Nonprofit Management - Graduate Certificate

Build the skills to lead meaningful change with Kent State’s Nonprofit Management graduate certificate. Gain practical expertise with fundraising, advocacy, governance and nonprofit law while developing the management and leadership abilities needed to succeed across a wide range of mission-driven organizations. 

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Program Information for Nonprofit Management - Graduate Certificate

Program Description

Full Description

The Nonprofit Management graduate certificate prepares graduates to work in the management and administrative positions in nonprofit organizations across a range of industries. Students acquire basic management skills, as well as applied skills specific to the nonprofit sector, which may include fundraising, executive board relations, policy advocacy and nonprofit law.

Prospective employers are nonprofit sector organizations as well as private and public sector organizations that frequently interact with nonprofit organizations.

Examples of Possible Jobs and Salaries*

Chief executives

  • 4.3% about as fast as the average
  • 309,400 number of jobs
  • $206,420 potential earnings

Education administrators, all other

  • 2.5% slower than the average
  • 60,200 number of jobs
  • $89,040 potential earnings

Fundraising managers

  • 4.2% about as fast as the average
  • 45,700 number of jobs
  • $123,480 potential earnings

General and operations managers

  • 4.4% about as fast as the average
  • 3,712,900 number of jobs
  • $102,950 potential earnings

Medical and health services managers

  • 23.2% much faster than the average
  • 616,200 number of jobs
  • $117,960 potential earnings

Public relations managers

  • 5.0% faster than the average
  • 83,200 number of jobs
  • $138,520 potential earnings

Social and community service managers

  • 6.4% faster than the average
  • 219,800 number of jobs
  • $78,240 potential earnings

Admissions for Nonprofit Management - Graduate Certificate

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)
  • 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 to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Rolling admissions
  • Spring Semester
    • Rolling admissions
  • Summer Term
    • Rolling admissions

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate competence in management skills related to the nonprofit sector, which may include nonprofit law, leadership skills, advocacy and grant writing.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Certificate Requirements

Certificate Requirements
Certificate Electives, choose from the following:9
PADM 60200
NONPROFIT ADVOCACY
PADM 60310
LEADERSHIP IN THE NONPROFIT AND PUBLIC SECTOR
PADM 60471
NONPROFIT LAW
PADM 60472
NONPROFIT BOARD EXEC RELATIONS
PADM 60477
NONPROFIT FINANCIAL RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Public Management Concept and Skill Elective, choose from the following:3
PADM 60371
GRADUATE INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
PADM 60375
PUBLIC PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION
PADM 60377
PUBLIC BUDGETING AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
PADM 60379
PROGRAM EVALUATION I
PADM 60470
PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE
PADM 60574
STRATEGIC PLANNING
Minimum Total Credit Hours:12

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Certificate GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • Fully online

What does delivery mean?

Examples of Possible Jobs and Salaries for Nonprofit Management - Graduate Certificate

Notice: Career Information Source
* 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.

Global Issues - Undergraduate Certificate

The Global Issues undergraduate certificate program explores critical global issues and develops valuable skills to make a difference in our interconnected world.

Program Information for Global Issues - Undergraduate Certificate

Program Description

Full Description

The Global Issues undergraduate certificate examines a range of global issues through the framework of sustainable development, an approach to public policymaking that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Sustainable development policies seek to address the world’s most pressing "wicked problems" through cooperative action as a global community. Examples include poverty, hunger, inequality, access to education, health and well-being, climate change and sustainable communities. The certificate is an excellent complement to any major and enables students to more fully understand how their major field of study can have a positive impact on the world around them.

Admissions for Global Issues - Undergraduate Certificate

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students.

First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: First-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students.

First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of proficiency of the English language (unless they meet specific exceptions) through the submission of an English language proficiency test score or by completing English language classes at Kent State’s English as a Second Language Center before entering their program. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Former Students: Former Kent State students who have not attended another institution since Kent State and were not academically dismissed will complete the re-enrollment process through the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center. Former students who attended another college or university since leaving Kent State must apply for admissions as a transfer or post-undergraduate student.

Transfer Students: Students who attended an educational institution after graduating from high school or earning their GED must apply as transfer students. For more information, visit the admissions website for transfer students.

Admission policies for undergraduate students may be found in the University Catalog's Academic Policies.

Students may be required to meet certain criteria to progress in their program. Any progression requirements will be listed on the program's Coursework tab

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Communicate the basic concepts of sustainable development policy approaches to global issues and their relevance to the student’s major field of study.
  2. Articulate the importance of international cooperation for addressing global issues.
  3. Articulate the importance of strong local, national and international public institutions for addressing global issues.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Certificate Requirements

Certificate Requirements
GEOG 43070WICKED PROBLEMS: TACKLING GLOBAL ISSUES IN THE 21ST CENTURY 3
or POL 40540 POLITICS OF DEVELOPMENT
or POL 43001 WICKED PROBLEMS: TACKLING GLOBAL ISSUES IN THE 21ST CENTURY
POL 30820INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION AND LAW 3
or POL 43003 GOOD GOVERNANCE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
POL 43499CAPSTONE IN GLOBAL ISSUES (ELR) 1
Certificate Electives, choose from the following: 19
ENVS 22070
NATURE AND SOCIETY (KSS)
ESCI 21062
ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCE (KBS)
ESCI 21080
ALL ABOUT THE OCEANS (KBS)
ESCI 33025
WATER AND THE ENVIRONMENT
GEOG 31070
POPULATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT
GEOG 41066
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE
GEOG 41073
CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES
GEOG 46060
FOOD SECURITY AND SUSTAINABILITY
GEOG 46080
URBAN SUSTAINABILITY
INTS 30101
WORLDS OF WEALTH AND POWER
INTS 30301
HUMAN SECURITY
INTS 30501
ORDER AND RESISTANCE
INTS 40560
HUMAN RIGHTS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
or POL 40560
 HUMAN RIGHTS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
PACS 31002
GENDER, POWER AND CONFLICT
PACS 32030
INTERNATIONAL CONFLICT RESOLUTION
PACS 35050
ENVIRONMENTAL CONFLICT RESOLUTION
or POL 30350
 ENVIRONMENTAL CONFLICT RESOLUTION
POL 10500
WORLD POLITICS (KSS)
POL 30810
POLITICS OF THE GLOBAL ECONOMY
POL 40440
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS AND POLICIES
POL 40589
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE (ELR)
POL 43002
THE POLITICS OF INEQUALITY
Minimum Total Credit Hours:16
1

Certificate electives must be from at least two different disciplines.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Certificate GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.000 2.000
Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

What does delivery mean?

‘I’m Extremely Proud Of Our Community During This Very Difficult Time’

Students from across the globe gather together following Convocation 2023

Free speech and student safety go hand in hand in supporting Kent State University's core values. That was the message Eboni Pringle, Ph.D., shared Nov. 3 with a national audience on NPR's “Morning Edition.”   Pringle is the interim senior vice president for student life at Kent State, where she oversees 25 departments that foster the holistic well-being of students at Kent State. This includes overseeing student demonstrations and opportunities for students to exercise free speech in a place where they feel safe. Listen below to Pringle's interview as she was invited to...

Public Administration - M.P.A.

Make a difference in your community with Kent State's Master of Public Administration degree. Our program prepares you for leadership roles in public service and equips you with the skills needed to drive positive change.

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Program Information for Public Administration - M.P.A.

Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Public Administration degree in Public Administration is designed for students wishing to become policy analysts, managers and executives within public and nonprofit organizations. The curriculum provides students with a broad foundation in public and nonprofit management, including the scope and history of public administration, administrative theory, ethical behavior in public management, public financial management, program evaluation, methods, personnel management and information technology management.

The M.P.A. degree can be completed in two years by taking two courses each term, including summers. Courses are offered in an asynchronous online format in back-to-back seven-week sessions. Courses utilize a mix of web-based instruction supported by audio and video technologies direct to the respective student's home.

Examples of Possible Jobs and Salaries*

Chief executives

  • 4.3% about as fast as the average
  • 309,400 number of jobs
  • $206,420 potential earnings

General and operations managers

  • 4.4% about as fast as the average
  • 3,712,900 number of jobs
  • $102,950 potential earnings

Legislators

  • 3.4% about as fast as the average
  • 27,700 number of jobs
  • $44,810 potential earnings

Postmasters and mail superintendents

  • -3.5% decline
  • 13,100 number of jobs
  • $92,730 potential earnings

Social and community service managers

  • 6.4% faster than the average
  • 219,800 number of jobs
  • $78,240 potential earnings

Transportation, storage, and distribution managers

  • 6.1% faster than the average
  • 216,700 number of jobs
  • $102,010 potential earnings

Admissions for Public Administration - M.P.A.

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 scale1
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Current résumé
  • Goal statement
  • Writing sample (single-authored paper or manuscript completed during undergraduate or graduate school that exemplifies the applicant's critical thinking skills)
  • Three letters of recommendation from faculty or individuals familiar with the applicant's ability to do graduate-level work
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:2
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score
1

In some cases, applicants with a GPA below 2.750 may be admitted to the program conditionally provided other supporting materials are strong.

2

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Rolling admissions
  • Spring Semester
    • Rolling admissions
  • Summer Term
    • Rolling admissions

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate ability to lead and manage in public governance.
  2. Participate in and contribute to the policy process.
  3. Analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems and make decisions.
  4. Articulate and apply a public service perspective.
  5. Communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry.

Dual Degree

Dual Degree with M.P.H. in Health Policy and Management

Students have the opportunity to complete a dual degree program with the M.P.A. degree in Public Administration and the M.P.H. degree in Health Policy and Management. A separate application must be submitted for each program. Students can view admission requirements for each program on their respective catalog page.

The M.P.A./M.P.H. Health Policy and Management dual degree program prepares students to work at the intersection of public administrative policy and healthcare policy. The integrated curriculum is designed to help students develop real-world knowledge and skills needed to pursue successful careers in this complex landscape.

Dual Degree Requirements

Major Requirements
BST 62019BIOSTATISTICS IN PUBLIC HEALTH 3
EHS 62018ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CONCEPTS IN PUBLIC HEALTH 3
EPI 62017FUNDAMENTALS OF PUBLIC HEALTH EPIDEMIOLOGY 3
HPM 62016PUBLIC HEALTH ADMINISTRATION 3
HPM 63003HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS 3
HPM 63004PUBLIC HEALTH POLICY, LAW AND ETHICS 3
HPM 63005FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT FOR PUBLIC HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS 3
HPM 63006COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS IN PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAMS 3
HPM 63007PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAMS: PLANNING, IMPLEMENTATION AND EVALUATION 3
HPM 63020COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT 3
PADM 60371GRADUATE INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 3
PADM 60375PUBLIC PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION 3
PADM 60377PUBLIC BUDGETING AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 3
PADM 60379PROGRAM EVALUATION I 3
PADM 60381METHODS IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 3
PADM 60392INTERNSHIP IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 10-3
PADM 60470PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE 3
PH 61199INTEGRATIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE 1
SBS 64634SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH BEHAVIORS 3
Major Electives, choose from the following:9
Any Biostatistics (BST) Graduate course (50000 level or higher)
Any Environmental Health Sciences (EHS) Graduate course (50000 level or higher)
Any Epidemiology (EPI) Graduate course (50000 level or higher)
Any Health Policy and Management (HPM) Graduate course (50000 level or higher)
Any Public Administration (PADM) Graduate course (50000 level or higher)
Any Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) Graduate course (50000 level or higher)
Other elective courses with advisor approval
Culminating Requirement
HPM 60392APPLIED PRACTICE EXPERIENCE IN HEALTH POLICY AND MANAGEMENT 22
PADM 60499PORTFOLIO AND CAPSTONE 3
Minimum Total Credit Hours:69
1

Students without substantive full-time administrative experience in a public service organization ("pre-service students") must complete minimum 3 credit hours of PADM 60392; they will earn the dual degree with 69 total credit hours. Students with substantive full-time administrative experience in a public service organization ("in-service students") may have PADM 60392 waived with the approval of the M.P.A. coordinator. Pre-service students or students wishing to gain experience in a new area will also be placed in an agency for at least 300 hours of experience. Students who are deemed eligible to have PADM 60392 waived may graduate with fewer than 69 credit hours, but no fewer than 66 total credit hours.

2

It is expected that students enrolled in HPM 60392 who do not complete the course in one term will continuously register for HPM 60492 each semester, until all requirements have been met. Credit hours for HPM 60492 do not apply toward the minimum total credit hours for the dual degree.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
PADM 60371GRADUATE INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 3
PADM 60375PUBLIC PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION 3
PADM 60377PUBLIC BUDGETING AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 3
PADM 60379PROGRAM EVALUATION I 3
PADM 60381METHODS IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 3
PADM 60392INTERNSHIP IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 10-3
PADM 60470PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE 3
Major Electives, choose from the following:15
Any Public Administration (PADM) Graduate course (50000 or 60000 level)
Other elective courses with advisor approval 2
Culminating Requirement
PADM 60499PORTFOLIO AND CAPSTONE 3
Minimum Total Credit Hours:36-39
1

Students without substantive full-time administrative experience in a public service organization ("pre-service students") must complete minimum 3 credit hours of internship; they will earn the M.P.A. degree with a total 39 credit hours. Students with substantive full-time administrative experience in a public service organization ("in-service students") may be waived from the internship requirement with the approval of the M.P.A. coordinator. Pre-service students or students wishing to gain experience in a new area will also be placed in an agency for at least 300 hours of experience.

2

Elective coursework outside of the program may be selective based upon the student’s needs and advisor approval.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Roadmap

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. Students will work with their advisor to develop a sequence based on their academic goals and history. Courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall TermCredits
First Seven Weeks  
PADM 60371 GRADUATE INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 3
Second Seven Weeks  
PADM 60381 METHODS IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 3
 Credit Hours6
Spring Term
First Seven Weeks  
PADM 60377 PUBLIC BUDGETING AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 3
Second Seven Weeks  
PADM 60375 PUBLIC PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION 3
 Credit Hours6
Summer Term
First Seven Weeks  
Major Elective 3
Second Seven Weeks  
Major Elective 3
 Credit Hours6
Second Year
Fall Term
First Seven Weeks  
Major Elective 3
Second Seven Weeks  
PADM 60470 PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE 3
 Credit Hours6
Spring Term
First Seven Weeks  
PADM 60379 PROGRAM EVALUATION I 3
Second Seven Weeks  
Major Elective 3
 Credit Hours6
Summer Term
Full Term  
PADM 60392 INTERNSHIP IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 0-3
First Seven Weeks  
Major Elective 3
Second Seven Weeks  
PADM 60499 PORTFOLIO AND CAPSTONE 3
 Credit Hours6-9
 Minimum Total Credit Hours:36-39

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • Fully online

What does delivery mean?

Examples of Possible Jobs and Salaries for Public Administration - M.P.A.

Notice: Career Information Source
* 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.

Political Science - Ph.D.

The Political Science doctoral program provides in-depth knowledge and advanced research skills, preparing you for leadership positions in academia, research institutions and public service. With dedicated faculty and a supportive community of scholars, you will have access to opportunities for cutting-edge research and professional development.

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Program Information for Political Science - Ph.D.

Program Description

Full Description

The Ph.D. degree in Political Science prepares students for research and teaching careers in higher education and for research-based careers in fields that are focused on political, economic and social issues. The degree program is broadly focused on the dynamics surrounding representation, equity, conflict, human rights, development and conflict resolution. Students develop their own research questions in an interdisciplinary and theoretically sophisticated way. Students work with faculty mentors throughout their degree program and often develop and present their own research at regional or national conferences.

The Political Science major comprises the following concentrations, from which students select two:

  • American Politics and Policy
  • Conflict Analysis and Management
  • Transnational and Comparative Politics

Examples of Possible Jobs and Salaries*

Political science teachers, postsecondary

  • 2.0% slower than the average
  • 21,800 number of jobs
  • $94,680 potential earnings

Political scientists

  • -3.1% decline
  • 6,500 number of jobs
  • $139,380 potential earnings

Social science research assistants

  • 4.4% about as fast as the average
  • 40,600 number of jobs
  • $58,040 potential earnings

Social and community service managers

  • 6.4% faster than the average
  • 219,800 number of jobs
  • $78,240 potential earnings

Social scientists and related workers, all other

  • -1.7% decline
  • 40,800 number of jobs
  • $100,340 potential earnings

Legislators

  • 3.4% about as fast as the average
  • 27,700 number of jobs
  • $44,810 potential earnings

Admissions for Political Science - Ph.D.

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 or higher from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 3.000 GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Résumé or curriculum vitae with cover letter
  • 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 to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Priority deadline: February 15
      All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Understand the theoretical underpinnings of political science and be able to address real world issues and problems.
  2. Attain research and methodological skills that will further their research and make them attractive to future employers.
  3. Effectively communicate research findings and implications to a range of audiences including scholars, practitioners and citizens.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
POL 70002SCOPE AND EPISTEMOLOGY 3
POL 70003QUANTITATIVE METHODS I 3
POL 70004QUANTITATIVE METHODS II 3
POL 70010QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS 3
POL 71094COLLEGE TEACHING IN POLITICAL SCIENCE 1
Additional Approved Electives for Post-Baccalaureate Students0-23
Advanced Research Methods, choose from the following:3
POL 70379
PROGRAM EVALUATION I
POL 79091
SEMINAR IN QUANTITATIVE METHODS
RMS 85518
ADVANCED QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
SBS 83011
QUALITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS
SOC 72221
ADVANCED QUALITATIVE METHODS IN SOCIOLOGY
Culminating Requirement
POL 81199DISSERTATION I 130
Concentrations
Choose two from the following: 221
American Politics and Policy
Conflict Analysis and Management
Transnational and Comparative Politics
Minimum Total Credit Hours for Post-Baccalaureate Students90
Minimum Total Credit Hours for Post-Master's Students67
1

Dissertation is required. Doctoral students must complete additional approved electives, including research, to reach a minimum of 30 credit hours post-master's (or equivalent advanced degree) or a minimum of 60 credit hours post-bachelor's prior to enrolling in POL 81199. Upon completion of course requirements and candidacy exams, doctoral students must register for POL 81199 for two semesters for a total of 30 credit hours, and thereafter POL 81299, until all requirements for the degree have been met.

2

Students select two concentrations. For the first concentration, students complete one Proseminar or Status of the Field course and three elective courses (12 credit hours). For the second concentration, students complete one Proseminar or Status of the Field course and two elective courses (9 credit hours).

American Politics and Policy Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
POL 70101STATUS OF THE FIELD: AMERICAN POLITICS AND POLICY 3
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:6-9
POL 70102
AMERICAN POLICY PROCESS
POL 70103
CONGRESS, THE PRESIDENCY AND THE COURTS
POL 70106
URBAN POLICY AND POLITICS
POL 70108
AMERICAN POLITICAL BEHAVIOR
POL 70191
SEMINAR IN AMERICAN POLITICS AND POLICY
Advisor-Approved Electives
Minimum Total Credit Hours:9-12

Conflict Analysis and Management Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
POL 70901FOUNDATIONS OF CONFLICT ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT 3
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:6-9
POL 70507
CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION AND RECONCILIATION
POL 70902
POWER, CONFLICT AND THE POLITICS OF GENDER
POL 70903
IDENTITY DRIVEN CONFLICTS
POL 70904
SOCIAL MOVEMENTS AND NONVIOLENT CONFLICTS
POL 70906
POLITICAL VIOLENCE
POL 70991
SEMINAR IN CONFLICT ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT
Advisor-Approved Electives
Minimum Total Credit Hours:9-12

Transnational and Comparative Politics Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
POL 70501STATUS OF THE FIELD: TRANSNATIONAL AND COMPARATIVE POLITICS AND POLICY 3
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:6-9
POL 70502
GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
POL 70503
FOREIGN POLICY ANALYSIS
POL 70574
STRATEGIC PLANNING
POL 70591
SEMINAR IN TRANSNATIONAL AND COMPARATIVE POLITICS AND POLICY
Advisor-Approved Electives
Minimum Total Credit Hours:9-12

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • Passage of one field paper in the first area of concentration
  • Written and oral defense of both a dissertation prospectus and dissertation

Residency Requirement

  • Students must spend two consecutive semesters pursuing doctoral studies.
Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

What does delivery mean?

Examples of Possible Jobs and Salaries for Political Science - Ph.D.

Notice: Career Information Source
* 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.

Political Science - M.A.

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 will be prepared for a variety of career paths, including teaching, research and public service.

Contact Us

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Request Information
Schedule a Visit
Find All Majors

Program Information for Political Science - M.A.

Program Description

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

Examples of Possible Jobs and Salaries*

Political science teachers, postsecondary

  • 2.0% slower than the average
  • 21,800 number of jobs
  • $94,680 potential earnings

Political scientists

  • -3.1% decline
  • 6,500 number of jobs
  • $139,380 potential earnings

Social sciences teachers, postsecondary, all other

  • 1.7% slower than the average
  • 20,700 number of jobs
  • $75,040 potential earnings

Social science research assistants

  • 4.4% about as fast as the average
  • 40,600 number of jobs
  • $58,040 potential earnings

Social and community service managers

  • 6.4% faster than the average
  • 219,800 number of jobs
  • $78,240 potential earnings

Social scientists and related workers, all other

  • -1.7% decline
  • 40,800 number of jobs
  • $100,340 potential earnings

Legislators

  • 3.4% about as fast as the average
  • 27,700 number of jobs
  • $44,810 potential earnings

Admissions for Political Science - M.A.

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)
  • Résumé or curriculum vitae with cover letter
  • 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 to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Priority deadline: February 15
      All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Understand the theoretical underpinnings of political science and be able to address real world issues and problems.
  2. Attain research and methodological skills that will further their research and make them attractive to future employers.
  3. Effectively communicate research findings and implications to a range of audiences including scholars, practitioners and citizens.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
POL 60002SCOPE AND EPISTEMOLOGY 3
POL 60003QUANTITATIVE METHODS I 3
POL 60010QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS 3
Culminating Requirement
Non-Thesis or Thesis Option, choose from the following: 19
Non-Thesis Option
POL 60099
CAPSTONE SEMINAR
Electives (6 credit hours)
Thesis Option
POL 61199
THESIS I
Elective (3 credit hours)
Concentrations
Choose from the following:12
American Politics and Policy
Conflict Analysis and Management
Transnational and Comparative Politics
Minimum Total Credit Hours:30
1

Students intending to pursue a Ph.D. degree are advised to choose the thesis option

American Politics and Policy Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
POL 60101STATUS OF THE FIELD: AMERICAN POLITICS AND POLICY 3
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:9
POL 60102
AMERICAN POLICY PROCESS
POL 60103
CONGRESS, THE PRESIDENCY AND THE COURTS
POL 60106
URBAN POLICY AND POLITICS
POL 60108
AMERICAN POLITICAL BEHAVIOR
POL 60191
SEMINAR IN AMERICAN POLITICS AND POLICY
Advisor-Approved Electives
Minimum Total Credit Hours:12

Conflict Analysis and Management Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
POL 60901FOUNDATIONS OF CONFLICT ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT 3
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:9
POL 60507
CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION AND RECONCILIATION
POL 60902
POWER, CONFLICT AND THE POLITICS OF GENDER
POL 60903
IDENTITY DRIVEN CONFLICTS
POL 60904
SOCIAL MOVEMENTS AND NONVIOLENT CONFLICTS
POL 60906
POLITICAL VIOLENCE
POL 60991
SEMINAR IN CONFLICT ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT
Advisor-Approved Electives
Minimum Total Credit Hours:12

Transnational and Comparative Politics Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
POL 60501STATUS OF THE FIELD: TRANSNATIONAL AND COMPARATIVE POLITICS AND POLICY 3
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:9
POL 60502
GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
POL 60503
FOREIGN POLICY ANALYSIS
POL 60591
SEMINAR IN TRANSNATIONAL AND COMPARATIVE POLITICS AND POLICY
Advisor-Approved Electives
Minimum Total Credit Hours:12

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • A minimum 30 credit hours is required for graduation.
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

What does delivery mean?

Examples of Possible Jobs and Salaries for Political Science - M.A.

Notice: Career Information Source
* 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.

Brian Parsons MS '18

Brian is a UX Designer at Sony PlayStation where he primarily focuses on accounts and accessibility. He is in charge conceptualizing and creating new accessibility features for games, supporting hardware and software design for Access Controller and designing accessible components for the PS ecosystem of user research studies across the PlayStation environment, including the console, mobile app, and website.

Mental Health Awareness Month
Division of University Communications and Marketing

Standing Poster While 3 students walk by.

Coinciding with World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10, Kent State celebrated Mental Health Awareness Month all October.  Kent State’s social media team collaborated with teams within University Communications and Marketing and with other university partners such as the Division of Student Life. The goal was to promote the vast mental health resources on campus and to help destigmatize mental health challenges. A comprehensive digital content plan was developed as part of a massive university-wide campaign.   The plan began with the social media team joining forces wi...

STEPHANIE MORILLO MS '19

Stephanie is the Principal Product Manager at ServiceNow, a company focused on developing automated solutions for organizations to help streamline their processes. Prior to that, she was a Senior Program Manager at Microsoft where she oversaw the Azure.com A/B testing program. “I was given ownership over the program after a re-org, and interestingly enough, I was told that I would be good for it on the basis of having my UXD degree,” Stephanie says.

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