Political Science - M.A.

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

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:

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.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

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

American Politics and Policy Concentration Requirements

Conflict Analysis and Management Concentration Requirements

Transnational and Comparative Politics Concentration Requirements

Graduation Requirements

• Minimum 30 credit hours required for graduation

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