Master of Arts in Political Science

A Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science reflects the acquisition of essential analytical skills and mastery of the extant literature in a particular field of political science research (American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, Public Administration/Public Policy or some combination thereof). Because all graduate students in political science must take the same first-year core sequence in formal theory and statistical modeling, all of our MA recipients are well-prepared to begin careers in analytical and management consulting, data science, and public service among others. Further, all recipients are qualified to instruct an array of social scientific courses at the college level.

The Department of Political Science does not formally offer a terminal MA degree, though some students elect to earn an MA en route to their PhD.  The degree may be earned via thesis or non-thesis. For both degrees, specific program formulation is the responsibility of the student, their graduate committee, and the graduate advisor.