Master of Arts
A Master’s degree in political science provides a strong foundation for careers in government, political consulting, the law, academics, business, international organizations, education, and public service. A political science M.A. can be the basis for further study leading to a law degree, Ph.D., or other advanced degree.
The Political Science M.A Program at CSULB is a program for ambitious students interested in national and international politics. Our program allows students to acquire conceptual depth, learn methodological tools, and further develop their critical thinking abilities. The program is taught by instructors who do research on a variety of topics with contemporary political relevance.
Thank you for your interest in the Master of Arts in Political Science program at California State University, Long Beach. Below you will find important information that will guide you through the application process. If you have any further questions please email cla-poscgraduate@csulb.edu.
Deadlines:
Admission deadline: October 1 (accepted applicants will begin the program in Spring semester)
Admission deadline: February 15 (accepted applicants will begin the program in Fall semester)
The deadlines listed above are the dates on which application files must be complete. Applications that are incomplete by the due date will not be reviewed.
Minimum prerequisites necessary for admission consideration:
- A bachelor’s degree with a major in political science or a bachelor’s degree with 24 upper division units in political science comparable to those required for a major in political science at this university.
- A 3.0 (“B”) GPA in political science courses taken as an undergraduate.
- A complete application, with all necessary components.
Students who have not majored in political science and do not have 24 units of upper division political science work are encouraged to consult with the graduate coordinator for further advice.
Applying to the MA Program:
Applying to the master’s program in Political Science at CSULB requires the application and all supplemental materials be electronically submitted to Cal State Apply. The link to Cal State Apply is found here: Cal State Apply-Graduate
Components of the Application:
A. Program Application
The Department Application is found here: Department Application. The Department Application, like the rest of the application material, must be submitted through Cal State Apply.
B. Statement of Purpose
The Statement of Purpose instructions are found here: Statement of Purpose
C. Transcripts
- Official Transcripts
One set of official transcripts from the university where you earned or will earn your BA degree must be sent from the university electronically to ES-IDPTrans@csulb.edu OR via postal mail to:
Enrollment Services/Admissions
California State University, Long Beach
1250 Bellflower Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90840-0106
- Once you submit your Cal State Apply application, please follow-up with ES-IDPTrans@csulb.edu to ensure transcripts have been received and linked to your Cal State Apply application.
- DO NOT send transcripts to the Political Science office. Official transcripts must be sent to CSULB’s Enrollment Services.
2. Unofficial Transcripts
Upload the unofficial transcript from the institution where you earned (or will earn) your BA degree and the unofficial transcripts from any other the institutions where you completed Political Science courses.
D. Two Letters of Recommendation
In Cal Sate Apply, you must provide the names and email addresses for two referees (those writing you a recommendation letter). These should be professors who can evaluate your potential to succeed in graduate school.
- Please advise your referees that they will receive an email from “Calstateapply@liaisoncas.com” with a link to submit a confidential letter of reference. Please inform your recommenders to “be on the lookout” for this email in their inbox and in their spam or junk folders. Recommenders must submit their recommendations in Cal State Apply.
- Frequently check your portal to ensure letters have been submitted and contact those recommenders who have yet to complete the recommendation. If your recommenders do not submit letters by the application deadline, your application will be incomplete and will not be reviewed.
International Applicants:
International applicants are subject to the same admission criteria as domestic applicants (outlined above) and they must also present additional documents
What are the unit and course requirements in order to complete the program?
The following courses are required, for a total of 30 units:
- POSC 500 (3 units)
- POSC 525 (3 units)
- POSC 550 (3 units)
- Three of the following: POSC 640, POSC 642, POSC 600, POSC 610 (9 units)
- Two of the following: POSC 605, POSC 615, POSC 644, POSC 646 (6 units)
- One elective graduate course (selected in consulation with Graduate Coordinator) (3 units)
- One of the following: POSC 697 or POSC 698 (3 units)
*Students may not repeat graduate-level courses. *Students may take 500, 525 and 550 in any sequence, but must take each of these required courses when they are offered.
How do the major and the minor function?
POSC M.A. Requirements Worksheet
All students will select a Major in either Law, Politics, and Policy (LPP) or Global Politics
Students will take:
- 2 Field Seminars (LPP = 640 & 642 or Global = 600 & 610)
- 1 Special Topics Seminar in the field (LPP = 644 or 646; Global = 605 or 615)
All students will select a Minor in LPP, Global, or Theory
For either the LPP or the Global Minor, students will take:
- 1 Field Seminar (LPP = 640 or 642; Global = 600 or 610)
- 1 Special Topics Seminar in the field (LPP = 644 or 646; Global 605 or 615)
For the Theory Minor, students will take:
- POSC 525
- 1 Elective selected in consultation with Graduate Coordinator
What is the role of my graduate committee?
are expected to choose their graduate committee after having taken a minimum of 12 units and a maximum of 21 units. Students cannot advance to candidacy without having first chosen their committee. In considering the composition of their graduate committees, students should select faculty members with whom they’ve worked and/or with whom they expect to work. Students should also consult with the graduate coordinator. Only tenured or tenure-track faculty in Political Science may serve on a student’s graduate committee. Students planning to write a master’s thesis must obtain the consent of three faculty members (normally specialists in the area of their proposed thesis) to supervise the thesis. The faculty member who will serve as the primary advisor for the thesis will chair the student’s graduate committee. Students planning to take comprehensive examinations (rather than write a thesis) must obtain the consent of one faculty member from their major and one faculty member from their minor. These two committee members will serve on the graduate committee, determining both the scope of the examinations and the requisite preparation for them. A list of political science faculty members and their areas of specialization is included at the end of the MA handbook.
Once I begin the program, how long do I have to finish it?
A full-time student can complete the program in two years. All requirements of the degree program must be completed within seven years.
If I want to take some time off from the program and return later, what should I do?
Take an Educational Leave. Students who have been advanced to candidacy for the master’s degree, and who complete no courses at the university within a calendar year, and who have not taken an approved Educational Leave, will be withdrawn from the program. A student who breaks continuous attendance in this manner must reapply for readmission to the university and to the political science department.
Can I transfer in units from another graduate program?
A maximum of six semester units of credit for course work can be transferred into the master’s degree program at CSULB. All transferred work that is applied to the master’s program must have been completed at the graduate level at an accredited institution. Correspondence courses may not be applied to satisfy master’s degree requirements. Extension course work may be used if that work can be properly evaluated and the course is itself acceptable as graduate work for an appropriate graduate degree on the campus where taught. Normally transfer credit is used to meet elective requirements and may not be used to fulfill the minimum unit requirement in the 500 or 600 level series, which must be completed at CSULB. Grades earned at another institution may not be used to offset grade point deficiencies in courses taken at this university.
Do I need to maintain a certain GPA in order to remain in the program and to graduate?
Yes. A candidate for the master’s degree must maintain a 3.0 (B) average in: (i) all 500- and 600-level graduate seminars; and (ii) all course work taken as a graduate student at this university as well as in transfer credits used to satisfy degree requirements.
If my GPA goes below a 3.0, what can I do?
Only grades earned at CSULB can offset a deficiency in the grade point average. Students may not use grades of A in directed graduate study (599 or 590) or in undergraduate courses taken for graduate credit to offset grades of C or lower in graduate seminars. No course for which a grade lower than 2.0 (C) has been received may be applied toward the fulfillment of master’s degree requirement, but a grade of D or F is computed in the grade point average.
Probation and disqualification
A candidate for the master’s degree must maintain a 3.0 (B) average in all graduate seminars. If a student’s GPA falls below this level, they are placed on probation. In order to regain good standing in the program, the student will need to raise her/his GPA to a 3.0 or higher in a timely fashion. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.
A graduate student may be placed on probation or disqualified from the program for a variety of other reasons, such as repeated failure to progress toward the stated degree objectives, failure to comply with academic requirements in a timely manner, and behavior contrary to the standards of the profession. Please see university policy on probation and disqualification for further details.
Graduate work is rather different than undergraduate work, and in order to do well in an MA program, you will need to prioritize school, focus, and study.
Courses you will be taking as a graduate student, while fewer in number, are more challenging and rigorous than undergraduate classes. Therefore, you will need to engage with the material in a serious and systematic manner.
In order to help you make the most of your studies, we offer some pointers, expectations, and requirements:
- Seminars are the cornerstone of graduate education. Seminars allow students from different cohorts to enter intoan intellectual conversation with faculty and with each other. Doing well in seminar is the key to doing well in graduate school!
- Graduate seminars are usually offered once a week. You must attend all class meetings. Missing a 3-hour graduate seminar is not acceptable and should be avoided. Similarly, plan your schedule so that you are not late to class. If you miss a class due to a University-approved reason (such as illness), make sure that you communicate with your professor and provide appropriate documentation of your absence in a timely fashion.
- Graduate courses are small and intense. Most often professors will expect you to contribute to the conversation systematically and thoughtfully, and in a way that shows that you have thoroughly done the readings assigned. Make sure you begin to analyze the readings at home, before you enter the classroom!
- Graduate courses require extensive engagement with the material, your professors, and your colleagues. Oftentimes a seminar will not include a lengthy lecture by the professor, but rather a discussion among students (with input from the faculty member). This means that you must be prepared and ready to speak.
- Graduate courses have weekly assigned reading lists, and you must show up to class prepared. The assigned articles and books must be read every single week.
- Recognize that you may find the readings assigned to be long and/or difficult. They may even be outside your area of interest. Nonetheless, it is your job to have studied the readings to the best of your ability. Think of reading as studying and engaging, rather than as a passive act. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to do the assigned reading. It is often best to read material more than once. Take copious notes on the reading, andbring the notes and the readings to class. The better prepared you are, the more you will be able to contribute to the seminar, and to learn.
- If you have questions on the course material, ask the professor. Faculty members in our department are happy to help you with concepts that you do not understand. Ask questions in seminar and attend office hours when needed.
- The Graduate Coordinator is here to help you navigate the program. It is important that you meet with the Graduate Coordinator at least once a semester to discuss your progress in the program.
What is the difference between the Comprehensive Examination and the Thesis?
Students choose one of the following:
a. Comprehensive Examination (697) The exams will take place on two separate days, and will include questions from the student’s major and minor sub-fields. Major (In LPP or Global): 6 hour exam (maximum), 60% of total grade Minor (In LPP, Global, or Theory): 4 hour exam (maximum), 40% of total grade
b. Thesis (698): Students planning to write a master’s thesis must obtain the consent of three tenured or tenure-track political science faculty members (normally specialists in the area of their proposed thesis) to supervise the thesis. The faculty member who will serve as the primary advisor for the thesis will chair the student’s graduate committee. The topic and research design are determined by the student in consultation with the student’s thesis committee.
When are the comprehensive exams held each semester?
The two parts of the comprehensive examination must be taken in successive weeks of the same semester. The test dates are announced by the Department of Political Science at the beginning of the semester. They are usually scheduled during the twelfth and thirteenth weeks of the fall and spring semesters.
What grade to I need to get in order to pass the exams?
Student must pass each examination with 3.0 (B) grade or better, If this does not happen, students are allowed one additional attempt at passing each exam. If one exam is passed on the first attempt, but the second is not, only the failed exam needs to be re-taken. If an exam is not passed on the second attempt, the student is not able to receive her/his MA degree, and is disqualified from the program.
When and how should I decide between the comprehensive exams or the thesis?
The student, in consultation the graduate coordinator, determines whether they will take the comprehensive examinations or write a thesis. This decision should be made as soon as feasible since it has implications for the planning of the student’s graduate program. Most students opt for the comprehensive exams. Students wishing to pursue a thesis must first secure the approval of a thesis committee comprised of three tenured or tenure-track political science faculty members, as well as the approval of the graduate coordinator.
What do I need to do prior to taking my comprehensive examinations?
- Advance to candidacy.
- Take and pass with a grade of B or better POSC 500, POSC 525, and POSC 550.
- Complete (or be in the process of completing) at least 27 of the required 30 units for the M.A. degree.
- Enroll in Political Science 697 (Directed Research).
- Notify committee members, the graduate coordinator, and the office staff of your intention to take the exams at the beginning of the semester in which you plan to take the exams.When and how do I advance to candidacy?
Students must be advanced to candidacy at least one semester or summer session prior to graduation.
In order to advance to candidacy, students must fulfill the following requirements:
- (a) Remove, where they exist, all undergraduate deficiencies.
- (b) Earn at least a 3.0 (B) average in: (i) all 500- and 600-level graduate seminars; and (ii) all course work taken as a graduate student at this university as well as in transfer credits used to satisfy degree requirements.
- (c) Meet with the members of their graduate committee to receive the committee members’ signed approval for advancement.
- (d) Submit to the graduate coordinator the names of the members of the graduate committee, and the major and minor fields in which comprehensive examinations will be taken, or the thesis will be written. The faculty member from the student’s major will serve as the committee chair.
- (e) International students ONLY: check to see if you need to complete and pass the Writing Proficiency Examination
It is the responsibility of the student, in consultation with the graduate coordinator, to make sure that the official program meets all department and university requirements for advancement to candidacy. The graduate coordinator will forward the program to the Dean of Graduate Studies. The dean’s office will notify the student of his/her official advancement to candidacy. An approved graduate student program may not be altered without the approval of the student’s academic advisor and the graduate coordinator. The Dean of Graduate Studies must also approve the proposed changes. It is very important that a student advance to candidacy for the M.A. degree as soon as feasible. Prior to having advanced to candidacy, students are subject to any new CSULB Catalog requirements that may go into effect while enrolled. Only students who have been advanced to candidacy may enroll in the thesis course (POSC 698) or take the comprehensive examinations (POSC 697).
Where can I find information about job possibilities once I graduate?
The following sites contain links to advice and information about careers for students of political science. Many links contain searchable databases of current job openings.
General career information for political science:
Career Development Center
Career Development Center Website
Government
Fed. Government jobs For Students
Advocacy and interest group
The American Political Science Association’s Student Website
Idealist’s free guide for first time job seekers/ recent college graduates: Idealist Career Search
Academic and Student Support
We highly encourage you visit the Graduate Studies website, “Navigating Grad Studies at the Beach,” for more information on campus life, services, tools, funding, policies, and more.
Academic Technology Services (ATS)
562.985.8324; AS 120 & Horn Center; Academic Technology Services | California State University, Long Beach (csulb.edu)
Provides audio and visual equipment to students for check-out; trainings on active learning and smart classrooms; supports special events; and assists with audio and visual installations in the classroom.
Career Development Center
562.985.4151; BH 250; Welcome to the Career Development Center (csulb.edu)
Guides students through the process of educational, career, and personal discovery in preparing them for success in the global workforce.
Dream Success Center
562.985.5869; SSC 290; dream@csulb.edu; Dream Success Center | California State University, Long Beach (csulb.edu)
Provides advising and wellness support; academic and financial aid/scholarship guidance, and resources for legal advice to undocumented and DACA students. Services also include laptop and graphing calculator loan programs; free copy and printing services; ally trainings; and more.
Library Tech Hub
562.985.8876; Library Computer Lab (1st floor); Tech Repair Services | California State University, Long Beach (csulb.edu)
The Library Tech Hub offers service repair for Mac and PC computers to CSULB students, faculty, and staff.
Veterans Services
562.985.5115; FND 220; Veterans Services | California State University, Long Beach (csulb.edu)
Helps servicemembers, veterans, and eligible dependents access the educational benefits they earned by serving in the armed forces of the United States.
Women’s & Gender Equity Center
562.985.8576; SSC 240; wgec@csulb.edu; Women’s & Gender Equity Center | California State University, Long Beach (csulb.edu)
The Women’s & Gender Equity Center is a safe, comfortable, supportive and inclusive environment that offers services, support, and resources for students.
Basic Needs Program
Beach Bites
Beach Bites is a mobile food app that is available for CSULB students who are iOS or Android users. The app alerts students to available food from on-campus catered events and meetings. Download the app on Android or Apple App store.
Beach Pantry
562.985.5264; USU 313; Beach Pantry (asicsulb.org)
The ASI Beach Pantry operates as the official food pantry for Long Beach State students. The pantry provides non-perishable food items for students in need. Also housed in the Beach Pantry will be the Student Swap Shop program, aimed at providing students with the opportunity to swap unneeded or old school supplies, like books, notebooks and other items essential to education.
CalFresh Outreach Program
562.985.1716; USU 313; calfresh@csulb.edu; Beach CalFresh Outreach | California State University, Long Beach (csulb.edu)
CalFresh is California’s name for the federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Benefits are funds on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card which can be used to buy food. The CalFresh Outreach Program at CSULB provides application and verification assistance to students who meet CalFresh eligibility requirements. Assistance can be found during drop-in hours or through an appointment.
Student Emergency Intervention and Wellness Program
562-985.2038; supportingstudents@csulb.edu; Student Emergency Intervention and Wellness Program, CSULB
This program serves students experiencing an unforeseen emergency crisis situation who have exhausted all sources of assistance including financial aid grants and loans. The services include an emergency grant up to $500, emergency meal assistance, and short-term emergency housing.
Bob Murphy Access Center (BMAC)
562.985.5401; Student Success Center, Suite 110; bmac@csulb.edu; Bob Murphy Access Center | California State University, Long Beach (csulb.edu)
The Bob Murphy Access Center assists students with disabilities as they secure their university degrees at California State University, Long Beach. New BMAC students must first set up an appointment. See website for instructions.
Enrollment Services
562.985.5471; 1st floor courtyard, Brotman Hall; Enrollment Services | California State University, Long Beach (csulb.edu)
Financial Aid: Financial Aid and Scholarships | California State University, Long Beach (csulb.edu)
Forms: Forms | California State University, Long Beach (csulb.edu)
Key Dates and Deadlines: Key Dates and Deadlines | California State University, Long Beach (csulb.edu)
Student Records: Student Records | California State University, Long Beach (csulb.edu)
Graduate Studies Resource Center
562.985.5771; Library 504; gsrc@csulb.edu; Graduate Center | California State University, Long Beach (csulb.edu)
Workshops and Events
Workshops & Events | California State University, Long Beach (csulb.edu)
- GRE Prep Course (low cost)
- GSRC’s annual Graduate Research Conference: Graduate Research Conference | California State University, Long Beach (csulb.edu)
- Graduate & Professional Schools Fair: Graduate & Professional Schools Fair | California State University, Long Beach (csulb.edu)
- Graduate Writing Institute: Graduate Writing Institute | California State University, Long Beach (csulb.edu)
Writing Support
Graduate writing support for post-baccalaureate students (master’s, credential, certificate, or doctoral) seeking one-on-one help for a class paper, thesis/dissertation, research project, or grant proposal (by appointment only)
Other Services
- Mock interviews for graduate admissions
- Short-term laptop loan program for CSULB post-baccalaureate students
- Study space for students – all undergraduate and graduate students welcome
Graduation and Commencement
Graduation is not the same as commencement. Graduation is the semester in which you will complete your required courses and receive your diploma. Please be aware of university deadlines and instructions for filing to graduate. Also note that you must Advance to Candidacy prior to filing to graduate. Information on filing to graduate can be found here: Apply to Graduate (Graduate Students) | California State University, Long Beach (csulb.edu)
Commencement is the ceremony in which students graduating that spring, the following summer/fall, or the previous winter/fall are eligible to participate. CSULB hosts one commencement ceremony per year in the spring (usually following the last week of classes). Dates for the POSC ceremony along with cap/gown rental information can be found here: Commencement | California State University, Long Beach (csulb.edu)
Health and Wellness
Alcohol, Tobacco, and other Drugs Prgram (ATOD)
562.985.2520; SHC 268; Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drugs | California State University, Long Beach (csulb.edu)
Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs (ATOD) Program educates students about the potential negative consequences of drug and alcohol use and/or abuse.
Campus Assessment, Response and Evaluation for Students Team (CARES)
CARES | California State University, Long Beach (csulb.edu)
Identifies, evaluates, and monitors student behavior that poses a concern, potential threat, or actual threat to self or others. The CARES Team provides early intervention for at-risk students through collaboration with campus departments, faculty, and staff. Students exhibiting behaviors of concern to their personal, physical, and emotional well-being should be referred to the CARES Team along with students who exhibit intimidating, disruptive, aggressive, or violent behavior.
Center for Latino Community Health, Evaluation and Leadership Training
562.985.5312; SPA 024; nclr.center@csulb.edu; LatinoHealth | California State University, Long Beach (csulb.edu)
Center for Latino Community Health supports and creates diverse community health initiatives that increase access to culturally and linguistically relevant health education, prevention, screening, and treatment.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
562.985.4001; BH 226; Counseling and Psychological Services | California State University, Long Beach (csulb.edu)
Provides short-term counseling for individuals, group counseling, career development counseling, referral services, psychoeducational workshops, and crisis intervention.
Health Resource Center and Wellness Programs
562.985.4609; Student Health Services 268; wellness@csulb.edu; Student Affairs | California State University, Long Beach (csulb.edu)
The Office of Wellness & Health Promotion provides health education and support to students in order to facilitate the ongoing development of healthy lifestyles. As an integral part of the Student Health Services, our purpose is to offer and refer to a comprehensive range of health education services and programs.
Student Emergency Intervention and Wellness Program
562-985.2038; supportingstudents@csulb.edu; Student Emergency Intervention and Wellness Program, CSULB
The CSULB Student Emergency Intervention and Wellness Program is a comprehensive initiative that identifies and immediately serves some of CSULB’s most at-risk students which include our displaced students, food insecure students and students experiencing an emergency situation or crisis.
Student Health Services
562.985.4771; Located in SHS building on corner of Merriam Way and Beach Drive; Student Health Services | California State University, Long Beach (csulb.edu)
All regularly enrolled students registered for the current semester who have paid the $75.00 mandatory health fee are eligible for services. Most medical services are covered under the basic service fee with the exception of pharmacy, off-campus labs and x-ray copies.
Student Recreation and Wellness Center
State-of-the-art facility that serves as a hub for recreational activities and programs, and opportunities for intramural sports, fitness, and wellness services.
Students with Children
The BEACH Student-Parent Support Group is a space to connect with other pregnant and parenting students on campus. Students share experiences and explore topics such as self-care, balancing roles, healthy relationships, identity, and campus resources. The group meets at the Multicultural Center (FO3-02) on Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:30 pm.
The Isabel Patterson Child Development Center provides quality child development services that enable students with children to attend classes at the University while offering quality childcare. Children of CSULB students receive priority for registration. As space permits, children of staff, faculty, alumni, and the community are offered services as well. Child Development Center (asicsulb.org)
University Police
562.985.4101; University Police | California State University, Long Beach (csulb.edu)
The CSULB Night Escort Program is a free safety service conducted by campus Community Service Officers (CSOs). Students can request a CSO escort by calling the University Police non-emergency line at 562.985.4101 (extension 5-4101 from a campus phone).
The Political Science Graduate Student Association (PSGSA) is committed to providing a supportive intellectual environment where Political Science graduate students can pursue their academic interests and enhance their scholarly and professional growth. We meet twice a month and membership is free. All graduate and undergraduate majors and even non-majors are invited to attend. We regularly hold mixers, panels on various topics, roundtables/mini conferences, film screenings, and organize national/state/local conference participation. The organization is free to accept new members without regard to race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, color, age, sex, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, veteran status, or disability. For more information about meeting times/locations and current events please feel free to contact the current faculty sponsor, Professor Teresa Wright (Teresa.Wright@csulb.edu).
