MA in Political Science Program
Welcome to the UTEP Political Science MA Program webpage!
Below you will find an overview of our program, its unique benefits, and frequently asked questions.
Overview of the Master of Arts in Political Science
The MA program is designed to prepare students for academic and non-academic careers. Our program offers an intellectually stimulating academic and professional environment where students are encouraged to develop their skills and interests to their full potential, as well as contribute to knowledge and praxis in political science through research, teaching, and service. Students develop deep and comprehensive substantive knowledge within the field, strong critical and analytical thinking skills, excellent communication and problem-solving skills, and high ethical and professional standards. Students develop broad knowledge, substantive expertise, and research skills that are highly transferable and valuable to variety of industries, fields, and organizations—making the MA in political science one of the most valuable and flexible degrees available.
A MA degree can enable students to enter fast-paced, high impact careers in government service, teaching, business, non-profits, think tanks, foreign service, federal/state/local government agencies, consulates, international organizations, public policy, CIA, FBI, criminal justice, business, immigration advocacy, economic development, environmental organizations, human rights organizations, military, trade and integration, foreign policy, and more. Graduate can obtain careers as legal consultants, data analysts, grassroots organizers, journalists, reporters, campaign managers, representatives, judges, lawyers, grant writers, diplomats, professors, executive directors, editors, city planners, corporate advisors, political commentors, program managers, high school and college teachers, intelligence officers, and so one. Indeed, as politics influences all industries and fields, the substantive knowledge of our students is invaluable to a broad array of employers. Furthermore, the research and analytical skills—especially data analysis skills—of our students make them competitive in diverse, high-paying careers.
Virtually all our students are employed upon graduation or continue to a PhD program or law school. We have an excellent record of graduate employment in private, public, nonprofit, education, and local and federal government offices. For example, our graduates have held career positions at nonprofits, universities, city/local/federal and elected offices, law firms, Federal Bureau of Investigation, State Department, El Paso Times, Texas community colleges, high schools, and private industries. Our graduates have become data analysts, corporate strategists, educators, research coordinators, consultants, executive directors, academic coordinators, police officers, election officers, outreach coordinators, lawyers, development officer, military leadership, lecturers, congressional staffer, campaign coordinators, law clerks, paralegals, and more.
While undergraduate education focuses primarily on learning established facts, graduate level work introduces students to how such knowledge is created, the limits and uncertainty of such knowledge, the breadth and depth of academic literature and scholarship on specific topics, how to generate new knowledge, and the methodologies used to appropriately evaluate and build knowledge. As such, students are challenged to become familiar with and analyze existing literature and scholarship in political science as well as synthesize established knowledge in new, innovative ways. Students are also challenged to learn appropriate methodologies to test political science theories, identify causal mechanisms, evaluate political institutions and policies, and apply political science theory, methods, and knowledge to real-world contexts to develop solutions to complex and dynamic problems.
What does our graduate program offer?
Our MA program offers two degree plan options: a thesis (30 credit hours and thesis) or final paper (36 credit hours and final paper). Students in either degree plan can focus on American Institutions and Processes, Comparative Politics, and International Politics.
1. Thesis: consists of 30 credit hours, including six (6) thesis credit hours, and is designed for students who would like to develop in-depth research expertise in a specialized area.
2. Final Paper (Non-Thesis Option): requires 36 credit hours, including a final paper project, and is designed for students who would like to develop broad knowledge in Political Science.
We also offer a Fast-Track program for current, outstanding UTEP undergraduates who are interested in transitioning from a bachelor’s degree to a graduate degree (CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ON FAST TRACK PROGRAM). This program allows outstanding students to simultaneously receive both undergraduate and graduate credit for up to 15 hours of UTEP course work.
We also have a Graduate Certificate in Political Science for prospective or current Government/Political Science teachers who plan to teach dual-credit, college level Political Science courses. To obtain the certificate, students will take 18 semester credit hours of graduate Political Science content courses (CLICK HERE FOR DETAIL ON GRADUATE CERTIFICATE).
Why should you consider a MA in Political Science at UTEP?
Our program offers a MA degree with faculty expertise in diverse areas of research and teaching. We focus on topics like democracy and democratization, state and local government, public administration and public policy, American and comparative judicial politics, politics of the US Presidency, public opinion and media, political behavior, elections and electoral systems, party systems, civil and international conflicts, globalization, regional collaboration and integration, international law and courts, international and comparative political economy, political psychology, economic development, political communication, and many others. We also have geographic expertise in the politics of the United States, Latin America, Europe, and East Asia. We are active research faculty whose work appears in prestigious academic journals and with high-ranking domestic and international book publishers.
We are equally dedicated to outstanding teaching. Many of us have won teaching honors, such as the University of Texas Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award. We have won or contribute to grant-funded projects that aim to improve our quality of teaching so that our students get an excellent education. The UTEP Edge initiative guides our instruction so that students also learn important life-long learning skills that directly translate into work-aligned skills, such as analytical thinking, effective communication, global awareness, teamwork, entrepreneurship, and leadership. We also offer opportunities outside the classroom, where we are committed to community engagement, leadership, and public service.
We help students develop into leaders. Graduates of our MA program have gone on to pursue doctorates at top universities, teach in high schools and community colleges, become lawyers around the country, and work in a wide array of government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other rewarding jobs in the public and private sectors. Many of our graduate students continue into top law schools and doctoral programs, such as those at Chicago, Pittsburgh, Arizona State, Houston, Tennessee, Texas A&M, and UT Dallas. Other students have attained important positions as federal law enforcement officers, security and intelligence analysts, campaign and staff positions for legislative representatives, electoral offices, and in positions with non-profit and other non-governmental organizations.
With small classes, graduate students get personalized mentorship and professionalization in all of their courses. Our faculty are committed to mentorship, socializing and expanding professional networks to include our graduate students, and incorporating them into our teaching, research, and service missions. We offer a high-impact education for a variety of career paths, including teaching in high schools and community colleges as well as working in a wide array of government and military agencies, non-profit organizations, and other rewarding jobs in the public and private sectors. We also offer ample original research, academic conference, and co-authorship opportunities for students who seek to pursue doctorates at top universities. Our alumni consistently achieve their career goals by becoming leaders in education, research, industry, advocacy, and government at all levels.
Our program reflects quality as well as student diversity, attracting students locally, nationally, and globally. Indeed, we are among the more diverse programs at UTEP. We have students from Australia, Bhutan, Bangladesh, China, Cameroon, Colombia, France, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Poland, Ghana, and others. We welcome the variety of experiences and perspectives across our student (and faculty) body and offer a multicultural education that prioritizes global awareness and cultural competencies for an increasingly globalized and interdependent world.
Unlike many MA programs, we have merit-based funding available for teaching and research assistants, which can offer full or partial tuition assistance. Many of our graduate students have also been awarded various scholarships and prestigious internships at the federal, state, and local governments and non-governmental organizations. Our tuition is also relatively low compared to many schools around the country. In short, we take seriously our commitment of quality education that is accessible and inclusive to all students.
Our admissions process is quick and easy. We offer support during the application process to assist with any questions or concerns, and we do not require the GRE. We deliver decisions within weeks of your application submission.
Finally, El Paso is a wonderful place to live. El Paso offers the amenities of large cities—such as public transit, concerts, festivals, art and film, food, and (multi)cultural activities—while simultaneously cultivating a small town feel that is welcoming and safe. Consistently ranked among the top three safest cities, El Paso has affordable housing and low living costs that benefits families of all sizes. With sunny weather virtually all year round, El Paso is located in the Chihuahuan desert right next to Mexico—offering the benefit of easy travel, great food, convenient access to national parks, and plenty of outdoor activities and sports. Even if you prefer winter sports, El Paso is only a couple hours from away from New Mexico’s ski resorts, cabin lodges, ice skating, and other activities.
Want more information about our graduate program? Please feel free to contact me a rareid@utep.edu.
What do I need to apply?
MA Political Science applicants apply for the program through the UTEP Graduate School online portal. The application is online (CLICK HERE FOR ONLINE APPLICATION PORTAL), and only complete applications are considered for admission. Admission is based on the entire record of the applicant and not a single criterion.
Students in our MA program can apply for teaching and research assistantships at the time of application or upon admission.
Application Requirements
1. Completed application (available online) for the Graduate School.
2. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in the U.S. or proof of equivalent education at a foreign institution in Political Science, or a related area. Transcripts are required from the bachelor's degree and any other graduate or professional degree programs, including law school.
3. Two letters of recommendation, preferably from current or former professors in either the bachelor's degree program or previous graduate programs.
4. A statement of purpose outlining one's interest in the program and career objectives. If the applicant's undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, any extenuating circumstances must be explained.
5. Applicants from countries where English is not the first language are required to demonstrate English proficiency. Please consult the Graduate School website for required scores.
Admission Deadlines
Spring Semester Admission: The deadline to apply for Spring admission into the MA Political Science program is November 15th. We encourage early applications for international student applicants and applicants seeking teaching assistantship positions, where the early admission deadline is September 30th.
Fall Semester Admission: The deadline to apply for Fall admission into the MA Political Science program is July 15th. We encourage early applications for international student applicants and applicants seeking teaching assistantship positions, where the early admission deadline is March 31st.
Have questions? Contact me-
Dr. Rebecca A. Reid
Director of Graduate Studies
Associate Professor of Political Science
rareid@utep.edu
