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Political Science Certificate

Are you looking for a career in international affairs beyond the traditional focus on diplomacy? Want to make use of your language skills in a way that will not only be personally satisfying, but will give you a leg up on the competition? Would you like to participate in a unique program -- one that has the flexibility to accommodate your special interests? Want to be part of a program that will give you a solid, graduate academic degree in political science as well as the practically-oriented training you will need to succeed in any career in international affairs?

We have what you are looking for!

KSU is unique in offering an MA in political science, with a Certificate in International Service. While most other universities offer either an MA in political science or international relations, we offer a MA degree with a certificate that prepares students for an exciting career in a wide variety of fields in international service. In addition to a more traditional program emphasizing diplomacy, our program has the flexibility to permit a student to specialize not only in geographic areas, but in international agriculture, business, or planning as well.

Requirements for MA in Political Science with a Certificate in International Service

Internships and Placement Assistance

The certificate program is structured so that a student will be able to get academic credit for internships undertaken as part of his or her study at KSU. This is a particularly good vehicle for improving language skills and for showing an employer -- in advance -- that you can perform well in an international environment.

Language Requirement

Just as we expect those who come the USA must speak English to be effective, students must be able to speak the native language when visiting or working in another country. Language-qualified students save companies the cost of employing interpreters and as a result, they are very attractive to potential employers. To prove to future employers that graduates of this program are especially qualified, all students are required to take a language examination similar to that given by the Department of State.

Core Courses

All students entering the program are required to take the basic courses required of an MA in political science, thereby ensuring that they will have a solid academic background in political science. In addition, other courses specific to the certificate program are required.

Specialization

To permit maximum flexibility, students are able to specialize in a variety of areas. In addition to the traditional study of diplomacy and specific geographic areas of the world, students also have the option of taking courses in our nationally recognized colleges of agriculture, business, and architecture and planning. Advisors from these colleges are available to help students plan their courses of study.

Length of Program

Full-time students should be able to finish the program in two years.

Preparation

The program accepts students from a variety of backgrounds. It is highly recommended that applicants have good language skills and a number of courses in the social sciences. Other students, however, who have an excellent academic background, and are prepared to do the work required for this degree will also be considered. GRE examination is encouraged, but not required.

What if I Change my Mind?

Suppose you come to KSU and for whatever reason decide that you prefer to get a regular MA? The program is set up so that, should that happen you will have already taken the basic courses required for the MA. You will find that as long as you work closely with your advisor you will have no trouble in switching.

Financial Aid and Assistantships

The Department has two fellowships (the Nicolas Salgo and Raoul Wallenberg Fellowships) which are for students in this program. Students may also compete for the Yamani and Samarai scholarships in the area of Middle East and Arab studies. In addition, the department also has graduate teaching assistant positions for which students in this program may apply. In the latter case, students are expected to work 16 hours a week assisting faculty members in grading, and other teaching related duties.

The University and Area

Kansas State University was founded February 16, 1863, as a land-grant institution under the Morrill Act. The University is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and by various professional accrediting agencies. Kansas State has a total enrollment of more than 20,000 students. The Department of Political Science is located in historic Waters Hall, directly across from the library. The university's sports, cultural and educational programs are among the best in the country.

Manhattan, a town of approximately 45,000 is situated in the rolling hills and wooded valleys of the Flint Hills region of northeast Kansas. Tuttle Creek Reservoir, five miles north of campus, offers outstanding recreational activities. Manhattan is located within a forty-five minute drive Topeka, the capital of Kansas, a town of 165,000. Kansas City and Wichita, the two major cities in Kansas, are only two hours away.

Faculty

KSU's political science department has sixteen faculty members, including a University Distinguished Professor. Faculty members have a wide variety of practical backgrounds including a former member of the Department of State's Foreign Service, a former senior member of the government of Zaire, and others with military, government or business backgrounds. A number of our faculty work regularly as consultants to the US, the U.N, and other governments.

The department includes internationally recognized specialists in areas such as Western Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, South Asia and Russia and Eastern Europe.

In addition to their research interests all faculty members are dedicated teachers. The department has an "open door" policy when it comes to students. It is not unusual to find faculty members working with students outside of normal working hours.