The Master of Arts program has the following general goals:<br><br> To offer students an opportunity for advanced, specialized courses in the discipline of political science, leading to a graduate degree<br> To prepare students for additional graduate work leading to a doctoral degree and a career as a political scientist<br> To offer students the opportunity to prepare for a career in teaching, politics, public service and government or to complement their present careers<br> To support University-based research involving issues of politics and public policy<br><br>The courses in political science cover a full range of the discipline, both in terms of substance and methodology. Courses in research methods provide the skills necessary for sophisticated analysis of political processes, institutions and policies. More specialized interests are developed through independent research courses and projects tackled by students.