MA Political Science at University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Programme overview

The MA in Political Science provides the foundation for advanced graduate study toward the PhD and is also used in careers such as journalism, the military and education. It is offered on the Knoxville campus with a thesis option and a coursework-only option with a comprehensive exam.

Faculty: College of Arts and Sciences | Department: Department of Political Science | Duration: 30 graduate credit hours | Study mode: full-time | Location: Knoxville, TN, United States

What you will study

Students complete 30 credit hours including POLS 510 Scope and Methods in Political Science, one of POLS 511 Research Design or POLS 512 Quantitative Political Analysis, and either a 6-hour thesis with oral examination or a 600-level research seminar with a written comprehensive exam.

Career pathways

Journalism, the military, education, and preparation for doctoral study.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent. Normally an overall GPA of 3.00 and a 3.20 average in the last two years of political science or social science. Three recommendation forms, at least two from instructors at the most recently attended institution. GRE general test scores are submitted; a composite of at least 302 on verbal and quantitative is normally required. Submit the online application to the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Entry terms: Fall, Spring and Summer. Domestic applicants may apply up to two weeks before the start of the desired term unless the programme sets an earlier deadline.

International graduate applicants on F and J visas: Fall online submission April 15 and file completion May 15; Spring June 15 and October 1; Summer October 15 and February 15. Departmental deadlines may be earlier.

Apply through the official page: https://gradschool.utk.edu/

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