There are two options available for the Political Management Master's Degree:
- 12 courses (36-credit-hours); OR
- 10 courses (30-credit-hours) plus a master's thesis (6-credit-hours)
Required Core Courses (6 courses, 18 credit hours)
Complete four before proceeding to advanced courses. Complete all six within your first eight courses.
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PMGT 201 Fundamentals of Political Management
PMGT 202 Research Methods for Political Managers
PMGT 203 Communications Elements
PMGT 204 Communications Strategy
PMGT 205 Ethics for Political Managers
PMGT 206 Political Leadership
During the Orientation session, entering students will be given the opportunity to test out of PMGT 202. However, all students are still required to complete the 36 credit hours; students who test out of the course will not receive credit, but will instead take an additional elective.
Electives/Focus Area (6 courses, 18 credit hours)
Choose to focus in one of the following areas, or meet your individual aspirations by selecting electives from several different areas.
Capstone Sequence Options
Students complete the final three classes (9 credits) by taking either two electives plus the capstone course (PMGT 295), or one elective plus the two-course thesis. The two thesis classes are usually taken during two semesters.
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PMGT 295 Advanced Problems & Strategy
PMGT 299 Thesis I
PMGT 300 Thesis II
Flexible Electives
With your advisor's approval you may also take electives outside the program. Many classes in the Legislative Affairs or the Strategic Public Relations programs would make excellent electives for Political Management students. Some students also take courses at the Elliott School of International Affairs, Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration, or the School of Business.
Field Work Requirement
Students who have not had substantial professional experience in politics must complete a term of fieldwork in political management. The 400-hour fieldwork requirement does not carry academic credit. Students who have had one or more years of professional experience in politics may apply to waive this requirement.
