Degree Programs

Master of Arts Degree
Our Master's program prepares students for careers in government and the private sector, as well as provides a foundation for studies at the doctoral level. The master's degree may be earned under either of two alternate plans as determined by the student's advisory committee. According to Graduate School regulations, Plan A requires a minimum of fifteen credits of advanced course work and the writing of a thesis, while Plan B requires twenty-four credits of advanced course work and no thesis. In either case the advisory committee may require more than the minimum number of credits. Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average. The defense of an M.A. thesis or two seminar papers is required upon the completion of the course work. Students who plan to continue into the Ph.D. Program may count Ph.D. course requirements as part of their MA credit requirements. 

 

Doctor of Philosophy Degree
Our doctoral program prepares students for careers in higher education, business and government. Work toward the degree is not satisfied by merely accumulating course credits but is awarded only after the advisory committee has recommended that the student has achieved a level of expertise in the chosen field and is ready to take his or her general examination. In sum, to advance to ABD (all but dissertation) status, students prepare to take examinations in two of the following fields: American politics, international relations, comparative politics, political theory, and public law. See our Areas of Concentration page further details on each area. There are also scope and methods and other requirements, for moving to ABD (all but dissertation) status. Students are also required to submit an acceptable dissertation proposal prior to taking the general examination. After successfully completing the written and oral general examination, Ph.D. students then write and defend a dissertation that emphasizes original research and thought.

The full requirements held by the University of Connecticut Graduate School can be viewed in the on-line Graduate School Catalog.