The program is built on the foundation of an undergraduate government or political science major and is designed to provide systematic study in political science and related fields at an advanced level.

Departmental Requirements

In addition to University requirements for admission to graduate study, applicants must have:

A grade point average in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units of 3.00 or better and a major in political science. Majors with GPAs below 3.00 may be admitted at the discretion of the department’s graduate admissions committee after completing prerequisite or conditional courses, if necessary.

Non political science majors who have a GPA of 3.00 or better may be accepted on a conditional basis. They must first complete the following conditional prerequisite courses from the upper division foundation core: POLS 3710, 3720, 3730 and 3740(minimum of three courses with earned GPA of 3.3 or above). Students will not receive graduate credit for these prerequisite courses. Non political science majors with GPAs below 3.00 may be admitted at the discretion of the department’s graduate admissions committee after completing prerequisite or conditional courses.

Two letters of recommendation. At least one letter must come from a professor or an individual capable of evaluating the applicant’s intellectual and academic qualifications.

A statement of purpose letter. A letter stating the applicant’s purpose in applying for graduate study, the particular area of specialization or interest (American politics, global politics, or political theory), any special research interests, plans for future occupation or profession and any additional information that may aid the selection committee in evaluating the applicant’s preparation and aptitude for graduate study at Cal State LA. The essay should be specific, well-organized, and well-thought out. The statement of purpose is considered an integral element of the application.

Applications will be considered for fall or spring admissions only. Students seeking admission to the program effective fall semester must apply to the department by the preceding April 1 and those seeking admission spring semester must apply to the department by the preceding November 1. Late applications will be considered on a space available basis.