Graduate Programs

  • Master of Arts in Political Science
  • Program Coordinators: Dr. Ramona Grey (406) 243-2721; e-mail and
    Dr. Christopher Muste (406) 243.4829; e-mail.
  •  
  • Master of Public Administration
  • Program Coordinator: Dr. Jeffrey Greene (406) 243-6181; e-mail.

Program Descriptions

M.A. Political Science

The master of arts in political science prepares students for careers in teaching, government, journalism, and non-profit organizations, as well as for further study in political science and law.  This degree is available in both thesis and comprehensive study (non-thesis) options.  Fields of specialization within political science include:  1) American government, 2) Comparative government, 3) International relations, 4) Political theory, and 5) Public administration.

Requirements: Thesis: 30 credits, comprehensive field exams and oral thesis defense. Comprehensive study (non-thesis): 36 credits, comprehensive field exams and three formal research papers.

For additional information about the M.A. program, see Graduate Program in Political Science.

MPA Public Administration

The master of public administration program is designed to prepare college graduates for professional careers in government and nonprofit agencies and to enhance the professional competence of mid-career public administrators. It requires 36 credits and a portfolio review. The MPA program is offered on campus in Missoula and online.

For additional information about the MPA program offered in Missoula, see Graduate Program in Public Administration.

Read information about the Natural Resource Conflict Resolution program.

Nonprofit administration is a dimension of public administration. Read about classes that can be applied toward an MPA track in nonprofit administration at this link: http://umt.edu/xls/pds/programs/nonprofit/courses.aspx.

 

Joint JD/MPA Degree Program

The joint program in law and public administration is designed for law students preparing for careers in government service requiring specialized legal knowledge. A reciprocity agreement between UM’s School of Law and the Graduate School allows the MPA and J.D. degrees to be completed in a shorter period of time than if they were taken consecutively. Students interested in this program must apply to the School of Law and Graduate School separately. For details about the joint program in law and public administration, see Joint MPA/Law Program.

Admissions

1. Application Materials and Deadline

Admission is open. Applicants will be considered as long as space is available in the program. Instructions for applying to the Graduate School are located in on the Graduate School web site.

In addition to the application materials required by the Graduate School, the Department of Political Science also requires:

A 300 word statement concerning reasons for seeking an M.A. or MPA degree.

2. Program Requirements for Admission

Admission is based upon undergraduate GPA, letters of reference and GRE scores. The LSAT or GMAT may substitute for the GRE for the MPA program. The TOEFL, IELTS or MELAB may substitute for the GRE for international students applying to the MPA program. The GRE or GMAT is required for the M.A. program.

Applicants for the M.A. degree (but not the MPA degree) must have the equivalent of 30 undergraduate credits in political science.

3. Assistantship Application and Deadline

The next application deadline for assistantship applications is Friday, March 14, 2014.

New students should indicate interest in an assistantship position on the application form, in the letter of application, and complete the Graduate Assistantship Application Form. To be eligible for a teaching assistantship (TA), new applicants must be fully admitted to the MA or MPA program by the TA application deadline in March; currently enrolled students in the MA and MPA programs in full or provisional status are also eligible. If selected for a teaching assistantship, a student must be fully accepted into their respective program by the term in which the awarded teaching assistantship begins. There are six assistantships in the Department of Political Science. Teaching assistants are used to assist professors teaching large, introductory political science classes in American government, international relations, comparative government, and political theory. TAs are expected to have some background in one or more of these areas. Assistantships are awarded in early April each year.

Send applications to:

  • Karen Boice  
  • Department of Political Science
  • University of Montana
  • 32 Campus Drive
  • Liberal Arts Building #350
  • Missoula, MT 59812