Master's Program
The Master’s Program in Political Science at California State University, Northridge offers a wide range of graduate seminars in American Politics, Comparative Politics, and International Relations. It also offers graduate seminars in Methodology and Political Theory. In addition, students may take up to six units of undergraduate 400-level courses in a broad array of areas including Public Policy and Administration and Public Law (see below “Degree Requirements” and “Courses Acceptable for the Master’s Degree”).
The program requires completion of 33 units, consisting of 30 units of coursework and 3 units of the culminating experience. All graduate seminars are offered in the evenings so the program is suitable for working professionals. Students may enroll on either a part-time or full-time basis.
The program is designed to prepare students for a number of career paths, as well as for further graduate study. Graduates of the program have pursued careers in government and non-governmental organizations, taught in community college or high schools, served as campaign managers, worked in the media, or continued to Ph.D. study at other institutions.
Links for Students Currently in the Program
- Graduate Studies
- Graduate Studies Handbook (.pdf)
- University Catalog: Graduate Studies Policies and Procedures
- Student Degree Progress Report (DPR) Guide
- Graduate Culminating Project
- Graduation Deadlines
- Apply for Graduation Online
- Steps to Graduate for Master Students
- Financial Opportunities for Graduate Students
- Graduate Studies Forms
- Application for Master's Degree and Diploma (.pdf)
- Career Center
- Political Science Courses
- Graduate Culminating Project
Graduate Student Classification
The Political Science Department admits students in two categories: Classified or Conditionally Classified. Classified students have already met all the reclassification requirements by both the University and the Department. Conditionally classified students, once admitted to the program, must reclassify their status and become classified in order to graduate from the program. Please see below “Conditionally Classified Status” and “Reclassification from Conditional to Classified status.” Also, please see the University’s website on graduate status.
The minimum requirements for a candidate to be admitted under classified status are:
- a BA or BS degree from an accredited university or college in Political Science or related fields, or completion of “minimum equivalency”* as defined in CSUN Catalog;
- a GPA of at least 3.25 in all undergraduate and graduate Political Science courses; and
- a GPA of at least 3.25 in the last 60 units of all course work.
- a BA or BS degree from an accredited university or college in Political Science or related fields, or completion of “minimum equivalency”* as defined in CSUN Catalog
- a GPA of at least 3.0 in all undergraduate and graduate Political Science courses
- a GPA of at least 3.0 in the last 60 units of all course work
Minimum Equivalency Requirements
- Completion of all lower-division requirements in Political Science required of the major at CSUN
- Completion of a course in research methods. * Completion of an upper-division course in political theory (411, 412, 414).
- Completion of an upper-division course in 3 additional areas of Political Science (i.e., American Government, Comparative Government, International Relations, Public Law, Public Administration).
- Completion of an upper-division pro-seminar in one of the 3 areas selected above.
Exceptional Cases that may not meet all the given requirements for minimum equivalency will be considered by the Graduate Committee on petition by the applicant. Specific reasons for the waiver of minimum equivalent requirement must be offered.
Conditionally classified students must change their status to classified before they apply for the Master’s Degree and Diploma by fulfilling the following requirements.
- If the student had a GPA lower than 3.25 in all undergraduate and graduate Political Science courses or in the last 60 units of all course work at the time of admission to the program, the student will need to achieve a GPA of at least 3.25 in at least 9 units in Political Science at CSUN with at least 6 units in 500 level courses.
- Completion of all other minimum University requirements for admission to graduate standing.
Students denied at least conditional status by the Department, if granted admission by the University, may attempt to make up deficiencies and to reapply for admission. However, no course work taken under this status will count toward the 30 units required for the master's degree. The following courses may not be used to remove deficiencies in GPA or course requirements: POLS 490, 499, and 599.
Degree Requirements (33 units)
The 300-level courses in Political Science do not carry credit for the master’s degree in Political Science.
All 500-level graduate seminars in Political Science carry credit for the master’s degree.
Total Units Required for the M.A. Degree: 33
Contact Us with Questions
Dr. Jason Morín, Graduate Adviser
California State University, Northridge
Department of Political Science, Room 210 Sierra Hall
18111 Nordhoff Street Northridge, CA 91330-8254
Email: jason.morin@csun.edu (subject line: graduate application)