Political Science (M.A.)

Since 1948, the Graduate Program of the Department of Political Science has been educating students, scholars and civic leaders in all domains of political life. Encompassing a range of research fields, our graduate program allows students to explore the nature and distribution of political power and resources at the individual and community levels, as well as federal, state and local governments, electoral politics, and in the international arena.

The Department of Political Science at UNH offers the Master of Arts in Political Science. The program provides advanced study in international relations and American and comparative politics. The program serves students interested in working in government, public service, nonprofit management, electoral politics, education and research, and in preparing for Ph.D. programs. It gives students the flexibility to tailor their coursework to individual interests within a curriculum that ensures a strong foundation in international and domestic politics, research methods, and analysis. Faculty engage in teaching and research activities encompassing the fields of international and comparative politics, American politics, and political thought.

The program is offered to full- and part-time students.

Degree Requirements

Students may choose between the Thesis option and Non-Thesis option.  Both options require a minimum of 35 credits and 10 courses of at least 3 credits each.

M.A. with Thesis Option

Master's degree students must complete a minimum of 35 credits and 10 courses of at least 3 credits each for the degree: ten courses, two of which may be thesis credits (POLT 899 Master's Thesis). Of the ten courses, two are required seminars: Pro Seminar (POLT 800 Political Science Pro-Seminar) and an introductory statistical analysis course (e.g.,  PPOL 908), and are to be taken during the student's first year.

Students are encouraged to work with the MA program director to identify relevant courses of interest across the College of Liberal Arts graduate offerings.  The MA program director must provide course approval for courses offered outside the department. Successful completion and defense of a 8-credit master's thesis is required.

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To be taken during the student's first year

M.A. Non-Thesis Option

Master's degree students must complete ten courses totaling a minimum of 35 credits and 10 courses of at least 3 credits each for the degree. Of the ten courses, two are required: Pro Seminar (POLT 800 Political Science Pro-Seminar) and an introductory statistical analysis course (e.g., PPOL 908), and are to be taken during the student's first year. In their final semester, students will enroll in a capstone course, and may choose from POLT 995 Capstone Research Project  or POLT 990 Internship Capstone. Students should consult with their faculty mentors to select the capstone experience that will best align with their long-term professional goals.

Students are encouraged to work with the MA program director to identify relevant courses of interest across the College of Liberal Arts graduate offerings. The MA program director must provide course approval for elective courses offered outside the department.

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To be taken during the student's first year

Accelerated Master's Overview

Accelerated Master’s programs offer qualified University of New Hampshire undergraduate students the opportunity to begin graduate coursework in select graduate programs while completing a bachelor’s degree. Accelerated master's programs are designed to provide students with an efficient and cost-effective pathway to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree or graduate certificate, enhancing career opportunities and long-term earning potential. 

Accelerated Master's Highlights

• Begin studying advanced topics while an undergraduate student with the opportunity to complete a master’s degree or graduate certificate early.
• Master’s degree program students: Earn up to 12* graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor’s degree. This coursework will count as dual-credit toward both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
• Graduate certificate program students: Earn up to 8* graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor’s degree. This coursework will count as dual-credit toward both the bachelor’s degree and the graduate certificate.
• Students complete the bachelor’s degree, and then officially matriculate into the master’s or graduate certificate program to complete the remaining required graduate-level coursework.

*Some exceptions apply. 

Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements

• A minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA is required.*
• A minimum of 90 undergraduate credits must be completed prior to enrolling in graduate (800-level) courses.
• Streamlined Graduate School Application (two letters of recommendation; most standardized tests and application fee are waived).*

*Some exceptions apply.

Accelerated Master's Requirements

• Students must attend a mandatory orientation session.
• Students must submit a special registration form each semester for dual-credit courses and note any DegreeWorks exceptions.
• Students may defer graduate matriculation for up to one year after earning their bachelor’s degree in most programs.
• See the Accelerated Master’s Catalog Policy and Accelerated Master’s Website for additional information and a list of programs. Note that some programs have additional requirements (e.g. higher-grade expectations) compared to the general policy.

Political Science (M.A.) Accelerated Option

This graduate degree program is approved to be taken on an accelerated basis in articulation with the following undergraduate program(s): 

Program Learning Outcomes

• Building advanced skills in analyzing, processing, and communicating complex information, using qualitative and quantitative approaches.
• Effectively and persuasively presenting analysis and findings in written, oral, and graphical form.
• Facilitating student exploration of thematic, regional, and methodological areas of specialization and interest. Areas of strength include the study of public opinion, international politics and international relations, political economy, environmental politics, Latin American politics, Middle Eastern politics, Asian politics, and American politics.