Political Science (M.A.)
Department of Political Science
Dr. Maruice Mangum, Professor and Chair
Telephone: (601) 979-2822
Fax: (601) 979-2904
E-mail: Maruice.L.Mangum@jsums.edu
Faculty
Dr. M. Mangum, Professor and Chair
Dr. R. S. Mikell, Assistant Professor and Graduate Program Coordinator
Dr. E. C. Nwagboso, Professor
Dr. B. D’Andra Orey, Professor
Dr. B. House-Soremekun, Professor
The Department of Political Science offers a traditional/online graduate program leading to the Master of Arts in Political Science. Students may choose the thesis or non-thesis options to complete the M.A. degree.
Mission Statement
Students and faculty in the Master of Arts program in Political Science, work in partnership to observe, critique, debate and analyze the appropriate and effective use of power by governmental institutions and actors, in a democratic society and the larger global community. The graduate program serves the public interest by developing and preparing leaders for employment and service in the institutions of public life. The program also prepares students for doctoral and advanced professional study, which contributes to the development of the discipline of political science. Our urban location in the capital city of Jackson provides a rich and varied laboratory for both empirical and applied research, as well as opportunity to observe and participate in politics.
Program Goals
Students enrolled in the department shall:
- Develop a substantive body of knowledge about the history and evolution of the discipline, including its various approaches and methodologies.
- Acquire the capacity to gather and analyze primary and secondary data on politics in domestic and international contexts, and to critique extant studies as a way to develop original research.
- Engage in independent original research or with colleagues or faculty and practice these skills through internships and service learning opportunities.
Admission Requirements
Prospective students must satisfy the requirements for admission to the Division of Graduate Studies. The Department of Political Science requests the submission of a statement of purpose and at least two letters of recommendation, and a minimum GPA of 2.8 (conditional enrollment).
Requirement for Degree Candidacy
The comprehensive examination and completion of the core political science courses are required for a student to be admitted to candidacy for the M.A. in Political Science. The comprehensive examination consists of written essay questions seeking integration across the subfields of political science. It should be taken and passed by the end of the second year.
Retention Requirement
A minimum grade point average of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) on graduate work earned in the degree program is required.
Degree Requirements
The Department offers two routes for earning the M.A. in Political Science: thesis and non-thesis. The thesis route is intended for students who plan to pursue a doctorate or other post-graduate study. The thesis route requires a minimum of thirty semester hours of coursework and six credits of thesis culminating in the writing and defense of a thesis. The non-thesis route requires the completion of a minimum of thirty-six semester hours of coursework and the submission of a significant research paper.
All students must successfully complete the following and maintain an overall 3.00 GPA (on a 4.00 scale) in order to earn the M.A. degree in Political Science.
- Complete 18 hours of required courses, (see below)
- Take and pass the Graduate English Competency Examination.
- Take and pass the Graduate Area Comprehensive Examination.
Students pursuing the thesis option must also complete the following requirements.
- Complete at least six (6) hours of electives in consultation with the major advisor.
- Write and have an oral defense of masters’ thesis.
Students pursuing the non-thesis option must also complete the following requirements.
- Complete at least twelve (12) hours of electives in consultation with the major advisor.
- Write and submit a significant research paper.
Non-Thesis Track Course Requirements
(36 hours+ Significant research paper)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Coursework 1 | ||
| PS 515 | MODERN POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY | 3 |
| PS 507 | POLITCL INQUIRY & RESEAR | 3 |
| PS 509 | AFRICAN POLITICAL SYSTEMS | 3 |
| PS 542 | 3 | |
| PS 512 | BLACK POLITICAL THOUGHT | 3 |
| PS 506 | METH & APPRCH TO POL SCI | 3 |
| PS 532 | African American Politics | 3 |
| PS 565 | INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Four Elective Courses | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
- 1
All courses are 3 credit hours.
Thesis Track Course Requirements
(30 hours + 6 Thesis hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Coursework 1 | ||
| PS 515 | MODERN POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY | 3 |
| PS 507 | POLITCL INQUIRY & RESEAR | 3 |
| PS 509 | AFRICAN POLITICAL SYSTEMS | 3 |
| PS 542 | 3 | |
| PS 598 | THESIS | 3 |
| PS 512 | BLACK POLITICAL THOUGHT | 3 |
| PS 506 | METH & APPRCH TO POL SCI | 3 |
| PS 532 | African American Politics | 3 |
| PS 565 | INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS | 3 |
| PS 598 | THESIS | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Two Elective Courses | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
- 1
All courses are 3 credit hours.