M.Ed. in Special Education
Mississippi College, located in Clinton, Mississippi, offers a comprehensive Master of ...
Master of Social Science in Political Science
Clinton, Mississippi
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S.S. in Political Science at Mississippi College focuses on equipping students to understand "the history and progress of civilization... and the principles and political philosophies of government." It emphasizes the ability to engage in "honest, critical inquiry" and to apply this understanding to real-world challenges. Unlike a traditional M.A. that often culminates in an extensive thesis, the M.S.S. is "centered around social sciences rather than research," meaning it's well-suited for professionals or those seeking a broad academic foundation without the commitment of a thesis.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the M.S.S. in Political Science is interdisciplinary, allowing students to combine their political science major with minors in other social science fields. For the 30-hour plan, students typically take 18 semester hours in Political Science as their major, along with 6 semester hours in each of two other social science fields (e.g., History, Administration of Justice, Economics, or Communication) as minors. The 36-hour plan requires 18 semester hours in each of two major areas, such as Political Science and History. All candidates must pass an oral comprehensive examination in their final semester, based on their completed coursework. Students who maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25 may be exempt from these examinations, highlighting the program's focus on consistent academic mastery.
Research Focus: The M.S.S. in Political Science at Mississippi College is explicitly described as a program "centered around social sciences rather than research," and a thesis is not required. This indicates that the primary research focus is on developing strong analytical and critical thinking skills through coursework, engaging with existing scholarly literature, and completing research-oriented assignments within individual courses. Students are trained to interpret and apply social science data, understand political theories, and analyze political phenomena, rather than conducting original, thesis-level academic research that contributes new knowledge to the field. The program aims to foster an informed and critical understanding of political science.
Industry Engagement: The M.S.S. in Political Science program at Mississippi College prepares graduates for various roles by cultivating highly transferable skills in analysis, problem-solving, argumentation, and persuasion. These skills are essential across numerous sectors, including government (local, state, and federal), law, international business, political journalism, non-profit organizations, and education (e.g., teaching at community colleges or K-12 with additional certification). The department highlights that its faculty are "productive scholars" active in professional organizations, which likely contributes to the program's relevance to current political discourse and career paths. While formal, industry-specific internships might not be a universal program requirement, the skills gained directly meet the demands of these diverse fields.
Global Perspective: The M.S.S. in Political Science inherently fosters a strong global perspective due to the nature of the discipline. Courses often cover international relations, comparative politics, and the study of political institutions and behaviors in different cultures and historical periods. Students are exposed to diverse philosophies of government and the mechanisms that shape societies worldwide. Mississippi College's commitment to intellectual curiosity and its diverse student body, which includes international students, naturally enriches classroom discussions with varied global viewpoints on political issues and international affairs. This broad exposure prepares graduates to understand and contribute to an increasingly interconnected global political landscape.
Location
Clinton, Mississippi
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 13856
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $40
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 52 or higher.
Mississippi College is making quality education affordable for students from around the world. To support this goal, the college offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically for international students, helping to reduce the overall cost of tuition and living expenses.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students with strong academic records are eligible for merit-based scholarships. These awards are determined by evaluating high school GPA (or equivalent), standardized test scores (such as SAT or ACT), and other academic achievements. The scholarship amount varies, with awards ranging from partial to significant tuition discounts, which are renewable based on academic performance.
Presidential and Dean’s Scholarships: Highly qualified international students may receive Presidential or Dean’s Scholarships, two of the most prestigious awards offered by Mississippi College. These scholarships are based on exceptional academic credentials and leadership potential and can cover a substantial portion of tuition costs.
A Master of Social Science (M.S.S.) in Political Science from Mississippi College provides a versatile and in-depth understanding of governmental systems, political behavior, and public policy. This interdisciplinary degree cultivates strong analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills, making graduates well-prepared for diverse roles across various sectors that value nuanced perspectives on societal and political dynamics. While it doesn't primarily focus on academic research like a traditional M.A. or Ph.D., its broad knowledge base is highly advantageous for careers requiring strong problem-solving and contextual understanding.
Legislative Assistant/Aide: Work directly for elected officials at local, state, or federal levels, conducting research, drafting policy briefs, managing constituent communications, and supporting legislative processes.
Policy Analyst: Research, evaluate, and develop public policies for government agencies, think tanks, non-profit organizations, or advocacy groups. They assess the impact of policies and recommend changes to address societal issues.
Government Relations Specialist/Lobbyist: Represent organizations, businesses, or interest groups to influence government policy and legislation. This involves building relationships with lawmakers and effectively communicating organizational positions.
Campaign Manager/Political Consultant: Play a key role in political campaigns, overseeing strategy, fundraising, communications, and voter outreach. Political consultants advise candidates and parties on various aspects of campaigning.
Public Administrator: Work in various administrative and management roles within government agencies (federal, state, or local), overseeing programs, managing budgets, and ensuring the efficient delivery of public services.
International Relations Specialist: Analyze global political dynamics, foreign policy, and international cooperation for government departments (like the State Department), international organizations (e.g., UN, NGOs), or multinational corporations.
Journalist/Political Reporter: Apply strong research, interviewing, and writing skills to cover political news, government actions, elections, and policy debates for newspapers, television, radio, or digital media.
Public Opinion Pollster/Market Research Analyst: Design and conduct surveys, analyze data, and interpret public opinion or consumer behavior trends for political campaigns, media organizations, or market research firms.
Non-Profit Program Manager (Advocacy/Civic Engagement): Lead programs for non-profit organizations focused on civic education, voter registration, human rights, environmental advocacy, or other areas where political understanding is crucial.
Community College Instructor (Political Science/Social Science): An M.S.S. can qualify graduates to teach introductory political science or social science courses at community colleges, sharing their knowledge and fostering civic engagement among students.
