M.A. Program
The Master of Arts program consists of a minimum of 30 semester hours of coursework. The program includes both a thesis or non-thesis option. The MA degree provides advanced education for those students preparing for teaching, research, or applied careers in politics, state, local or national government, consulting, or in public relations. It may be taken as a terminal degree or a step toward eventual fulfillment of the requirements for the Ph.D.
For Further Information
Department of Political Science
Arizona State University
PO Box 873902
Tempe, AZ 85287-3902
Phone: (480) 965-7667
Fax: (480) 965-3929
Pattie.Rothstein@asu.edu
Internet: www.asu.edu/clas/polisci
Areas of Concentration and Faculty Research Activities
American Politics
Faculty emphasize political behavior and use survey research, experimental designs, and content analysis to collect data and conduct statistical analyses of mass voting patterns, campaign strategies, party politics, the role of the media in political communication, agenda setting and policy development in Congress, and elite-mass linkages. Other faculty study decision making on state and federal courts, judicial independence, and public perceptions of the Supreme Court using data from actual court decisions, longitudinal and comparative data on changes to the rules governing judicial selection and retention, and experiments and surveys to examine public reaction to court decisions and support for courts.
Comparative Politics
Faculty in Comparative politics investigate a variety of topics in several world regions. Research interests include political and economic development, political parties, race and politics, women and politics, political participation, religion and politics, and ethnic-based movements. Faculty incorporate a variety of approaches and methodologies, including political behavior, political processes, institutions, and policies, as well as incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Regions of particular emphasis include Western Europe, Latin America, and Africa.
International Relations
Faculty in the IR subfield investigate a diverse set of issues in international security and international political economy, including comparative foreign policy; democracy and war; international order; insurgency and counter-insurgency; immigration; great power war; gender and race in international relations; terrorism; and sovereignty and the evolution of statecraft. The IR subfield is particularly strong in the area of IR methodology, and its faculty are leading contributors to the development and application of qualitative social inquiry. Faculty teaching and research interests include the Asia-Pacific region, South America, and the Middle East.
Political Theory
Faculty research interests cover a range of topics in the history of political thought and contemporary political theory. Historical topics include Rousseau, histories of concepts, and modern liberalism. Research in contemporary political theory includes: autonomy and freedom; rights and obligations; citizenship, civic virtues, and the idea of the common good; various issues in democratic political theory (with particular attention to education); aspects of political and legal theory regarding corporate personality; conceptions of self in various cultures; analysis of the myths in aboriginal societies (particularly Native Americans); punishment; justice; community; language and politics; social ecology; and peace and nonviolence.
Public Policy
The study of public policy involves understanding and analyzing the processes, institutions, and consequences of governmental decision-making, drawing on intellectual approaches from political science, economics, public affairs, sociology, and other disciplines. Faculty currently concentrate on issues of policy development and policy change, the role of experts and bureaucrats in the policy process, and intergovernmental relationships. Faculty pursue policy research in the United States, in comparative national contexts, and in international governance. Specific areas of focus include science, technology, and environmental policy, urban development, housing, transportation, and social and family policy.
Financial Assistance
Assistantships are offered to highly-qualified incoming students. Application forms for assistantships should be submitted to the Department of Political Science. Full-time assistantships include tuition remission, health insurance, and a stipend for the academic year. We encourage our PhD students in the program to apply for external grants and fellowships; students normally work with their faculty advisors to prepare such proposals. The Division of Graduate Studies' (DGS) Financial Support Office provides information on DGS awards, TA/RA benefits, and external funding opportunities. For details, please visit their website: Financial Aid
Phone: (480) 965-3355
Email: financialaid@asu.edu
DIVISION OF GRADUATE STUDIES
THE OFFICE OF THE DEAN
- Maria Allison, Dean
- (480)965-7379 Fax: (480)965-5188
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
- Dr. Filiz Ozel, Associate Dean / Sarah R. Lindquist, Assistant Dean
- (480) 965-5999 Fax:(480) 965-5188
* Arizona State University vigorously pursues Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity in its Employment, activities, and programs. This information is available in alternative format upon request.