Accelerated MA in Political Science
Want to earn your master’s degree in Political Science in just one year? With our accelerated MA option, you can get a head start while you are still an undergraduate at EIU.
How It Works
- Apply as an undergraduate.
While completing your bachelor’s degree at EIU, you can apply to join the accelerated MA program.
- Double count up to 9 credit hours.
Once admitted, you can take up to nine credit hours that count toward both your undergraduate degree and your master’s degree. These courses are offered at the PLS 4750 level and above.
- Finish your bachelor’s degree.
After completing your undergraduate program, you officially move into the MA in Political Science.
- Complete the MA in one year.
The master’s degree requires 33 total credit hours. With nine already completed, you only need eight more courses. Many students finish these across Fall, Spring, and Summer.
Admission Requirements
To apply for the accelerated MA in Political Science, you must meet the following:
- Minimum 3.25 cumulative undergraduate GPA
- At least 60 undergraduate credit hours completed
- At least 9 credit hours in Political Science, including 6 hours at the 3000 level
- Concurrent enrollment is allowed
- Open to all majors, as long as the Political Science credit requirement is met
- Two letters of reference
- A professional goals statement
Ready to Apply?
You can begin the application process here.
For more details, including expectations for students in the accelerated program, refer to the graduate course catalog. Please note that students must earn a grade of B or higher in accelerated graduate courses to remain in the program. Credit or no credit courses must be completed successfully to continue.
