Course Requirements

Students will complete at least 42 credit hours arranged to satisfy the following distribution requirements:

1. Three gateway seminars: a course in Democratic Transitions, Political Institutions and Representation, and Democracy Promotion/Theory (9 credits)

2. Four core courses, one from each of the following thematic areas: History and Theories of Democracy and Democratization; Democracy, Governance and Institutions; Democracy and Civil Society; and Democracy, Governance and Development Policy (12 credits)

3. One course on experiences of democracy in a world region (3 credits)

4. General elective courses: six 3-credit courses, as approved by the program directors (18 credits)

5. Language requirement: reading capability in one language other than English.

6. Credit for course work taken elsewhere: subject to the approval of the Graduate School, up to six credit hours of such work may be credited toward the M.A. degree, provided that it is earned in graduate-level courses, at a fully accredited university, and with a grade of B or better.

7. Comprehensive examination: students will take a final oral comprehensive exam.

8. Internship option: students may opt to complete an internship in lieu of taking one or two 3-credit elective courses.