Accelerated (4+1) Programs

The department offers two options for accelerated bachelor’s to master’s degrees, where students can earn both a B.A. and a Master’s in just five years. Choose from the M.A. in International Relations, or the Master of Public Administration.

Master of Arts in International Relations

  • 30 credit program
  • In-person evening courses
  • Choose one of three concentrations:  Diplomacy, International Development, Global Peace Studies

ABM Program requirements

  • Two eligible 4-credit, 400-level PSC courses (see below)
    • Will double-count for BA and MA degrees (8 credits)
  • Up to two graduate 500-level PSC courses while an undergraduate student
    • Cannot be counted toward undergraduate degree requirements
    • You must graduate with more than 120 credits with your BA degree
      • 1 graduate 500-level PSC course = 123 total credits required
      • 2 graduate 500-level PSC courses = 126 total credits required
  • Minimum overall GPA of 3.0 or above
  • Must meet with PSC ABM adviser at least once
  • Must apply to the MA program during junior or senior year

Eligible 400-level PSC courses

  • PSC402 – Environmental Policy and Politics
  • PSC408 – African Governments and Politics
  • PSC416 – Russian Politics and Society
  • PSC417 – Russian Foreign Policy
  • PSC419 – Politics in Latin America
  • PSC422 – International Political Economy*
  • PSC431 – International Relations
  • PSC434 – American Foreign Policy*
  • PSC435 – Theories of International Conflict*
  • PSC441 – Women and Politics
  • PSC482 – Political Science Seminar
  • PSC484 – Global Equity, Justice, and Social Media
  • PSC491 – Principles of Public Management and Public Policy
  • PSC492 – Controversies in Political Science

*Can also count as a concentration elective in the M.A. program

learn more about the m.a. in international relations

Masters of Public Administration (MPA)

  • 36 credit program
  • Accelerated Online Program (asynchronous; 7-week terms)
  • Up to 12 eligible undergraduate credits can be double-counted between your BA and MPA degrees
  • Stackable 12-credit graduate certificates 
    • Required:  Professional Certificate in Public Administration and Policy
    • Choose one:
      • Public Management Certificate
      • Policy Analysis Certificate

ABM Program requirements

  • Required Courses (8 credits)
    • PSC491 – Principles of Public Management and Public Policy
      • Offered spring semester only
    • PSC590 – Internship in Public Administration and Policy
  • Choose one of the following electives (4 credits):
    • PSC402 – Environmental Policy and Politics
    • PSC405 – Policy Issues in Health and Aging
    • PSC482 – Political Science Seminar
      • Topic must be approved by ABM adviser or MPA Director
    • PSC484 – Global Equity, Justice, and Social Media
  • Minimum overall GPA of 3.0 or above
  • Must meet with PSC ABM adviser at least once
  • Must apply to the MPA program during senior year
learn more about the mpa program