MA Program
Explore a great international learning & research experience and receive two degrees! Learn about the Dual MA Degree with Carleton Political Science & the University of Lucerne, Switzerland.
Tailor your Degree
Students in the MA program can tailor their degree program to meet their own interests and goals. The degree can be completed either through coursework only, or through a combination of coursework and a thesis or major research paper. Additional options include co-op and the Dual Master’s Degree with Department of Political Science, University of Lucerne, Switzerland. MA students also have an opportunity to specialize in either African Studies or Latin America and Caribbean Studies.
The MA program offers opportunities for focused graduate-level study and learning in all aspects of politics. Students have the option of concentrating their courses and research on specific fields of political science – including Canadian Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Public Policy, Political Theory, and Gender and Diversity – or taking a wide range of courses across these fields.
The MA is normally completed in two academic years. During the program, students will have access to faculty for one-on-one research supervision, as well as to the lively research community within the department.
Admission
The Master of Arts program in Political Science is designed for students who have achieved strong grades in an Honours (4-year) undergraduate degree in Political Science or a related discipline. The admissions process is competitive and enrollment is limited. The program admits students exclusively for the Fall term, and offers of admission cannot be deferred.
Guidelines & Forms
Master’s Thesis and Research Essay Guidelines
Directed Reading Tutorial Approval Form
IN PROGRAM MA STUDENT FAQ’s
-
You must be registered in at least 1 course (0.50 cr) and pay full-time tuition.
-
You can take up to, but not more than, 2 courses (1.0 cr).
-
While this is a personal choice, we generally recommend 2 – 3 courses a term. For your very first semester, we recommend 2 courses. If you have a Teaching Assistant position, we do not recommend more than 2 courses a term.
-
By the end of your second semester, you should have found and met with a faculty member to supervise your thesis. It is possible to register for your thesis in the third semester.
-
You should begin by reviewing the faculty member’s profiles. You should talk to your course instructors and other graduate students. If you are still unsure, schedule a meeting with the graduate supervisor, Stephen White.
-
A thesis is worth 2.0 credits, and a MRP is worth 1.0 credits. A thesis requires an oral defense and an internal examiner. A MRP does not require an oral defense nor an internal examiner. For additional information, go to Masters Thesis Essay Guidelines.
-
Yes – the summer term is a perfect time to take a course in another department or register for your Thesis/MRP and begin the research.
-
Once you are a registered as a full time student, you are eligible to apply for a co-op position one full term before the co-op term is to begin. You must have obtained 2.5 credits in your MA at the time your co-op assignment begins. For additional information, please contact the co-op office directly.
-
The graduate administrator and will announce all awards and will include deadlines and instructions.