Graduate Studies

The department offers the following graduate degree programs:

• Master of Arts (MA)
• Master of Public Administration (MPA)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Accelerated Master’s Program
• Joint Programs (JD/MA, JD/MPA, and JD/PhD) with the School of Law

Much more detailed information relating to the degrees offered by the Department of Political Science is contained in supplements issued to students by the department.

Information about the JD/MA, JD/MPA, and JD/PhD programs can be found through the University’s School of Law. Please note that students must be accepted into both programs independently before being accepted into the dual enrollment program.

More Information

For additional information on our graduate programs, use the following e-mail address: pscgraduatedept@ua.edu

You may also contact one of the program directors listed on our contacts page.

Course Descriptions

For a complete list of courses, including descriptions, visit the appropriate UA catalog:

Graduate Political Science Courses

Schedule of Classes

The UA course schedule is available through mybama.ua.edu. Follow the instructions below, or visit the website of the University Registrar.

1. Log on to mybama.ua.edu.
2. Click the “Academics” tab.
3. Click the “Class Schedule” link that is located in the “Banner Self Service” box.
4. Select the term for which you want to view courses.
5. To search for all online, video or independent study courses, highlight all courses in the “Subject” box.
6. Scroll down to the “Campus” box and click on the desired course delivery format: Ex: “Online”.
7. Click the “Course Search” box. The next screen will show all of the courses offered in the format you selected.

Non-UA Students

If you are not currently admitted to the University, you must log onto mybama.ua.edu as a guest. Follow these steps:

1. Click “Guest Sign-In” on the log in page.
2. Click the“Guest Resources” tab at the top of the page.
3. In the “Bama Self Services” box, click on“Class Schedule.”
4. Follow the instructions above to conduct a class search.

Graduate Student Handbook

Welcome to the Department of Political Science at The University of Alabama. We’re glad you’re here, and we are committed to making your experience in our program rewarding and productive.

This handbook is designed to provide you with information on our graduate programs. While we have worked hard to make this handbook as useful as possible, it is still important that you read the University’s Graduate Catalog, as well as all relevant information from the Graduate School’s website.

As a graduate student in Political Science, you are considered an important part of department life. Our graduate programs are designed to bridge the gap between your undergraduate education and your future professional life as a political scientist or public administrator. In that sense, you have made an important leap in your academic career. No longer will your classes consist merely of taking notes, writing papers, and passing exams. As a pre-professional, you are expected to contribute to the learning environment by participating actively in seminars, learning the research methods and theoretical perspectives that are relevant to your program of study, and, where appropriate, contributing original research to your field. In return, we promise to work with you to help you achieve your goals.

Your ideas and suggestions are always welcome. Please feel free to visit me during office hours or to make an appointment if there is anything regarding the program that you wish to discuss. Again, welcome. We look forward to working with you over the next several years, and to rejoicing in your professional accomplishments in the future.

Sincerely,

Joseph Smith
Department Chair

Program Handbooks

Department of Political Science Graduate Handbook for Ph.D. Students

Department of Political Science Graduate Handbook for M.A. Students

Department of Political Science Graduate Handbook for M.P.A. Students