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Program checklist · M.A.

Political Science, M.A.

University of Wyoming · Laramie, WY

A checklist is the list of requirements to complete this program and receive the award, as the college publishes it in its catalog. It is the same for everyone. It does not say what you have completed; that comes from applying your own record.

Program
Award
M.A.
Credential class
ceterms:MasterDegree
CIP
45.1001
Credits (computed from items)
9
Catalog edition
2026-2027
Checklist type
degree-program
Identifiers
IPEDS UNITID
240727
CourseShelf checklist
CK_240727_2197f47e
CollegeTransfer.Net
Institution Transfer Profile
Source
CourseShelf publish 59

Requirements to complete

Every course or condition the catalog lists, in the catalog's order.

Degree Requirements

0 items

    Plan A (Thesis)

    13 items
    1. At least 6 additional hours of coursework in political science.
      Not resolved to a course
    2. A maximum of 9 hours of coursework in disciplines other than political science.
      Not resolved to a course
    3. A minimum of 4 hours thesis research.
      Not resolved to a course
    4. A master’s thesis demonstrating independent research, written under the supervision of the major professor.
      Not resolved to a course
    5. An oral examination conducted by the graduate committee covering all coursework and the thesis.
      Not resolved to a course
    6. No more than 6 hours of grades lower than 3.000 may be counted toward the minimum number of hours required for the degree.
      Not resolved to a course
    7. Students must maintain a graduate GPA of 3.000.
      Not resolved to a course
    8. POLS 5200
      Graduate Proseminar in Politics
      As published: “Graduate Proseminar in Politics and International Studies”
      3
    9. INST 5415
      Qualitative Methods in Politics & International Studies
      Not resolved to a course
    10. Be developed under the supervision of a committee chair and approved by a thesis committee.
      Not resolved to a course
    11. Demonstrate mastery of relevant theories, literature, and methodologies in the (sub)discipline(s) of focus.
      Not resolved to a course
    12. Typically be between 80-110 pages in length, although quality of argument and analysis is emphasized over length.
      Not resolved to a course
    13. Be defended in an oral examination before the committee covering the thesis and relevant coursework.
      Not resolved to a course

    Plan B (Non-Thesis)

    18 items
    1. At least 6 additional hours of coursework in political science.
      Not resolved to a course
    2. A maximum of 12 hours of coursework in disciplines other than political science.
      Not resolved to a course
    3. Plan B paper that reflects the quality but not scope of a master’s thesis, written under the supervision of the major professor.
      Not resolved to a course
    4. An oral examination conducted by the graduate committee covering all coursework and the Plan B paper.
      Not resolved to a course
    5. No more than 6 hours of grades lower than 3.000 may be counted toward the minimum number of hours required for the degree.
      Not resolved to a course
    6. Students must maintain a graduate GPA of 3.000.
      Not resolved to a course
    7. POLS 5200
      Graduate Proseminar in Politics
      As published: “Graduate Proseminar in Politics and International Studies”
      3
    8. INST 5415
      Qualitative Methods in Politics & International Studies
      Not resolved to a course
      3
    9. Be developed under the supervision of a committee chair and approved by a thesis committee.
      Not resolved to a course
    10. Demonstrate mastery in the (sub)discipline(s) of focus.
      Not resolved to a course
    11. As appropriate, students may have to submit a substantial written component that situates the project within relevant scholarly or professional literatures.
      Not resolved to a course
    12. Be defended in an oral examination before the committee covering the project and relevant coursework.
      Not resolved to a course
    13. Research Papers: One or more publishable-quality papers that demonstrate command of research design, theory, and analysis. A paper-length research paper would typically be narrower in scope than a thesis; it may rely on use of secondary data rather than primary data collection.
      Not resolved to a course
    14. Coursework Research Paper Portfolio: A collection of papers the student completed in courses related to their area of focus, and on a common or related theme. Papers would be heavily revised in conjunction with the committee chair and committee before submitting them to be considered for the Plan B culminating project.
      Not resolved to a course
    15. Comprehensive Exam: A written exam spanning several days in which the student is tested on their coursework and area(s) of study. A reading list the student draws from in the exam will be created by the student in consultation with the committee members.
      Not resolved to a course
    16. Policy or Consulting Reports: A client-based or applied research report designed to address a real-world problem in government, non-profit, or international organizations that demonstrated mastery of knowledge in the student’s discipline(s) of focus.
      Not resolved to a course
    17. Creative Works: A professionally produced documentary film, podcast series, or other media project that critically engages with research and scholarship in the student’s discipline(s) of focus.
      Not resolved to a course
    18. Teaching Portfolio: A collection of teaching materials (e.g., lesson plans, sample assignments, and teaching philosophy statement) demonstrating pedagogical skills for academic careers related to the student’s discipline(s) of focus.
      Not resolved to a course
    Source. University of Wyoming, catalog 2026-2027 — https://uwyo.catalog.acalog.com/preview_program.php?catoid=19&poid=20363. Captured page pages/0482.html.gz. Assembled from the institution's published catalog as captured; every record names its captured page and source URL. Assembled, not asserted.