Contact

Seth Jolly, Chair 
315-443-2113
skjolly@syr.edu
 
Dimitar Gueorguiev (Fall 2026)
Emily Thorson (Spring 2027)
Director of Graduate Studies
ddgueorg@syr.edu
eathorso@syr.edu 

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Presentational Skills: Present the results of their research and/or understanding of their topic and/or sub-discipline
2. Writing Skills: Develop and express issues and ideas in different writing forms
3. Research Skills: Use quantitative and/or qualitative methods to conduct research
4. Disciplinary Competence: Analyze interrelationships between political, economic, social, cultural, and historical forces in the field of political science
5. Sub-Field Mastery: Analyze interrelationships between political, economic, social, cultural and historical forces in a sub-field

Program Requirements

The M.A. program requires completing 30 graduate credits, including one methodology course selected from PSC 693 Introduction to Quantitative Political Analysis, PSC 694 Qualitative Political Analysis, PSC 796 Formal Theories of Choice, or an alternative course approved by the Director of Graduate Studies. No more than 9 credits may be earned at another institution. Students may write a thesis (6 Credits). The choice must be made by the end of the first semester. The thesis topic and advisor must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies. Whether electing to write a thesis or not, the degree can be earned within one year. Students must maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average, and their credits may include courses from other departments in the University. Since master’s candidates have diverse career goals, ranging from government service to teaching to working in the private sector, the department allows considerable flexibility in course selection.