Students must earn 32 credit hours for this option. The thesis option requires 30 hours, including a 6 hour thesis, and an examination whereby the student defends the thesis. Most students are able to finish the degree in one year. The Department awards several graduate assistantships for the nine-month academic year. Applications must be received by March 1, accompanied by two letters of recommendation from instructors in the student's major field.
Internships are available to students to gain government and legal experience.
Students may receive up to six hours of internship credit toward their degree. An internship in an agency may lead to a permanent job in that or a similar agency. Internships in recent years include the Republican and Democratic legislative staffs in the state legislature and local government internship placements with state attorneys, regional planning commissions and other agencies. With the approval of the graduate coordinator, these courses may be used to meet requirements of the four areas.