The Master of Arts in Politics trains graduates in broad theoretical concerns about politics, government, and political values.
CGU’s Division of Politics & Economics educates future scholars of politics, government, and policy to make better decisions through rigorous research and sophisticated understanding of political systems and policy analysis. Our MA in Politics offers a broad-ranging, substantive understanding of American politics. Working alongside faculty who are experts in the field, you’ll conduct high-quality interdisciplinary research on the most pressing political and governmental issues of our time. The program offers built-in flexibility that enables you to customize your curriculum to fit your goals and interests. Upon graduating, you will join the long line of highly successful program graduates who are making their mark in an impressive range of careers.
Program Highlights
This MA program offers a concentration in American Politics.
The degree requires completion of 12 four-unit courses. Students normally complete coursework in three to four semesters.
Our graduate Political Science program was ranked No. 2 in the nation among graduate Political Science programs for “faculty responsiveness and support outside of the classroom.”
Program at a Glance
UNITS
48 units
ESTIMATED COMPLETION TIME*
1.5–2 years
*Actual completion times will vary and may be higher, depending on full- or part-time course registration, units transferred, and time to complete other degree requirements.
This core course introduces the process and institutions of American governance as understood by contemporary political scientists. The approach is thematic and covers a wide range of topics from conventional political institutions to political economy.
PP 302
American Political Behavior
This seminar provides a thorough overview of the current research on political behavior. We will survey the literature on party identification, political sophistication, voting, ideology, information processing, tolerance, participation and turnout, and public opinion. In addition, students will explore the various methodological strategies for scientific inquiry in this area, develop important and innovative student research programs and prepare for qualifying examinations through comprehensive reviews of the literature.
PP 305
Congressional-Executive Institutions and Policymaking
The course surveys the dynamics of executive-congressional relations by examining institutionalist and leadership theories. Particular attention will be paid to changes in the executive-congressional relationship over time, and the underlying sources of conflict and cooperation between the two branches.
PP 313
Representation and Elections
This course is intended to provide an overview of the concept of political representation, with specific emphases on both the institutional arrangements within the society, and how they shape outcomes as well as the capabilities of individuals to function in a democratic context.
PP 333
Identity Politics
Identity lies at the heart of politics. Who we are and what groups we belong to powerfully influence our political attitudes and behaviors. Drawing from a variety of subfields and disciplines, this graduate seminar will explore the development, activation, and political consequences of identities (racial, ethnic, religious, gender, sexual orientation, and partisanship) for politics in the United States and abroad.
SPE 351
Comparative Political Institutions
The study of political institutions dominates the field of comparative politics. In this course, we will examine both the validity and foundations of the study of political institutions as well as look in-depth at the institutions of modern government.
Curriculum
Core Courses (16 units)
American Politics and Institutions
American Political Behavior
Congressional-Executive Institutions and Policymaking
Representation and Elections
Other Requirements
Research Tools (16 units)
Required:
Nature of Inquiry
Introduction to Statistical Analysis
Advanced Quantitative Research Methods
One tools elective, chosen from:
Survey Methods
Visualizing Data
Computational Tools for the Social Sciences
Applied Data Analysis: Limited Dependent Variables and MLE
Another tool approved by your advisor
Electives (16 units)
Faculty & Research
Carlos Algara
Mary Toepelt Nicolai and George S. Blair Assistant Professor
Research Interests
American politics, the United States Congress, ideological representation, electoral politics, elite institutions
Associate Professor, Politics & Policy
Co-Director, Inequality and Policy Research Center
Field Chair, Comparative Politics
Field Chair, American Politics
Research Interests
Comparative Politics, Political Economy, Economic Inequality