Political Science

Department of Political Science
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5346 USA
(269) 387-5680

Accelerated Master of Arts in Political Science

Why Choose an Accelerated M.A. at Western Michigan University

When admitted to the accelerated graduate degree program with senior standing, students may take up to 12 credit hours of designated 5000 and 6000 level courses for graduate credit. These designated courses may be used in completion of both the bachelor’s degree and the master’s degree. The accelerated graduate degree program in the Department of Political Science allows undergraduate political science majors at WMU to begin to accumulate credits toward the completion of a master’s degree while completing their bachelor’s degree.

undergraduate students

Courses are selected in consultation with the department’s Director of Graduate Programs and the student’s undergraduate advisor. If you do not have a chosen undergraduate advisor, see the Department of Political Science staff in 3308 Friedmann Hall or communicate with one of the Political Science faculty.

Eligibility

This program is open to WMU undergraduate students:

  • Who are enrolled as a political science major at WMU, 
  • Who have senior status, are declared political science majors, have earned a minimum of 30 credit hours at WMU and at least 20 credit hours towards the political science major, and
  • Who have an undergraduate minimum GPA of 3.5 based on 45 credit hours with at lease 15 hours earned at WMU.
  • Undergraduate students enrolled in the accelerated program are expected to meet graduate expectations in their graduate courses.
  • Students who have received a bachelor's degree are ineligible to apply for accelerated M.A. in political science.

Admissions/Enrollment

  1. As early as possible, but no later than the spring semester of the junior year, interested students should meet with the Director of Graduate Programs and their undergraduate advisor in the Department of Political Science to discuss the Accelerated Graduate Degree Program.
  2. Complete the graduate audit process with the WMU registrar.
  3. Apply for admission to the M.A. in Political Science - Select the term after your anticipated undergraduate graduation term.
  4. Upon acceptance, students must meet with the Director of Graduate Programs and their undergraduate advisor in Political Science to finalize an appropriate program of study that meets the requirements for the undergraduate and graduate degrees.
  5. A letter advising which graduate courses will be counted in both degrees will be sent to the student and to the registrar. A copy of this letter will be included in the student's file.  The Accelerated Graduate Degree Program Course approval form must be completed and received by the WMU registrar's office before student takes graduate courses. 

More information regarding the Accelerated Graduate Degree Program (AGDP) admission process can be found here

undergraduate students

Requirements for Continuing Eligibility and Graduation

  • After admission to the Accelerated Graduate Degree Program in Political Science, students must follow the program of study developed with the Director of Graduate Programs and their undergraduate advisor in the Department of Political Science.
  • Students who become ineligible to continue participation in the Accelerated Graduate Degree Program will be notified in writing by the Director of Graduate Studies.
  • In order to progress automatically into the M.A. program, students must achieve a grade of “B” or higher in each of the graduate courses being counted for the undergraduate degree. Students not meeting this requirement will have the earned grade applied to the undergraduate degree only and must apply for readmission into the graduate program.
  • The undergraduate degree must be awarded within one calendar year after initial enrollment in the Accelerated M.A. Program. Students not meeting this requirement must reapply to be admitted to the graduate program.
  • Students may withdraw at any time from the Accelerated Graduate Degree Program by informing the Director of Graduate Programs and their undergraduate advisor in the Department of Political Science in writing. A copy of the request to withdraw must be sent to the registrar.
  • The requirements for the M.A. degree are expected to be completed within 24 month from the completion of the bachelor’s degree. A total of 30 graduate credit hours are required for the M.A. degree. Students unable to meet this requirement must apply for an extension with the Director of Graduate Programs in the Department of political Science.

Political Science Courses Eligible for the Program

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