Masters degree political science programs

Applications for graduate certificates include the same items as applications for the MPA degree with the exception that GRE scores are not required. These courses are required for the Graduate Certificate in Elections Administration.

Corresponding level classes taken as an undergraduate fulfill the graduate certificate requirement but do not count toward the 42 graduate credits needed for the MPA.

Substitutions require permission of MPA Director. Auburn Bulletin Toggle navigation. Auburn Bulletin Search bulletin Search. Details about the requirements are provided below. Electives 18 hours The MPA requires 18 credits of electives.

Application Process Applicants must submit transcripts, a CV or resume, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and GRE scores. Applicants should ensure these materials are sent to the Graduate School web application: Official scores from the General Test of the GRE Official transcripts from every institution attended Applicants should ensure these materials are sent to the PhD administrators in the Department of Political Science: CV or resume Three letters of recommendation Statement of purpose For more information, see the website for the PhD in Public Administration.

Research Methodology Courses Students will take a three-course methodology sequence covering a broad scope of political inquiry, research design, qualitative methods, and quantitative analysis. Students use 15 credits to complete their primary track, acquiring expertise in domains such as democratic theory, environmental politics and policy, and international security. Learners who do not plan to pursue the school's doctoral program prepare a research paper.

All students in the MA pay the same per-credit tuition regardless of residency. Founded in , UI is the state's oldest college and one of the nation's premier research institutions.

Students study on a picturesque campus located along the Iowa River in Iowa City. The Department of Political Science boasts many distinguished scholars in the discipline. Faculty usually offer the MA in political science as a step toward the department's doctoral program. The 30—credit degree offers thesis and non-thesis options. Students specialize in one of the department's five areas of research expertise, including American politics, political theory, or political methodology.

MA enrollees work with faculty on research projects, thereby learning by doing. The department's size facilitates ample opportunities for research collaboration. After a first-year evaluation, faculty may recommend that some students complete the MA as a terminal degree. GRE scores, while optional, help bolster applications to the MA in political science. MSU consistently ranks among the nation's top public colleges.

The Research I-designated college is home to leading political scientists and economists who teach the master of public policy , administered by the Department of Political Science. A small cohort of up to 25 students complete the MPP by taking classes in the evening.

The credit degree emphasizes policy analysis, policy feasibility, economics, and quantitative analysis.

Students complete a required core that covers topics such as quantitative methods, policy evaluation, and policy development and administration. Participants spend a year immersed in the development of a cutting-edge research project that culminates the MPP.

Applied internships further hone learners' skills in their area of interest. Graduates leave the program equipped to pursue roles such as legislative analysts, policy analysts, and elected officials.

A limited number of incoming students may benefit from departmental assistantships. GRE scores bolster the application for the master of public policy. Political scientists research political behavior, the development of political systems, and trends in politics. Depending on their focus area, political scientists may analyze international relations, American politics, or political theory.

Many political scientists closely monitor policy decisions and current events to understand political trends. A political scientist's responsibilities include collecting data from a variety of sources, including public opinion surveys, census reports, and election results.

They analyze data to find evidence that supports political theories or to evaluate the effect of policy decisions on people. In addition to quantitative research, political scientists also rely on historical documents, speeches, and government documents to understand politics.

Professionals specialize in many areas. For example, policy analysts evaluate current and proposed policies to understand their effect on businesses or political groups. They may work for labor unions, political parties, or private businesses.

In government, they help shape policies and measure their effect on groups. Most political scientists work for the federal government. They also work for political organizations, lobbying firms, and policy institutes. For example, organizations that promote policies around the environment, healthcare, and other causes rely on political scientists to analyze the impact of policies. Political science professionals need strong analytical and communication skills.

Political scientists use both qualitative and quantitative methods to research politics. Whether working in government, politics, or the private sector, political scientists must effectively collaborate with others and communicate their ideas. Creative thinking also helps political scientists address political challenges. Political science degrees prepare graduates for high-earning careers in growing fields.

A master's degree is the typical entry-level education requirement for political scientist jobs. A master's degree in political science also prepares graduates for careers as advertising managers or public relations managers.

A focus in public opinion and polling can also lead to opportunities as a survey researcher. Political science graduates who earn a doctorate can pursue academic roles like college professor , an in-demand field where professionals teach and conduct research.

Political campaigns offer another avenue for master's students, with opportunities to work as a political consultant, pollster, or campaign manager. Before applying to a master's in political science program, prospective students should always check the school's accreditation status.

Accredited universities meet the highest standards for educating students and granting degrees. To earn accreditation, schools undergo a rigorous review from an independent accrediting agency. During the review, the accrediting agency evaluates the institution's student learning outcomes, faculty qualifications, and academic mission.

After earning accreditation, universities must regularly repeat the review process to maintain their status. Regional accreditation is the gold standard for liberal arts and research institutions, including schools that offer political science master's programs. In contrast, national accrediting agencies generally award accreditation to vocational and trade schools. Prospective students can research regionally accredited schools in the U. Department of Education database.

Graduate students qualify for many of the same financial aid opportunities as undergraduates. Master's students automatically qualify as independent students for the purposes of the FAFSA, meaning they do not need to provide financial information for their parents. The federal government also supports graduate students through the work-study program.

The main financial aid sources for political science master's students include loans, grants, scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships.

While some grants, like the Federal Pell Grant, only award funds to undergraduate learners, many states offer financial aid programs for graduate students, including need-based grants. At the graduate level, fellowships and assistantships provide financial support for many learners.

The Fulbright Program offers fellowships for international research and study. Universities also provide teaching and research assistantships to master's students, which often waive tuition and offer a stipend to cover expenses. Professional associations and private organizations also support political science master's students through scholarships.

The following section introduces scholarship opportunities for political science grad students. Graduate students in political science master's programs can explore multiple scholarship opportunities.

Many organizations, including professional organizations, private foundations, and scholarly institutes, support political science students with scholarships and fellowships. Universities and political science departments also offer funding for graduate students in political science. Applicants submit official transcripts and two recommendation letters.

Gloria Barron Wilderness Society Scholarship Who Can Apply : This scholarship supports graduate students researching an aspect of wilderness, including topics like wilderness conservation, public policy, and climate change. Applicants must attend an accredited institution.

Applicants provide a personal statement that demonstrates their commitment to teaching. Applicants must attend an accredited school and provide a resume, essays, transcripts, work samples, two recommendation letters, and a video introduction.

Beinecke Scholarship Who Can Apply : This scholarship funds students pursuing a graduate degree in the arts, humanities, or social sciences, including political science graduate programs.

Applicants must demonstrate superior scholastic achievement and a history of receiving need-based financial aid. A master's degree in political science builds strong research and analytical skills. During a master's degree, graduate students take classes in comparative politics, political economy, and American political thought. Many programs let students customize the program around their interests by offering specializations in public policy, international relations, or U.

The curriculum introduces students to the theories, methodologies, and research skills necessary to complete a master's thesis or project. Some programs also incorporate a master's exam. This section includes sample course descriptions for political science master's programs. Courses vary depending on the program and the student's focus area. This course introduces learners to the study of people's political attitudes and behaviors.

The course may cover theoretical approaches to understanding public opinion, experimental methodologies in the field, and the role of survey data to understand public opinion. The course's focus on research methods prepares students to effectively analyze data. The program is designed to provide students with both a general training in political science and the opportunity to specialize in their areas of interest.

The subfields of political science found in the department are American politics, comparative politics, political theory and philosophy, international relations, and political methodology. It has long been recognized for an acceptance of varied approaches to the study of politics and for its collegiality.

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Common political science concentrations include the political economy, international politics, and public policy. Many students also use this degree as a pathway towards further graduate-level study. Focusing on the myriad influences on American politics, students cover courses that investigate American political processes, American political culture, and American governmental institutions.

While analyzing community issues and focusing on methods to craft local, state, and federal legislation, students complete courses like policy analysis for administration, policy formation and implementation, and statistics and data analysis in political science. In addition to classes involving research methods and data analysis in political science, degree-seekers explore topics like the history of political thought and contemporary political and social theory.

Students interested in international political issues often select a world politics concentration and complete courses such as civil war and conflict processes, American foreign policy, and international law and human rights.

By highlighting the contemporary and historical issues surrounding America's urban centers, learners explore policy solutions rooted in data and driven by social justice.

Example courses include approaches to the study of urban politics, urban public policy, and African American politics.

Specific admission requirements vary between programs. However, interested learners usually need to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Individuals can also expect to be asked for their official transcripts showing a cumulative GPA of around 3. Other standard requirements include letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal statement explaining an applicant's reasons for enrolling in a political science master's program.

While not all programs require standardized test scores, GRE scores are also a common requirement. Earning a master's in political science can open the door to many career options. Whether a student is interested in crafting public policy, teaching, or lending their expertise to private businesses, this degree helps learners hone widely applicable analytical, communication, and research skills.