate methods of research and data analysis, make reasoned conclusions from the evidence available, and prepare professional and persuasive presentations regarding those conclusions.

3. Personal and Social Responsibility, including:

Civic knowledge and engagement—local and global Intercultural knowledge and competence Ethical reasoning and action Foundations and skills for lifelong learning This responsibility will be anchored through active involvement with diverse communities and real-world challenges (including internships, service-learning and other experiential learning opportunities) that allow students to reflect on the relationship between theory, political practice and potential career paths. In these experiences, students will apply critical thinking skills to solve collective problems in a manner that improves the public good.

4. Integrative/Holistic and Applied Learning, including:

Completion of department course work across a range of political science subfields Application of insights from other programs of study to enhance their political understanding and practical skills This learning will be demonstrated through the application of integrative and holistic knowledge and skills to foster purposeful civic commitments, to produce effective oral and written presentations, and to develop practical skills for continual personal and professional development.

Assessing Learning Objectives

The Department of Political Science conducts annual assessments of student progress towards departmental learning objectives. Assessments are typically targeted towards different categories of courses in different years. For example, one year the department might assess all “experiential learning” courses, while another year we might assess our “core curriculum” courses, and in another year we might assess our study abroad courses. In some years, the department conducts a broader assessment of department-wide progress towards learning objectives across many different courses. The specific strategies typically utilized in our annual assessment process are a mixture of the following: • Direct Assessment of Course-Based Learning. The Political Science Department reviews student exams, written papers, oral presentations and final portfolios for targeted classes during its assessment • Student Self-Assessment Surveys. The Political Science Department often embeds a student self-assessment survey into its assessment process. The survey collects students’ self-assessment of their own intellectual growth, knowledge gained, and level of change in political aptitudes, skills, attitudes and engagement level during their time in our classes and department. Informal assessments include a review of student FCQ comments and other informal verbal feedback from students. • Master’s Capstone Assessment. The Political Science Department periodically assembles a team of faculty to review all master’s theses or projects submitted for oral defense in an academic year, to conduct an assessment of progress towards learning objectives among our master’s students.

University of Colorado Denver

Denver

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Graduate Program in Political Science

Apply Now

To apply to for our New Directions or Standard MA programs, please submit the following online:

To pursue our 4+1 Program, please submit the following online: