Master of Arts in Political Science - Comparative Politics Emphasis

at MSM Group - University of Missouri-St. Louis USA

Cybersecurity is currently one of the most critical issues facing individuals, organizations, governments and society. Media reports are replete with breaches of information security and the adverse consequences for all stakeholders involved. At the same time, industry and government reports indicate a continued severe shortage of skilled cybersecurity talent across both public and private sectors.

UMSL offers dynamic, industry-driven cybersecurity curricula at the master’s level. The Master of Science (MS) in Cybersecurity is an interdisciplinary program jointly provided by the departments of Information Systems and Technology (College of Business Administration) and Computer Science (College of Arts and Sciences). It is designed to equip students with a vital combination of business and technical knowledge, and it produces professionals who can protect information resources and manage people while making cybersecurity a priority in each technology initiative.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, graduates will:

• Have technical skills requisite for artistic self-expression (Performance)
• Understand the common elements and organizational patters of music and their interaction (Musicianship Skills and Analysis)
• Have a rudimentary capacity to create original or derivative music (Composition/Improvisation)
• Have basic knowledge of music history and repertories through the present time (History and Repertory)
• Be Able to work on musical problems by combining their capabilities in performance, aural, verbal and visual analysis; composition/improvisation; history and repertory (Synthesis)
• Develop requisite knowledge, skills, and disposition needed to engage in scholarly dialogue through research and analysis

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Political Science is a general post-baccalaureate degree that gives students a broad understanding of political science through intensive study of several subfields within the discipline. The Department’s Master’s program is also designed to give students a firm grounding in scientific-based inquiry into problems in politics. Students learn how institutional design, economic and cultural factors shape the distribution of power and patterns of cooperation and conflict in society within and outside of government. The M.A. degree in Political Science allows students to develop a deeper understanding of political ideas and institutions, more sophisticated research skills, a better grasp of governments abroad, and a broader knowledge of international politics.

American Politics

M.A. program, it is possible to specialize in American Politics, policy processes and institutions, American political behavior, judicial politics, urban politics, political economy, public administration, comparative politics, and international relations. The M.A. degree is useful for students who are already in or planning on a career in secondary education, public policy, or politics. It is also useful for students who are considering doctoral education. It is particularly valuable for students simply interested in learning more about politics and public policy.

The BS in Secondary Education, with an emphasis in Mathematics, prepares students to teach in secondary school settings, grades 9-12. This program requires the selection and completion of required coursework in Mathematics and includes field and practicum experiences in high school settings, culminating in Missouri teacher certification.

This program coordinates with the Department of Mathematics. Much of the discipline-specific coursework parallels the BA or BS degrees in Mathematics; however, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requires specific coursework for teacher certification.

The BS in Early Childhood Education, with an emphasis in Early Childhood Special Education, is designed for students who are interested in obtaining Missouri teacher certification. This campus-based program offers field and practicum experiences in elementary school settings. In addition to general education requirements, the program includes education foundation courses, required education courses, clinical experiences and early childhood education courses.

The program, based on best practices, addresses child development theories and practice, curriculum emergence and development, developmentally appropriate practice, differentiated learning, diversity, advocacy, and family partnerships.

The Master of Arts in Political Science is a general post-baccalaureate degree that gives students a broad understanding of political science and a firm grounding in scientific-based inquiry into problems in politics.

Students learn how institutional design and economic and cultural factors shape the distribution of power and patterns of cooperation and conflict in society within and outside of government.

Students master the postulating of cause-effect relationships, and the marshalling of evidence using quantitative or qualitative methods to test hypotheses about problems in politics.

Students learn their skills through intensive study of several fields within the discipline. In the general program it is possible to specialize in urban politics, policy processes and institutions, American political behavior, political economy, public administration, comparative politics, international relations, public law, and political theory. The Master of Arts is useful for students who are already in or planning on a career in secondary education, public policy, or politics. It is also useful for students who are considering doctoral education. It is particularly valuable for students simply interested in learning more about subjects that interest them.

The BA in Organizational Leadership is an interdisciplinary online degree completion program that provides an accelerated pathway to graduation for those who have an Associate’s degree or have completed some college courses, but have yet to complete their degree. The degree is designed to provide adult students with the knowledge, skills and credentials necessary to advance in a rapidly changing workplace and may be completed entirely online.

This program helps students understand theoretical and practical aspects of leadership across disciplines, while allowing you to focus on a specific Area of Concentration of interest or that advances your career goals. Choose from Business Management; Community Studies Corporate Communication; Health Communication; Information Systems; or work with your advisor to create your own emphasis area!

The BA in Organizational Leadership is an interdisciplinary online degree completion program that provides an accelerated pathway to graduation for those who have an Associate’s degree or have completed some college courses, but have yet to complete their degree. The degree is designed to provide adult students with the knowledge, skills and credentials necessary to advance in a rapidly changing workplace and may be completed entirely online.

This program helps students understand theoretical and practical aspects of leadership across disciplines, while allowing you to focus on a specific Area of Concentration of interest or that advances your career goals.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, graduates will:

• Have technical skills requisite for artistic self-expression (Performance)
• Understand the common elements and organizational patters of music and their interaction (Musicianship Skills and Analysis)
• Have a rudimentary capacity to create original or derivative music (Composition/Improvisation)
• Have basic knowledge of music history and repertories through the present time (History and Repertory)
• Be Able to work on musical problems by combining their capabilities in performance, aural, verbal and visual analysis; composition/improvisation; history and repertory (Synthesis)

The department offers a Master of Arts degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice, which provides students with advanced theoretical and methodological training for research and management careers in criminal justice.

Expected Learning Outcomes

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the theories, methods and substance of issues in criminology and criminal justice and demonstrate an ability to synthesize knowledge in these areas.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of interdisciplinary underpinnings (e.g., from sociology, psychology, political science, economics) of criminology and criminal justice issues and policies.
• Develop critical thinking and communication skills through the application of criminological theory and social science research methods.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the structure and functioning of the fundamental institutions (e.g., legislatures, police, punishment, supervisory) that are part of criminal justice systems.
• Develop comprehensive understanding of the role of research and its application for informing policies about criminal justice issues.