{"id":48,"date":"2009-03-23T12:14:16","date_gmt":"2009-03-23T16:14:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/?page_id=48"},"modified":"2026-02-19T15:55:31","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T20:55:31","slug":"ma-program","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/graduate\/ma-program\/","title":{"rendered":"MA Program"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section class=\"w-screen px-6 cu-section cu-section--white ml-offset-center md:px-8 lg:px-14\">\n    <div class=\"space-y-6 cu-max-w-child-5xl  md:space-y-10 cu-prose-first-last\">\n\n            <div class=\"cu-textmedia flex flex-col lg:flex-row mx-auto gap-6 md:gap-10 my-6 md:my-12 first:mt-0 max-w-5xl\">\n        <div class=\"justify-start cu-textmedia-content cu-prose-first-last\" style=\"flex: 0 0 100%;\">\n            <header class=\"font-light prose-xl cu-pageheader md:prose-2xl cu-component-updated cu-prose-first-last\">\n                                    <h1 class=\"cu-prose-first-last font-semibold !mt-2 mb-4 md:mb-6 relative after:absolute after:h-px after:bottom-0 after:bg-cu-red after:left-px text-3xl md:text-4xl lg:text-5xl lg:leading-[3.5rem] pb-5 after:w-10 text-cu-black-700 not-prose\">\n                        MA Program\n                    <\/h1>\n                \n                                \n                            <\/header>\n\n                    <\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>Explore a great international learning &amp; research experience and receive two degrees! Learn about the Dual MA Degree with ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Political Science &amp; the University of Lucerne, Switzerland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Uni Luzern   Dual Degree Political Science short   effect FINAL\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/7B-x9gDJXJY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"tailor-your-degree\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tailor your Degree<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Students in the MA program can tailor their degree program to meet their own interests and goals. The degree can be completed either through coursework only, or through a combination of coursework and a thesis or major research paper.&nbsp; Additional options include <a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/graduate\/co-op\/\">co-op<\/a> and&nbsp;the <a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/graduate\/ma-program\/international-dual-degree-option\/\">Dual Master\u2019s Degree<\/a> with Department of Political Science, University of Lucerne, Switzerland.&nbsp; MA students also have an opportunity to specialize in either African Studies or Latin America and Caribbean Studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The MA program offers opportunities for focused graduate-level study and learning in all aspects of politics. Students have the option of concentrating their courses and research on specific fields of political science \u2013 including Canadian Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Public Policy, Political Theory, and Gender and Diversity \u2013 or taking a wide range of courses across these fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The MA is normally completed in two academic years. During the program, students will have access to <a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/people-in-the-department\/faculty\/\">faculty<\/a> for one-on-one research supervision, as well as to the lively research community within the department.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"admission\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Admission<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Master of Arts program in Political Science is designed for students who have achieved strong grades in an Honours (4-year) undergraduate degree in Political Science or a related discipline. The admissions process is competitive and enrollment is limited. The program admits students exclusively for the Fall term, and offers of admission cannot be deferred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/graduate\/how-to-apply\/\">How to apply<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"guidelines-forms\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Guidelines &amp; Forms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/212\/Department-of-Political-Science-Guidelines-for-MA-Students-Updated-July-2025.pdf\">MA Program Guidelines<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/graduate\/current-students-2\/graduate-student-documents-and-forms\/masters-thesis-and-essay-guidelines\/\">Master\u2019s Thesis and Research Essay Guidelines<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/212\/Directed-Reading-Tutorial-Approval-Form-2025_fillable.pdf\">Directed Reading Tutorial Approval Form<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"in-program-ma-student-faqs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">IN PROGRAM MA STUDENT FAQ&#8217;s<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"w-screen px-6 cu-section cu-section--white ml-offset-center md:px-8 lg:px-14\">\n    <div class=\"space-y-6 cu-max-w-child-5xl  md:space-y-10 cu-prose-first-last\">\n\n        \n    \n    <dl class=\"cu-description cu-component-updated\">\n        \n    <div class=\"grid pt-4 pb-3 border-b accordion border-cu-black-100 md:pt-6 md:pb-5 first:border-t\">\n        <dt class=\"font-semibold not-prose\">\n            <button class=\"flex items-center justify-between w-full text-left accordion__button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-how-many-courses-do-i-need-to-take-in-order-to-be-considered-a-full-time-student\">\n                <span class=\"flex-1 ml-auto text-left break-words whitespace-normal cu-icon\">\n                    How many courses do I need to take in order to be considered a full-time student?\n                <\/span>\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\" class=\"w-5 h-5 ml-auto transition-transform rotate-0 accordion__icon text-cu-black-500\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M8.25 4.5l7.5 7.5-7.5 7.5\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/dt>\n        <dd class=\"p-0 mt-0 cu-prose cu-prose-first-last accordion__content md:p-0 md:mt-0\" hidden=\"\" id=\"accordion-how-many-courses-do-i-need-to-take-in-order-to-be-considered-a-full-time-student\">\n            \n\n<p>You must be registered in at least 1 course (0.50 cr) and pay full-time tuition.<\/p>\n\n\n        <\/dd>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"grid pt-4 pb-3 border-b accordion border-cu-black-100 md:pt-6 md:pb-5 first:border-t\">\n        <dt class=\"font-semibold not-prose\">\n            <button class=\"flex items-center justify-between w-full text-left accordion__button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-i-am-a-part-time-student-how-many-courses-can-i-take-each-semester\">\n                <span class=\"flex-1 ml-auto text-left break-words whitespace-normal cu-icon\">\n                    I am a part time student, how many courses can I take each semester?\n                <\/span>\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\" class=\"w-5 h-5 ml-auto transition-transform rotate-0 accordion__icon text-cu-black-500\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M8.25 4.5l7.5 7.5-7.5 7.5\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/dt>\n        <dd class=\"p-0 mt-0 cu-prose cu-prose-first-last accordion__content md:p-0 md:mt-0\" hidden=\"\" id=\"accordion-i-am-a-part-time-student-how-many-courses-can-i-take-each-semester\">\n            \n\n<p>You can take up to, but not more than, 2 courses (1.0 cr).<\/p>\n\n\n        <\/dd>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"grid pt-4 pb-3 border-b accordion border-cu-black-100 md:pt-6 md:pb-5 first:border-t\">\n        <dt class=\"font-semibold not-prose\">\n            <button class=\"flex items-center justify-between w-full text-left accordion__button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-how-many-courses-should-a-ma-student-register-for\">\n                <span class=\"flex-1 ml-auto text-left break-words whitespace-normal cu-icon\">\n                    How many courses should a MA student register for?\n                <\/span>\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\" class=\"w-5 h-5 ml-auto transition-transform rotate-0 accordion__icon text-cu-black-500\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M8.25 4.5l7.5 7.5-7.5 7.5\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/dt>\n        <dd class=\"p-0 mt-0 cu-prose cu-prose-first-last accordion__content md:p-0 md:mt-0\" hidden=\"\" id=\"accordion-how-many-courses-should-a-ma-student-register-for\">\n            \n\n<p>While this is a personal choice, we generally recommend 2 \u2013 3 courses a term. For your very first semester, we recommend 2 courses. If you have a Teaching Assistant position, we do not recommend more than 2 courses a term.<\/p>\n\n\n        <\/dd>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"grid pt-4 pb-3 border-b accordion border-cu-black-100 md:pt-6 md:pb-5 first:border-t\">\n        <dt class=\"font-semibold not-prose\">\n            <button class=\"flex items-center justify-between w-full text-left accordion__button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-i-would-like-to-select-the-thesis-option-for-my-ma-program-when-should-i-begin-the-process\">\n                <span class=\"flex-1 ml-auto text-left break-words whitespace-normal cu-icon\">\n                    I would like to select the thesis option for my MA program, when should I begin the process?\n                <\/span>\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\" class=\"w-5 h-5 ml-auto transition-transform rotate-0 accordion__icon text-cu-black-500\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M8.25 4.5l7.5 7.5-7.5 7.5\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/dt>\n        <dd class=\"p-0 mt-0 cu-prose cu-prose-first-last accordion__content md:p-0 md:mt-0\" hidden=\"\" id=\"accordion-i-would-like-to-select-the-thesis-option-for-my-ma-program-when-should-i-begin-the-process\">\n            \n\n<p>By the end of your second semester, you should have found and met with a faculty member to supervise your thesis. It is possible to register for your thesis in the third semester.<\/p>\n\n\n        <\/dd>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"grid pt-4 pb-3 border-b accordion border-cu-black-100 md:pt-6 md:pb-5 first:border-t\">\n        <dt class=\"font-semibold not-prose\">\n            <button class=\"flex items-center justify-between w-full text-left accordion__button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-how-do-i-find-a-faculty-member-to-supervise-my-thesis-or-mrp-topic\">\n                <span class=\"flex-1 ml-auto text-left break-words whitespace-normal cu-icon\">\n                    How do I find a faculty member to supervise my thesis or MRP topic?\n                <\/span>\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\" class=\"w-5 h-5 ml-auto transition-transform rotate-0 accordion__icon text-cu-black-500\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M8.25 4.5l7.5 7.5-7.5 7.5\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/dt>\n        <dd class=\"p-0 mt-0 cu-prose cu-prose-first-last accordion__content md:p-0 md:mt-0\" hidden=\"\" id=\"accordion-how-do-i-find-a-faculty-member-to-supervise-my-thesis-or-mrp-topic\">\n            \n\n<p>You should begin by reviewing the <a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/people-in-the-department\/faculty\/\">faculty member\u2019s profiles<\/a>. You should talk to your course instructors and other graduate students. If you are still unsure, schedule a meeting with the graduate supervisor, <a href=\"mailto:stephen.white@carleton.ca\">Stephen White<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n        <\/dd>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"grid pt-4 pb-3 border-b accordion border-cu-black-100 md:pt-6 md:pb-5 first:border-t\">\n        <dt class=\"font-semibold not-prose\">\n            <button class=\"flex items-center justify-between w-full text-left accordion__button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-what-is-the-difference-between-a-ma-thesis-and-a-masters-research-paper-mrp\">\n                <span class=\"flex-1 ml-auto text-left break-words whitespace-normal cu-icon\">\n                    What is the difference between a MA thesis and a Masters Research Paper (MRP)?\n                <\/span>\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\" class=\"w-5 h-5 ml-auto transition-transform rotate-0 accordion__icon text-cu-black-500\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M8.25 4.5l7.5 7.5-7.5 7.5\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/dt>\n        <dd class=\"p-0 mt-0 cu-prose cu-prose-first-last accordion__content md:p-0 md:mt-0\" hidden=\"\" id=\"accordion-what-is-the-difference-between-a-ma-thesis-and-a-masters-research-paper-mrp\">\n            \n\n<p>A thesis is worth 2.0 credits, and a MRP is worth 1.0 credits. A thesis requires an oral defense and an internal examiner. A MRP does not require an oral defense nor an internal examiner. For additional information, go to <a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/graduate\/ma-program\/masters-thesis-and-essay-guidelines\/\">Masters Thesis Essay Guidelines.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n        <\/dd>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"grid pt-4 pb-3 border-b accordion border-cu-black-100 md:pt-6 md:pb-5 first:border-t\">\n        <dt class=\"font-semibold not-prose\">\n            <button class=\"flex items-center justify-between w-full text-left accordion__button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-do-i-need-to-pay-tuition-and-register-for-the-summer-term\">\n                <span class=\"flex-1 ml-auto text-left break-words whitespace-normal cu-icon\">\n                    Do I need to pay tuition and register for the summer term?\n                <\/span>\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\" class=\"w-5 h-5 ml-auto transition-transform rotate-0 accordion__icon text-cu-black-500\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M8.25 4.5l7.5 7.5-7.5 7.5\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/dt>\n        <dd class=\"p-0 mt-0 cu-prose cu-prose-first-last accordion__content md:p-0 md:mt-0\" hidden=\"\" id=\"accordion-do-i-need-to-pay-tuition-and-register-for-the-summer-term\">\n            \n\n<p>Yes&nbsp; &#8211; the summer term is a perfect time to take a course in another department or register for your Thesis\/MRP and begin the research.<\/p>\n\n\n        <\/dd>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"grid pt-4 pb-3 border-b accordion border-cu-black-100 md:pt-6 md:pb-5 first:border-t\">\n        <dt class=\"font-semibold not-prose\">\n            <button class=\"flex items-center justify-between w-full text-left accordion__button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-when-can-i-apply-for-the-co-op-program-offered-through-your-ma-program\">\n                <span class=\"flex-1 ml-auto text-left break-words whitespace-normal cu-icon\">\n                    When can I apply for the co-op program offered through your MA program?\n                <\/span>\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\" class=\"w-5 h-5 ml-auto transition-transform rotate-0 accordion__icon text-cu-black-500\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M8.25 4.5l7.5 7.5-7.5 7.5\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/dt>\n        <dd class=\"p-0 mt-0 cu-prose cu-prose-first-last accordion__content md:p-0 md:mt-0\" hidden=\"\" id=\"accordion-when-can-i-apply-for-the-co-op-program-offered-through-your-ma-program\">\n            \n\n<p>Once you are a registered as a full time student, you are eligible to apply for a co-op position one full term before the co-op term is to begin. You must have obtained 2.5 credits in your MA at the time your co-op assignment begins. For additional information, please contact the co-op office directly.<\/p>\n\n\n        <\/dd>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"grid pt-4 pb-3 border-b accordion border-cu-black-100 md:pt-6 md:pb-5 first:border-t\">\n        <dt class=\"font-semibold not-prose\">\n            <button class=\"flex items-center justify-between w-full text-left accordion__button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-when-can-i-apply-for-ogs-sshrc-and-other-scholarships-awards\">\n                <span class=\"flex-1 ml-auto text-left break-words whitespace-normal cu-icon\">\n                    When can I apply for OGS, SSHRC and other scholarships\/awards?\n                <\/span>\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\" class=\"w-5 h-5 ml-auto transition-transform rotate-0 accordion__icon text-cu-black-500\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M8.25 4.5l7.5 7.5-7.5 7.5\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/dt>\n        <dd class=\"p-0 mt-0 cu-prose cu-prose-first-last accordion__content md:p-0 md:mt-0\" hidden=\"\" id=\"accordion-when-can-i-apply-for-ogs-sshrc-and-other-scholarships-awards\">\n            \n\n<p>The graduate administrator and will announce all awards and will include deadlines and instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n        <\/dd>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <\/dl>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Explore a great international learning &amp; research experience and receive two degrees! Learn about the Dual MA Degree with ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Political Science &amp; the University of Lucerne, Switzerland. Tailor your Degree Students in the MA program can tailor their degree program to meet their own interests and goals. The degree can be completed either through [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":46,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_cu_dining_location_slug":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"cu_page_type":[96],"class_list":["post-48","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","cu_page_type-graduate"],"acf":{"cu_post_thumbnail":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/48","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=48"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/48\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40692,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/48\/revisions\/40692"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/46"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=48"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"cu_page_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/polisci\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_page_type?post=48"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}