About This Program
The Master of Arts in Political Science offers a deeper understanding of the field, with opportunities for specialized study and research. With experienced faculty and a supportive community of scholars, you'll be prepared for a variety of career paths, including teaching, research, and public service. Read more...
Contact Information
Program Delivery
Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*
Political science teachers, postsecondary
- 4.9% about as fast as the average
- 19,800 number of jobs
- $85,760 potential earnings
Political scientists
- 6.1% faster than the average
- 7,000 number of jobs
- $125,350 potential earnings
Social sciences teachers, postsecondary, all other
- -0.3% little or no change
- 19,300 number of jobs
- $69,340 potential earnings
Social science research assistants
- 5.8% faster than the average
- 40,100 number of jobs
- $49,210 potential earnings
Social and community service managers
- 17.0% much faster than the average
- 175,500 number of jobs
- $69,600 potential earnings
Social scientists and related workers, all other
- 0.8% little or no change
- 38,800 number of jobs
- $87,260 potential earnings
Legislators
- 6.2% faster than the average
- 53,700 number of jobs
- $33,200 potential earnings
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
- Official transcript(s)
- GRE scores (no longer required starting with spring 2024 admission)
- Résumé or curriculum vitae with cover letter is required starting with spring 2024 admission
- Goal statement
- Writing sample
- Three letters of recommendation
- English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
- Minimum 550 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
- Minimum 79 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
- Minimum 77 MELAB score
- Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
- Minimum 58 PTE score
- Minimum 110 Duolingo English test score
For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.
Application Deadlines
- Fall Semester
- Priority deadline: February 15
Applications submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Understand the theoretical underpinnings of political science and be able to address real world issues and problems.
- Attain research and methodological skills that will further their research and make them attractive to future employers.
- Effectively communicate research findings and implications to a range of audiences including scholars, practitioners and citizens.
Full Description
The Master of Arts degree in Political Science focuses broadly on the dynamics surrounding representation, equity, conflict, human rights, development and conflict resolution. Students delve into the scholarship on these dynamics (among others) in an interdisciplinary and theoretically sophisticated way, thinking about how the political process and government policy-making affect the lives of citizens, and how citizens influence those processes.
The Political Science major comprises the following concentrations:
- American Politics and Policy
- Conflict Analysis and Management
- Transnational and Comparative Politics
