Indianapolis Center -- Political Science

Master of Arts in Political Science

Offered in the Greater Indianapolis Area

Purpose
The degree gives students the opportunity to broaden and strengthen their understanding of political science. The master of arts in political science prepares students for a variety of goals. Some students may wish to pursue doctoral work at another university after earning the MA degree at Ball State University. Some may wish to enter law school; others may seek governmental employment; still others will go into business or professional organizations that require a knowledge of governmental processes. The MA degree program is flexible enough to prepare students for such a range of possibilities.

Mode of Delivery
Courses are offered live in the Indianapolis area.

Degree Requirements
At the beginning of the graduate program, students must consult with the advisor to develop degree plans in accord with their needs and goals. The degree requires a minimum of 30 hours, at least 15 of which must be earned in political science courses at the 600 level. The 600 level courses must include POLS 625 Research Methods in Political Science and at least three additional 600 level courses in at least two subfields of the discipline chosen by the student in conjunction with his/her advisor.

Subfields include:
American Politics
Comparative Politics/International Relations
Public Policy/Administration

The university research and writing requirement can be met in one of four ways: a thesis for 6 hours of credit, a research paper for 3 hours of credit, a creative project for either 3 or 6 hours of credit, or satisfactory completion of POLS 626 Research Seminar.

Advisor
Dr. Joseph Losco
Department of Political Science
Phone: (765) 285-8780
E-mail: jlosco@bsu.edu

Admission and Registration
» Students may apply for admission online at www.bsu.edu/gradschool/admissions. The graduate application fee is $25 for BSU alumni and $35 for non-BSU graduates. Additional information may be obtained on the Graduate School's Web site.

» Once you are admitted, you will be given a BSU username and password. You will need this information to register for classes online at www.bsu.edu/distance/schedule.

» Fees are due when billed by the Bursar's office or before the first day of the semester, whichever comes first. Paper bills are no longer mailed to a student's home. An e-mail notification is sent to your BSU e-mail account when a bill is ready to be viewed. Visa and MasterCard may be used to pay off-campus tuition. Persons age 60 and older may receive a 50 percent discount on tuition.

» Visit the DE Orientation Web site at www.bsu.edu/distance/orientation to become familiar with the Distance Education Program.

» Additional questions may be directed to 1-800-872-0369 or distance@bsu.edu.

The information presented here, correct at time of publication, is subject to change.