{"id":1906,"date":"2014-06-13T12:15:18","date_gmt":"2014-06-13T16:15:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/politicalscience.cos.ucf.edu\/?page_id=1906"},"modified":"2019-07-12T10:14:08","modified_gmt":"2019-07-12T14:14:08","slug":"political-science-ma","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/politics\/graduate\/political-science-ma\/","title":{"rendered":"Political Science MA"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<nav class=\"sections-menu-wrapper\" aria-label=\"Page section navigation\" style=\"min-height: 60px;\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"navbar navbar-toggleable-md navbar-light bg-primary sections-menu\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<button class=\"navbar-toggler collapsed ml-auto\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#sections-menu\" aria-controls=\"#sections-menu\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"navbar-toggler-text\">Skip to Section<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"navbar-toggler-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"navbar-collapse collapse\" id=\"sections-menu\" data-autoselect=\"true\" data-selector=\".auto-section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"nav navbar-nav\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/nav>\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\t\t\t<section id=\"overview\" class=\"ucf-section ucf-section-ma-overview auto-section\" data-section-link-title=\"Overview\" aria-label=\"Overview\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Overview<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<a class=\"btn btn-primary btn-sm mb-4\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/applynow.graduate.ucf.edu\/apply\/\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tApply Now\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"btn btn-primary btn-sm mb-4\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/graduate.ucf.edu\/application-deadlines-and-requirements\/\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tApplication Requirements\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"btn btn-primary btn-sm mb-4\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/catalog\/graduate\/#\/programs\/BJCiCg_id?bc=true&amp;bcCurrent=Political%20Science%20MA&amp;bcGroup=College%20of%20Sciences&amp;bcItemType=programs\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tCatalog\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"btn btn-primary btn-sm mb-4\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/politics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/MAHandbookSpring2022.pdf\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tHandbook\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"btn btn-primary btn-sm mb-4\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/politics\/graduate\/masters-program-timeline\/\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tComprehensive Degree Plan\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"btn btn-primary btn-sm mb-4\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/politics\/graduate\/contacts\/\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tContact Department\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"btn btn-primary btn-sm mb-4\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/graduate.ucf.edu\/staff-directory\/\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tContact Graduate Studies\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"btn btn-primary btn-sm mb-4\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/politics\/people\/#faculty\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tFaculty Directory\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"btn btn-primary btn-sm mb-4\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/politics\/graduate\/graduate-highlights\/\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tStudent Highlights\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\n<p>UCF\u2019s MA in Political Science program trains students to be skilled, insightful analysts of politics and policy. Our students are exposed to contemporary approaches to understanding politics and learn cutting-edge social science methods, and taught by full-time faculty who have published in top journals.\u00a0 We have expertise on topics like American political institutions, political behavior and public opinion, survey methods, security studies, terrorism, intelligence, judicial politics, and labor politics, and regional expertise about Latin America, Africa, Russia and Central Asia, the Middle East, East Asia, and Europe. \u00a0\u00a0Students who complete the program are ready for jobs in government, the private sector, and education, or to continue their education in PhD programs.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<section id=\"timeline\" class=\"ucf-section ucf-section-ma-timeline auto-section\" data-section-link-title=\"Timeline\" aria-label=\"Timeline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Program Timeline<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<a class=\"btn btn-primary btn-sm mb-4\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/catalog\/graduate\/#\/programs\/BJCiCg_id?bc=true&amp;bcCurrent=Political%20Science%20MA&amp;bcGroup=College%20of%20Sciences&amp;bcItemType=programs\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tCatalog\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"btn btn-primary btn-sm mb-4\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/politics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/MAHandbookSpring2022.pdf\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tHandbook\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"btn btn-primary btn-sm mb-4\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/politics\/graduate\/masters-program-timeline\/\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tComprehensive Degree Plan\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\n<p>UCF\u2019s MA in Political Science can be completed in two years (or potentially less, if a student is enrolled year-round).<\/p>\n<p><strong>First year students<\/strong>\u00a0learn core methodological skills and take field courses that expose them to major approaches to contemporary American Politics, International Relations, Comparative Politics, and Political Theory.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Second year students<\/strong>\u00a0continue their studies with self-selected electives and, if they choose, a Master\u2019s Thesis.\u00a0 Students who do not write a thesis write a non-thesis capstone paper and enroll in two additional electives.\u00a0 (These electives compensate for the 6 credit hours required for writing a thesis.)<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<section id=\"apply\" class=\"ucf-section ucf-section-ma-apply auto-section\" data-section-link-title=\"Applying\" aria-label=\"Applying\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Applying to the Political Science M.A. Program<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<a class=\"btn btn-primary btn-sm mb-4\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/applynow.graduate.ucf.edu\/apply\/\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tApply Now\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"btn btn-primary btn-sm mb-4\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/graduate.ucf.edu\/application-deadlines-and-requirements\/\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tApplication Requirements\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"btn btn-primary btn-sm mb-4\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/politics\/graduate\/contacts\/\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tContact Department\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t \t\t\t<a class=\"btn btn-primary btn-sm mb-4\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/graduate.ucf.edu\/staff-directory\/\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tContact Graduate Studies\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\n<p>Applicants for UCF\u2019s MA in Political Science Students must apply on line using UCF\u2019s online graduate application system, and should expect to submit:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Official transcripts (in a sealed envelope) from each college\/university attended.<\/li>\n<li>Three letters of reference that evaluate the applicant\u2019s academic performance and their suitability and potential for undertaking MA level study, at least two of which were written by faculty members at the higher education institution(s) the student attended.<\/li>\n<li>A personal statement of 500 words identifying areas of research interest in political science, faculty with whom they would like to work, and describing the applicant\u2019s academic and professional experiences and future career goals.<\/li>\n<li>CV\/R\u00e9sum\u00e9.<\/li>\n<li>Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college\/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Applications are processed on a rolling basis after they are received. International students and students interested in being considered for GTA positions or fellowships should apply by published deadlines.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h5><strong>Application Tips:<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Apply early!<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Recommendation letters often take some time to\u00a0receive\u00a0after your recommenders are sent their email prompts. Your application\u00a0cannot\u00a0be reviewed and\u00a0decided on\u00a0until all application materials are received.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Spend some time on your personal statement!\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Your personal statement is your opportunity to paint the full picture of why you are interested in joining the Political Science MA, how your prior academic experiences have prepared you for graduate level coursework, and why you think UCF would be the best place for you to achieve your academic and professional goals. Be sure to also mention any faculty you would like to work with and why.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Low GPA?<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0You can still apply! Be sure to spend extra time on your personal statement. Explain any academic shortfalls and what you have done to improve your knowledge and skills. You want to convince the admissions committee that you can succeed in graduate level coursework and that UCF\u2019s program can best serve your academic and career goals. Regular admission requires an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. The CGS will first calculate your Last60\u00a0GPA\u00a0and if that is below\u00a0a 3.0, they will then calculate your Cumulative GPA. As long as one of the two calculations\u00a0meet\u00a0the\u00a0requirement\u00a0you qualify to be admitted regularly. If they fall below\u00a0a\u00a03.0\u00a0you can still be admitted\u00a0in\u00a0a provisional status, but it is even more important to spend time on your personal statement\/statement of purpose. Programs are limited\u00a0on\u00a0how many\u00a0students they\u00a0can admit in provisional status.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Unsure if graduate coursework is for you?<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Instead of enrolling in a\u00a0Masters\u00a0program\u00a0you can sample some coursework by either applying as a non-degree seeking student in a graduate certificate that relates to your academic interests. Qualifying courses taken prior to admission to the MA program can be transferred into the program once you are admitted (this should be limited to 9 credit hours).\u00a0If you are still working on your undergraduate degree, you should also consider the Senior Scholars Program.\u00a0This program allows you to take graduate level coursework during your undergraduate degree. Graduate courses completed with a \u201cB\u201d or higher can count towards both your undergraduate degree and future graduate program at UCF! To apply for\u00a0non-degree seeking status or a graduate certificate\u00a0program just\u00a0visit the CGS Application portal. To apply for the Senior Scholars Program visit: sciences.ucf.edu\/politics\/undergraduate\/senior-scholars-program \u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Unsure how to approach getting recommendation letters?<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Often students\u00a0fail to\u00a0establish\u00a0close faculty connections during their undergraduate\u00a0programs\u00a0so\u00a0identifying\u00a0faculty that can provide you with recommendation letters can be a struggle. In these cases, it is best to review your course history and\u00a0identify\u00a0faculty you have had the most contact with over your time at UCF. Send them an email detailing your intentions to apply to the graduate program, the courses you took with them, your grade in the course, what skills you learned in their classes, and the\u00a0careers goals you have that would be supported by attaining a Political Science MA. It would also be useful to include a resume that details any extracurricular activities or achievements. You may choose to meet with them at this point to request a recommendation letter or inquire via email about their ability or interest to provide a recommendation letter for you. Keep in mind that you only want GOOD recommendation\u00a0letters\u00a0so you should only be focusing on courses you performed well in when thinking of faculty. Not all faculty will be willing to provide a\u00a0letter\u00a0and\u00a0that\u2019s\u00a0okay! Reach out to multiple\u00a0faculty\u00a0and politely follow up if you\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0receive a response after a reasonable amount of time. If you cannot\u00a0identify\u00a03 faculty to write\u00a0you\u00a0recommendation letters, you can substitute 1 or 2 letters with recommendations from supervisors or other individuals who can speak to your professional skills and likelihood to succeed in graduate level coursework and a Political Science MA program.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Interesting in funding?<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0The department has limited funding opportunities in the form of a GTA Assistantship. In exchange for up to 20 hours a week of GTA work\u00a0assisting\u00a0faculty members with their undergraduate courses, you will receive a tuition waiver, non-residency waiver, health insurance, and a stipend. This funding, if offered with admission, is guaranteed for two years \/ 4 semesters (fall 1, spring 1, fall 2, spring 2) assuming satisfactory academic progress. This funding opportunity is highly competitive and to be considered you must apply for a Fall admission term and by the priority deadline of January 15<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0We also have limited summer funding available for those interested in enrolling in summer semesters. These positions are not offered with\u00a0admission,\u00a0instead\u00a0a call for applications is sent out to all active students every spring.\u202f\u00a0Occasionally one semester positions also\u00a0open up.\u00a0If that\u00a0occurs\u00a0all active students will receive\u00a0an\u00a0email encouraging them to\u00a0apply\u00a0for the funding if they are interested.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"7\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What if I apply and I am not accepted?<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> There are various reasons why you may not be admitted to the Political Science MA, and often it is not because you performed poorly as an undergraduate student. The committee considers far more than GPA when holistically reviewing your application and coming to an admissions decision. We want our graduate students to thrive in our program and sometimes the research interests and career goals that an applicant communicates in their personal statement cannot be supported by the design of our academic program and current resources. In these cases, an applicant may be declined admission but encouraged to apply for another program that can better support those goals. Other times the committee may conclude that an applicant would benefit from additional academic or professional experience before entering our program. In these cases, you may be encouraged to reapply as a Non-Degree Seeking student or identify a Graduate Certificate Program at UCF that aligns with your interests. This would allow you to complete some graduate level coursework before re-applying to the Political Science MA program with that additional academic knowledge and new faculty references that can directly speak to your likelihood of succeeding in a graduate program. Keep in mind that some or all the graduate courses you take prior to entering the Political Science MA can be transferred into the program but be sure to have a conversation about this with the program advisor before applying to ensure your plan aligns with the program and University policies.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"8\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I took graduate classes as a Senior\u00a0Scholar;\u00a0can I use those towards the Political Science MA?<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Yes, you can use up to 9 credit hours of graduate coursework you completed as part of your undergraduate degree towards the Political Science MA.\u00a0If you received a\u00a0\u201cB\u201d or higher\u00a0in each of these courses and they align with the current catalog, the Political Science MA Coordinator can approve their transfer into the program.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"9\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What can I do with an MA?<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0If you are interested in learning more about what kind of career opportunities are available for those with a Political Science MA or you would like to get a better idea of what topics you will be studying if you pursue this degree at UCF, you can reach out to the Political Science MA Coordinator, Dr. Kelsey Larsen (<\/span><a href=\"mailto:Kelsey.larsen@ucf.edu\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Kelsey.larsen@ucf.edu<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">). Dr. Larsen is the advisor for the MA program and will serve as your main\u00a0faculty\u00a0contact if admitted to the program.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<section id=\"funding\" class=\"ucf-section ucf-section-ma-funding auto-section\" data-section-link-title=\"Funding\" aria-label=\"Funding\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Funding<\/h2>\n<p>The department is able to offer a small number of students financial support for their studies, usually in the form of a GTA position. Applicants interested in being considered for financial support should indicate their interest when they apply, and be sure to apply by relevant deadlines.<\/p>\n<h5>Fellowships<\/h5>\n<p>UCF offers the Graduate Dean\u2019s Fellowship to superior graduate students who are newly enrolling in one of UCF\u2019s eligible graduate programs. This award supplements a qualifying assistantship or external fellowship for one year. Every fall admission cycle the SPSIA is able to nominate one promising new applicant for this award. Student&#8217;s being nominated for this award will also be offered a GTA position with SPSIA. This fellowship, if awarded, provides an additional $5,000\u00a0 for one year ($2,500 Fall, $2,500 Spring). This will be in addition to the stipend and benefits received as part of the GTA position.<\/p>\n<p>Criteria for Fellowship Selection:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Submission of a completed admission application and all test scores (including TOEFL for international students) by January 15 or earlier if required by your prospective program.<\/li>\n<li>Admission to an eligible UCF master\u2019s program for the Fall term.<\/li>\n<li>Qualifications that meet or exceed the average top 25 percent for the entering class based on data for the last four years.<\/li>\n<li>Requires standard assistantship stipend (20 hours\/week) and accompanying tuition remission (waiver or payment) paid for by the graduate program or its faculty for all terms of the fellowship award.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5>Assistantships<\/h5>\n<p>The department has limited funding opportunities in the form of a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) Assistantship. In exchange for up to 20 hours a week of GTA work assisting faculty members with their undergraduate courses, you will receive a tuition waiver, non-residency waiver, health insurance, and a stipend of $6,000 a semester. This funding, if offered with admission, is awarded for two years \/ 4 semesters (fall 1, spring 1, fall 2, spring 2) assuming satisfactory academic progress and good academic standing. This funding opportunity is highly competitive and to be considered you must have a completed application submitted by the fall priority deadline of January 15. We also have limited summer funding available for those interested in enrolling in summer semesters. These positions are not offered with admission, instead a call for applications is sent out to all active students every spring. Summer GTA positions provide a tuition waiver, non-residency waiver, health insurance, and a stipend of $4,000. Occasionally one semester positions also open up for the Fall and Spring terms. If that occurs, all active students will receive and email encouraging them to submit an application for the funding if they are interested.<\/p>\n<h5>Additional Opportunities<\/h5>\n<p>If you are unable to secure an assistantship with the Political Science MA program, then I would encourage you to seek out assistantships with some of the administrative units around campus. Most offices around campus employ a few graduate students as GAs (Graduate Assistants) to assist with administrative duties. Like with GTAs (Graduate Teaching Assistants) these positions would provide a tuition waiver, health insurance, and stipend, you would just not be working in home academic unit and providing teaching support.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lsa.sswb.ucf.edu\/employment\/\">LEAD Scholar Academy<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/osi.ucf.edu\/faq\/graduate-assistantships\/\">Office of Student Involvement<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.housing.ucf.edu\/employment\/\">Housing and Residence Life<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/graduate.ucf.edu\/graduate-student-center\/\">The Graduate Student Center<\/a> are some offices the regularly provide Graduate Assistant opportunities.<\/p>\n<p>External Funding Resources: <a href=\"https:\/\/graduate.ucf.edu\/external-funding\/\">https:\/\/graduate.ucf.edu\/external-funding\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Other Funding Resources: <a href=\"https:\/\/graduate.ucf.edu\/other-ucf-funding\/\">https:\/\/graduate.ucf.edu\/other-ucf-funding\/<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<section id=\"faculty\" class=\"ucf-section ucf-section-ma-faculty auto-section\" data-section-link-title=\"Faculty\" aria-label=\"Faculty\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Faculty<\/h2>\n<p>Our faculty includes world-class researchers and teachers who have published in topic journals including the\u00a0<em>American Political Science Review<\/em>,\u00a0<em>the Journal of Politics<\/em>,\u00a0<em>International Organization<\/em>,\u00a0<em>International Security<\/em>,<em>\u00a0Political Geography, International Studies Quarterly<\/em>,\u00a0<em>Marine Politics<\/em>,\u00a0<em>The Journal of Conflict Resolution, Political Research Quarterly, Social Science Quarterly, State Politics and Policy Quarterly, African Affairs<\/em>, and other top journals.\u00a0 We have a strong record of collaborating with students and guiding them as they develop their research.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<a class=\"btn btn-primary\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/politics\/people\/#faculty\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tFaculty Directory\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<section id=\"highlights\" class=\"ucf-section ucf-section-ma-student-highlights auto-section\" data-section-link-title=\"Student Highlights\" aria-label=\"Student Highlights\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Student Highlights<\/h2>\n<p>UCF\u2019s MA in political science students regularly present papers at the Southern Political Science Association, ISA-South, Florida Political Science Association, and Midwest Political Science Association conferences.<\/p>\n<p>Our alumni have been accepted to\u2014among others\u2014PhD programs at Ohio State, Duke, Penn State, and Florida State.<\/p>\n<p>Other former students have been employed by government agencies like the FBI, Washington Think Tanks, and a variety of other positions.<\/p>\n\t\t<div class=\"ucf-news modern modern-card\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-news-item col-sm-4\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/ucf-class-spotlight-political-psychology\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-news-thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2018\/11\/ucf-class-spotlight-political-psychology-150x150.jpg\" class=\"ucf-news-thumbnail-image lazyload\" alt=\"A person walks towards a polling place with a \"vote here\" sign and american flags, indicating a voting location.\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 150px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 150\/150;\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-news-item-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-news-section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ucf-news-section-title\">Graduate Student News<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-news-item-details\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ucf-news-item-title\">UCF Class Spotlight: Political Psychology<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ucf-news-item-excerpt\">BY JENNA MARINA LEE Class Name POS 4206\u00a0\u2013 Political Psychology Description The psychological analysis of political behavior, with emphasis on the individual rather than the&hellip;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-news-item col-sm-4\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/fpsa-2016-best-graduate-paper-award\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-news-thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2016\/06\/IMAG2377-e1466428394161-150x150.jpg\" class=\"ucf-news-thumbnail-image lazyload\" alt=\"A smiling woman with long brown hair wearing a green blouse, standing against a plain wall.\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 150px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 150\/150;\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-news-item-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-news-section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ucf-news-section-title\">Awards<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-news-item-details\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ucf-news-item-title\">Students&#8217; Papers Sweep Competition<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ucf-news-item-excerpt\">The UCF Political Science Department is proud to announce that Jennifer L. Hudson, a graduate student in the Political Science master\u2019s program, won the FPSA&hellip;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t\t\t<a class=\"btn btn-primary\"\n\t\t\thref=\"http:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/category\/ps-phd-highlight\/\"\t\t\t\t\t\ttarget=\"_blank\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tView More Student Highlights\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":546,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"template-fullscreen.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-1906","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Political Science MA - School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/politics\/graduate\/political-science-ma\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Political Science MA - School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/politics\/graduate\/political-science-ma\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2019-07-12T14:14:08+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/sciences.ucf.edu\\\/politics\\\/graduate\\\/political-science-ma\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/sciences.ucf.edu\\\/politics\\\/graduate\\\/political-science-ma\\\/\",\"name\":\"Political Science MA - 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