Master of Arts (M.A.) Major in Political Science (Thesis Option) | Texas State University

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 25-1065.00

Skills

SpeakingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningWritingInstructingActive LearningCritical ThinkingLearning Strategies

Knowledge

English LanguageLaw and GovernmentEducation and TrainingHistory and ArcheologySociology and Anthropology

Abilities

Written ComprehensionOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionWritten ExpressionInductive ReasoningSpeech ClarityNear VisionSpeech RecognitionDeductive ReasoningProblem Sensitivity

Tasks

Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as classical polit
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, an
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.

Technology

Computer based training softwareDevelopment environment softwareCalendar and scheduling softwareWord processing softwareData mining software

Tools

Carousel slide projectorsCompact digital camerasCompact disk CD playersComputer data input scannersComputer laser printersComputer projectorsConference telephonesDesktop computersDigital calculatorsDigital video camerasDigital video disk DVD playersHandheld microphonesInteractive whiteboard controllersInteractive whiteboardsLaptop computers

Work Values

Working ConditionsAchievementRecognitionIndependenceRelationshipsSupport

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium25-1065.00	Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary	title_inference	—	—	—

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: advanced (Level 4)(based on Master's Degree)

Departmental curriculum vision and long-term instructional strategy — set and champion across undergraduate and graduate programs, aligning political science education with institutional mission and disciplinary evolution.
Junior faculty, lecturers, and graduate teaching assistants — mentor and develop by modeling exemplary pedagogy, providing structured observation feedback, and guiding professional development in a research university.
Field-defining research agendas — lead by securing grant funding, directing research teams, and publishing influential work that shapes discourse in international relations, political theory, or comparative politics.
Interdisciplinary academic initiatives spanning philosophy, sociology, law, and geography — coordinate and lead at the college or university level to advance integrative scholarly programs.
Program accreditation, external review, and curricular reform — direct at organizational scale, synthesizing faculty input, assessment data, and external benchmarks to sustain program excellence.
Scholarly reputation of the department — advance through keynote addresses at professional conferences, editorial roles in leading journals, and invited participation in policy advisory bodies.
Institutional academic governance including curriculum committees and faculty senates — lead with integrity and sound judgment, advocating for evidence-based instructional policy across the postsecondary institution.
Complex organizational decisions regarding hiring, tenure, and promotion — make and advise on using deep subject-matter expertise, social perceptiveness, and commitment to equity in a research department.
Knowledge transfer to public audiences including policymakers and civic organizations — orchestrate through university outreach, media engagement, and applied policy writing rooted in rigorous political science scholarship.
Next-generation pedagogical frameworks integrating emerging educational technology and data tools — envision and implement institution-wide, preparing political science programs to meet the intellectual demands of a changing global landscape.

Course Pathway

25 courses in this program

Program Requirements

Courses required to complete this program

PS 5301Approaches to the Study of Political Science

3 cr

PS 5302Political Research and Methodology

3 cr

PS 5310Studies in Ancient and Medieval Political Thought

3 cr

PS 5311Social Contract Theory

3 cr

PS 5312Roots of American Constitutionalism

3 cr

PS 5313Justice and Liberty in American Thought

3 cr

PS 5315Contemporary Perspectives in Modern Liberalism

3 cr

PS 5316The Crisis of Liberalism and The Future of Democracy

3 cr

PS 5317Theological Perspectives in Modern Democracy

3 cr

PS 5318The Problem of Power and the Crisis of Modernity

3 cr

PS 5332Problems in American Foreign Relations

3 cr

PS 5334Texas Politics

3 cr

PS 5335The Role of Interests in America

3 cr

PS 5337American Political Culture

3 cr

PS 5338American Political Discourse

3 cr

PS 5339The American Presidency

3 cr

PS 5340Congress and the Legislative Process

3 cr

PS 5341Seminar in Constitutional Law and Theory

3 cr

PS 5359Comparative Democratization

3 cr

PS 5360Economic Development in Developing Nations

3 cr

PS 5361Government and Politics of African States

3 cr

PS 5362Problems of Democracy in Latin America

3 cr

PS 5363Party Systems in Latin America

3 cr

PS 5371American Grand Strategy

3 cr

PS 5375Seminar in International Relations Theory

3 cr

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.