Penn State Department of Political Science: Summary of Degree Requirements

Prospective Students: Summary of Degree Requirements

Graduate Degree Requirements in Political Science

Requirement	Master of Arts	Doctor of Philosophy**
Total Credits	30	60
-- In Major Field	12	15
-- In First Minor	6	9
-- In Second Minor	0	9
Minimum at 500 Level	21	51
Maximum Independent Study	6	12
Maximum Transfer Credits	10	30
Required Proseminars (PLSC540, 550, 560, 580)	Major and Minor Field	Major Field and First and Second Minor Fields

Required Methods Courses	PLSC 501, 502, & 503	PLSC 501, 502, & 503

Written Comprehensive Examination		(January, May, or August of 3rd Year) Major Field and First Minor Field

Research Prospectus	1-2 Page MA Essay Outline Approved by Advisor (November of Second Year)	5-10 Page Dissertation Prospectus (same semester as written comprehensive exam)

Oral Comprehensive Exam	Defense of MA Essay (April of Second year)	Defense of Written Comprehensive Exam 3rd Field Portfolio and Prospectus

Research	MA Essay	Dissertation Proposal and Doctoral Dissertation

* This summary is unofficial. Refer to the Graduate Student Handbook for complete details. Target dates for completion of examinations and research proposals assume that a student enrolls with BA. Students with MA degrees typically surpass these milestones one year or more earlier.

** Ph.D. credit requirements include those earned in pursuit of an M.A.degree at Penn State or up to thirty transfer credits from another graduate program.