Political Science | Master of Liberal Studies (Political Leadership and Public Service)
About the Program
Our communities - local, state, regional, national, and global - face a multiplicity of vexing challenges but also offer numerous opportunities for "the common citizen" to have a positive impact on economic, political, cultural, social, and religious matters. You may be one of many individuals who help out in a community organization, non-profit organization, or church. Or you may want to take your duties as a citizen seriously and get involved in some way. Undoubtedly, you work in either the public, non-profit, or private sector. Whatever the case, it is our hope that this MLS concentration will help you develop a knowledge base and skills that will empower you to more ably contribute to the communities and organizations that are important to you - and to us, too.
In order to achieve these goals, this MLS concentration centers on three basic aspects of our current condition:
- political institutions and processes,
- leadership and change-making, and
- ethics.
Each of these three basic aspects, and the learning goals associated with them, are briefly described below. After that, the courses in curriculum of the concentration are listed (course descriptions are included).
- Political Institutions and Processes: Political leadership and civic engagement requires a solid working knowledge of government and non-governmental organizations and processes. Students will understand political dynamics and develop capacities to influence the public policymaking processes.
- Leadership and Change-Making: Effective political leadership and civic engagement in democratic societies is intended to produce change for the common good. This process requires students to initiate and sustain grassroots change and to develop variety of analytic, communication, and network abilities.
- Ethics and Political Leadership and Civic Engagement: Perhaps the greatest challenge facing today's leaders is establishing high ethical standards. Students will develop the moral and social responsibilities necessary for political and civic leaders as they mobilize the citizenry to confront the challenges of our society.
Program Overview
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MLS Core Courses | ||
| IDS 801 | Introduction to Graduate Liberal Studies | 1 |
| IDS 802 | Ways of Knowing in Comparative Perspective | 3 |
| IDS 803 | Origins and Implications of the Knowledge Society | 3 |
| IDS 804 | Information Literacy | 3 |
| Concentration Core | ||
| COMM 810 | Organizational Communication and Leadership | 3 |
| LDRS 640G | Principles of Civic Leadership | 3 |
| LDRS 801 | Theoretical Foundations of Leadership | 3 |
| LDRS 818 | Ethical Leadership | 3 |
| Select one course from the following: | 3 | |
| Policy Analysis | ||
| American Civil Liberties | ||
| Recent Political Theories | ||
| American Political Thought | ||
| Select one course from the following: | 3 | |
| Political Behavior | ||
| Interest Groups and Lobbying | ||
| Culminating Experience | ||
| Select one course from the following: | 3 | |
| Projects in Liberal or Professional Studies | ||
| Internship in Liberal or Professional Studies | ||
Course Approved by MLS coordinator | ||
| Masters Degree Comprehensive Examination/Assessment | ||
| Masters Degree Comprehensive Examination/Assessment (Concentration) | ||
| Total Hours | 31 | |
Graduate School Graduation Requirements
All Graduate degrees1 require:
- Maintain a C or higher in all coursework.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. (Refer to program)
- A minimum of 30-75 hours of Graduate course work. (Refer to program)
- Comprehensive Examination or equivalent assessment is required. (Master of Liberal Studies requires a Comprehensive Examination and Concentration Exam)
- Degree completion within 8 years.
- 1
Refer to degree program for any additional requirements.
Note for MLS and MPS degree concentrations:
Master of Liberal Studies (MLS) programs are administratively housed within the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences but are listed in the catalog within the academic unit related to the relevant concentration area for ease in navigation.
Master of Professional Studies (MPS) programs are administratively housed within the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences but are listed in the catalog within the academic unit related to the relevant concentration area for ease in navigation.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| IDS 802 | Ways of Knowing in Comparative Perspective | 3 |
| IDS 801 | Introduction to Graduate Liberal Studies | 1 |
| COMM 810 | Organizational Communication and Leadership | 3 |
| LDRS 640G | Principles of Civic Leadership | 3 |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Spring | ||
| IDS 803 | Origins and Implications of the Knowledge Society | 3 |
| LDRS 801 | Theoretical Foundations of Leadership | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| LDRS 818 | Ethical Leadership | 3 |
| POLS 612G | The Administrative Process | 3 |
| POLS 664G | Political Behavior | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| Capstone | 6 | |
| Masters Degree Comprehensive Examination/Assessment | ||
| Masters Degree Comprehensive Examination/Assessment (Concentration) | ||
| Hours | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 31 | |
Academic Degree Maps are term-by-term sample course plans that specify milestones, courses, and special requirements that are necessary for facilitating on-time completion. Degree Maps are examples and are not prescriptive. Individualized choices such as concentration options, transfer credits, optional minors, advisory programs (certificates), etc. can alter the recommended coursework. Course offerings are subject to change. Students should consult with their academic advisors for additional guidance on course planning.
To determine courses to take in the directed choices (often listed as Program Elective Course) and directed elective course blocks see the overview tab for courses. To locate approved courses in General Education areas (Undergraduate Programs) see the general education section of the catalog.
The undergraduate course maps typically advise the most efficient route for students to complete the general education requirements. Courses that are required in the major may be listed as fulfilling relevant general education requirements. This will result in more open elective course hours in some maps than is listed on the degree overview page.
Program Admission Requirements
This concentration requires a GPA of 2.5 or higher on the last 60 undergraduate hours. The personal statement (1-2 pages) should be inspired by the following questions:
- What does it mean to engage in graduate study?
- What are three of the most crucial qualities needed to be a graduate student?
- Describe for us something you're especially proud of having achieved in your life.
One of the two required letters of recommendation should be an academic reference.
The program has a rolling admissions process, and will review completed applications as they are submitted.