Master's Programs in Politics

The Master's Programs in Politics at the University of Dallas are unique in American higher education today. The programs combine the study of timeless classics of Western political thought with rigorous exploration of contemporary American politics and international affairs. We focus on the great themes and issues of political thought and experience: justice, equality, liberty, morality, religion, and human nature. Through a curriculum that ranges from the Greek polis, through the great Catholic thinkers of the Middle Ages, to the politics of contemporary liberal democracies, we challenge each student to master the most rewarding political works of the Western tradition and the American experiment in self-government. The twin missions of the Department of Politics are to teach students to examine politics from the perspective of political philosophy, and to educate its students for leadership in public affairs. The graduate programs of the Politics Department reflect these dual emphases. It offers a Ph.D. through the Institute of Philosophic Studies and M.A. and Master's degrees in Politics.

The program leading to a Master of Arts in Politics or a Master of Politics is a concentrated course of study in political philosophy and contemporary politics designed especially for students who intend to pursue careers in law, journalism, business, government, or other non-college teaching professions. It aims to develop and solidify the capacity of the student for truly independent and rigorous thinking about political, social, and moral questions. The course of study allows the student to study political philosophy free of the extraneous requirements of most universities. Many of the courses characteristic of the program involve a close reading of the texts of the Great Tradition of discourse on political order. The program is designed to enable the student to complete its requirements in a year of full-time study if he so desires. Summer school courses are sometimes offered and may be of particular interest to part-time students.

Degree Requirements

Master of Arts in Politics

• 24 credit hours of course work. Up to 6 hours may be taken outside of the Department in courses closely related to the study of politics.

• 6 hours of thesis.

• A reading knowledge of one foreign language.

• A comprehensive examination.

Master of Politics

• 30 credit hours of course work, of which at least six must be in advanced Politics courses (6000 or above). Up to 6 hours may be taken outside the Department in courses closely related to the study of politics.

• A comprehensive examination.

For both Masters programs:

The course of studies of all students in the program will be planned in consultation with, and with the approval of, the director of the program.

Further information on the requirements for all University of Dallas graduate liberal arts programs may be found here.

Applications and Financial Assistance

Entry into the program requires a bachelor's degree in Politics or a related field, unless determined otherwise by the Graduate Dean. Merit-based tuition scholarships are available for up to one-half tuition. A two-thirds scholarship for full-time teachers may also be availble.

Click on the links on the left side of this web page for further information and for an application for admission.

For additional information, contact the Braniff Graduate School of Liberal Arts, University of Dallas, 1845 E. Northgate Drive, Irving, Texas 75062-4736. Phone: (214) 721- 5106. Toll Free: (877) 708-3247. E-mail: graduate@udallas.edu.

Courses

Graduate courses at the 6000-level can be found here. Graduate courses at the 5000 level are sometimes cross-listed as undergraduate courses, with additional work assigned for graduate students. Topics of 5000-level courses are typically selected from among upper division (3000 or above) undergraduate courses on this page.

For information about tuition, financial assistance, application forms and registration, please write, call, or visit our website: Braniff Graduate School of Liberal Arts, University of Dallas, 1845 East Northgate Drive, Irving, Texas 75062-4736. Phone: (214) 721-5106. Toll Free: (877) 708-3247. E-mail: graduate@udallas.edu. Website: www.udallas.edu/braniff