Political Science, MA/Law, JD

Degree: Master of Arts (MA)
Field of Study: Political Science
Political Science (MA) Program Information

Degree: Juris Doctor (JD)
Juris Doctor (JD) Program Information

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Program Overview

Students accepted to the School of Law may pursue a Master of Arts in Political Science in conjunction with their JD degree. The political science department will waive its GRE requirement and accept the LSAT in the admissions process.

In order to pursue the dual degree, students must be separately admitted to both degree programs. They must then meet the qualitative requirements of both degrees and earn them simultaneously. Students must begin coursework in the Political Science, MA degree program prior to beginning the fifth semester of law school. Also, no coursework completed prior to official matriculation in the law school may be counted toward the JD degree.

Program Requirements

Completion of the program requires 97 credit hours of course work, and so would be expected to require seven semesters. Students must complete a total of 21 credit hours within the political science department, including at least 3 credit hours in American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and research methods. Dual-degree students will normally begin study in the law school and defer enrollment in the MA program until their second year. They must either pass the MA comprehensive examination or complete an MA Thesis upon completion of their political science course work.  Up to 6 credit hours of POSC 651, may count towards the required credit hours for the degree.