Best Political Science Programs

Political science master's degree students learn how to analyze politics and current events, design qualitative research projects, and measure the impact of public policy. They also study how politics shape communities, the global political economy, and electoral trends around the world. With a variety of concentrations to choose from, including American politics, foreign policy, environmental politics, and public policy, graduate students build strong analytical and research skills during a political science degree.

A master's degree can lead to many lucrative career paths. The reports that political scientists earn a median salary of over $115,000 a year, and a master's degree meets the educational requirements for the position.

Before enrolling in a political science program, prospective students need to research concentration options, career paths with a political science master's degree, and how to find the best program. This article covers the process of finding the program that best fits your career goals.

While earning a master's degree in political science, graduate students often specialize in a subfield, such as foreign policy, political theory, or American politics. These concentrations may also lead directly to specialized career paths. For example, students with a public policy concentration may become policy analysts or policy advisers. Prospective students need to find a program that offers their desired concentration, while also checking the program's placement record.

Some political science programs offer internship support and job placement assistance for graduates, with opportunities to build a professional network and gain hands-on skills. Before applying to a master's degree in political science program, prospective students must choose whether to pursue an on-campus or online degree.

Applicants who recently completed their undergraduate degree or who live close to their top-choice program may prefer an on-campus program. Meanwhile, prospective students who plan to balance school with work or family responsibilities may benefit from the flexibility of an online program. Similarly, individuals considering a master's degree as part of a career change and those who cannot relocate may also prefer an online option. What Can I Do With a Master's in Political Science? Graduate students studying political science build strong research skills, analytical reasoning abilities, and writing skills, which can benefit them in multiple career paths. Political science graduates work as analysts and researchers, holding positions in government, politics, and related sectors. Master's students interested in education may work as high school teachers or postsecondary instructors, and students who specialize in urban policy may work as urban planners.

A master's in political science can also lead to careers in nonprofits, lobbying organizations, and business. A graduate student's career options depend on their master's concentration, their professional experience, and their professional network. Collapse All Political Scientiststudy government and political systems, conduct research on public policy, and analyze political trends. They work in government, for private organizations, and for political parties and campaigns. A master's degree in political science meets the minimum educational requirement for political scientist positions.Median Annual Salary: $115,110Projected Growth Rate: 3% Survey Researcherdesign and conduct surveys for polling organizations, political campaigns, and research firms. They measure public opinion on a variety of topics, analyze data from surveys, and draw conclusions from the results. Most positions require a master's degree, particularly for roles that involve designing political surveys.Median Annual Salary: $54,270Projected Growth Rate: 2% High School Teacherdesign lesson plans to educate young learners.

They also create assessment tests to measure student learning. Political science students interested in teaching may qualify for a state teaching license with a master's degree, although some states may also require additional teacher preparation. With a political science master's degree, educators may teach U.S. Government, social studies, or civics.Median Annual Salary: $59,170Projected Growth Rate: 8% Urban and Regional Plannerwork in public agencies to design and create community programs and develop land use plans. While some positions require a master's in planning, a degree in political science with a concentration in public policy, urban planning, or a related field may meet the requirements for many positions.Median Annual Salary: $71,490Projected Growth Rate: 13% Political Science Professorteach courses on American politics, foreign policy, political economy, and other areas at a college or university.

They may also conduct research and publish scholarly books and articles. A master's in political science qualifies candidates for some postsecondary instructor positions, while most tenure-track positions require a doctorate.Median Annual Salary: $76,000Projected Growth Rate: 15%. Many prospective graduate students find it difficult to narrow down the many master's programs in political science to find the best fit for their interests and career goals.

By considering several key factors, such as cost, location, and the length of the degree, students can eliminate programs that do not meet their needs. Some students cannot relocate to attend out-of-state programs due to work or family obligations.

These students may benefit from the flexibility of an online program, which may also lower the cost of a degree. Online students often qualify for tuition discounts and save on commuting, parking, and childcare costs.

Interested students can research the. Cost often plays an important role in choosing a program. In addition to researching tuition, fees, and other expenses, prospective students should check for scholarship, assistantship, and other financial aid opportunities offered by the school or private organizations.

Some students save on tuition by shortening their degree completion time, either by transferring credits or choosing an accelerated option. Other program specifics, such as required internships or a master's thesis, can also affect the length of time it takes to earn the degree. Accreditation ensures that colleges, universities, and programs follow the highest academic standards and create improvement plans. While colleges and universities undergo accreditation by regional or national accrediting agencies which review the entire institution, many programs also undergo specialized programmatic accreditation designed for their field. For example, business schools, teacher training programs, and social work programs may hold programmatic accreditation from specialized, nonprofit agencies. Political science programs typically do not undergo programmatic accreditation, as there is not an accrediting agency specifically dedicated to reviewing political science programs.

After choosing one or more master's in political science programs, prospective students must successfully complete the admissions process. Admissions represents a critical step in the educational process, as programs evaluate candidates to determine whether they are likely to succeed in the program and often offer financial support to the top candidates. Prospective political science students must devote significant time and energy to building the strongest possible application to increase their chances of gaining admission and receiving financial aid. Each program sets its own prerequisite requirements, which includes asking for letters of recommendation and requesting undergraduate transcripts. Some online programs may also require a more complex process that involves working with an admissions adviser. Because the process varies, students need to research the specifics for their chosen programs. Prerequisites.

Bachelor's Degree: Before entering a political science master's program, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree. Most programs accept students with majors other than political science if their undergraduate transcript demonstrates foundational knowledge within the field. Professional Experience: While political science programs typically do not require professional experience, admissions committees may take relevant experience into account when determining who to admit. Candidates who have experience in politics, campaigning, or government should make sure to mention it on their application.

Minimum GPA: Many programs set a minimum undergraduate GPA, often as high as 3.0. Some programs only look at the final 60 credits or provisionally admit candidates who do not meet the minimum requirement.Admission Materials.

Application: Prospective graduate students must complete an application, which lists their educational history, professional experience, and relevant background. Most programs offer an online application. Transcripts: Applicants must submit transcripts, either for their degree-granting undergraduate institution or all colleges and universities attended, depending on the program.

Admissions committees use transcripts to determine whether applicants hold the necessary skills to succeed in a master's program. Letters of Recommendation: Most master's in political science programs require two or three letters of recommendation that speak to the applicant's academic abilities or relevant experience. Prospective students should give their letter writers at least three weeks' notice. Test Scores: Many master's programs require GRE scores, and some set a minimum score for unconditional admission. Some programs consider the GRE optional. Application Fee: Most programs charge an application fee of around $40-$60 to review graduate applications.

However, low-income applicants often qualify for a fee waiver. Graduate students in political science can concentrate in different subfields, choose courses based on their interests and career goals, and advance their professional qualifications through joining professional organizations. This section covers the common specializations within a master's program, the length and cost of a master's degree in political science, and networking opportunities for graduate students. Concentrations Offered for a Master's Degree in Political Science ConcentrationDescriptionCareersGlobal PoliticsSpecialists in global politics study the connections between nations in a political sphere. They may emphasize foreign relations or concentrate on a single country's politics. Some also study a region, such European or Asia.

In many programs, global politics specialists must demonstrate language proficiency in one or more foreign languages.Political scientist, state department positions, policy adviserPublic PolicyA public policy concentration emphasizes the development of government policy in a variety of settings. Graduate students also study the impact of public policy on communities and politics.

At the graduate level, public policy specialists may design research projects to measure the impact of federal, state, or local policies.Policy analyst, policy adviser, political scientistAmerican PoliticsWithin an American politics concentration, students may focus on contemporary or past political movements within the U.S., including electoral politics, culture and American politics, or U.S. Foreign policy. As a broad concentration, graduate students in this field may customize their coursework around their specific interests.Political scientist, policy analystEnvironmental PoliticsGraduate students who specialize in environmental politics study the relationship between the environment, environmental movements, and politics. They may focus on a particular movement, national context, or period in environmental political history.

Environmental politics specialists also study the evolution of the politics of environmental issues.Political scientist, environmental lobbyist, policy analystPolitical EconomyWithin a political economy concentration, graduate students study the rise and development of capitalism, the interconnected global economy, or theories of political economics. Students in this concentration often take economics classes as part of their master's program.Political scientist, market analyst, economic analystCourses in a Master's in Political Science Program. Collapse All State and SocietyPolitical science students study the relationship between the state and various societies throughout history, examining the development of the state as a complex organization and its interactions with society. The course may also include a comparative politics element with contemporary states and societies. Qualitative Research MethodsPolitical science graduate students gain experience with the techniques of qualitative research, including designing research projects, measuring and validating data, and analyzing qualitative data.

The course may also cover analytical strategies, research ethics, and building theories from qualitative research. Research SeminarGraduate students take multiple research seminars within their concentration area, such as comparative politics, environmental politics, or U.S. The seminar covers research approaches, important works and theories, and specific topics in the field, and students often write a research paper. International Political EconomyStudents in many concentrations benefit from courses covering international political economy, including the history of the modern world economic system, the rise of capitalism, and theories of international political economy. The course may require a theoretical research paper. Master's ThesisMany political science programs conclude with a master's thesis project, where graduate students must create an original research project, either based on a theoretical approach or a research study designed by the student.

Graduate students work with a faculty adviser to complete the thesis, and students defend the thesis before a master's committee of faculty specialists. How Long Does It Take to Get a Master's in Political Science? Graduate students may be able to complete their degree in less time by choosing an accelerated program, transferring in graduate credits, or petitioning for credit based on work experience. Students with work or family obligations may choose a longer degree path in order to balance their responsibilities; most programs allow students to complete their coursework on a part-time basis. Because the length of a political science master's program varies, prospective students should research their potential programs and contact the program's director of graduate studies to learn more about how long the degree may take. How Much Is a Master's in Political Science? The cost of a political science master's degree varies depending on the university.

According to the, public universities charged an average tuition rate of approximately $11,600 per year for in-state graduate students during the 2016-2017 academic year, while private schools charged a higher rate of around $24,700. However, the actual cost of a master's in political science can be significantly lower or higher, depending on fees, books, living expenses, and financial support from scholarships and assistantships. Prospective political science students can lower the cost of their degree by researching tuition discounts for in-state students or fully online students. Online students may also benefit from lower commuting, parking, and childcare expenses. Many master's programs in political science also offer funding packages to lower the total cost. This may include scholarships or financial awards for admitted students, or work-study opportunities through the department. Graduate programs may also offer research assistantships or teaching assistantships for master's students.

In these roles, political science graduate students work under the supervision of a professor, conducting research, leading discussion sections, and grading undergraduate assignments. These positions may provide a tuition waiver and stipend, and they also provide valuable professional experience that helps graduates stand out on the job market. Certifications and Licenses a Master's in Political Science Prepares For. Collapse All Certified Political ScientistThe Academy of Certified Political Analysts confers a certification for political science professionals. Candidates must hold an accredited degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA and demonstrate a minimum of two years of professional experience in politics, government, or public service. Certified political scientists must meet continuing education requirements to maintain the designation.

Best Political Science Programs In Florida

Certified Political ManagerGraduates with a political science master's degree and at least two years of experience in politics qualify for the certified political manager designation, offered by the Academy of Certified Political Analysts. Candidates must hold an accredited degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA and meet continuing education requirements. Certified Political AnalystThe Academy of Certified Political Analysts offers a certificate for political analysts, recognizing candidates who hold a political science master's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Applicants must also demonstrate two years of experience in the field. Teaching LicenseMaster's students who plan to teach at the K-12 level likely need to apply for a teaching license.

In some states, a master's degree in political science meets the educational requirements for the licensure process, though requirements vary by state. Students considering a teaching license should research the requirements in their state. The political science career page, managed by the American Political Science Association (APSA), helps graduate students research potential career paths and locate internship opportunities.

The page also lists open political science positions on its jobs board.As the national honor society for political science, Pi Sigma Alpha provides opportunities for graduate students to apply for grants and awards. Membership in the society also demonstrates academic excellence to employers.An internship database for political science students, this site lists openings in government agencies, Congress, and state and local government. APSA also provides resources on converting internships into job offers.Founded in 1906 by APSA, the American Political Science Review publishes scholarly, peer-reviewed articles on political science. A valuable resource for graduate students, the journal covers all subfields of the discipline.Offered by APSA, this list of journals that publish submissions from graduate students can help master's students gain valuable publishing experience and expand their resumes.

Professional Organizations in Political Science. Professional organizations help political science master's students advance their careers while earning their degree and after graduation. These organizations offer a variety of resources for students, such as scholarships, awards, and career centers. Political science professionals also benefit from networking opportunities at conferences and events, professional development and continuing education resources, and career services. Political science students often benefit from reduced membership fees and career counseling support, which helps them transition from their graduate program to the professional workforce.Last Updated: October 08, 2018 BACK TO TOP.

There are around 38,804 students graduating with a degree in Political Science & Government every year. This helps make it 14th most popular out of the 384 total college majors analyzed.This major is ranked 54 out of 121 majors when it comes to earnings potential. Some colleges offer greater outcomes than others. Best Political Science & Government Colleges Ranked in Order of QualityBelow you'll see a list of the best colleges and universities to study Political Science & Government. Takes into account education quality, average earnings of graduates, accreditation, and several other relevant factors. If you want the very best training available in Political Science & Government you simply can't do better than Georgetown University.

Students from the political science & government major at Georgetown University get 14.6% more than the standard graduate with the same degree. The surrounding area of a large city is wonderful for young people trying to find adequate choices for social networking, excitement, and discovery.Georgetown's 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio is among the very best in the United States. There is an advanced degree program obtainable for students who are intrigued. The provides a fantastic review of Georgetown University. Any student pursuing a degree in Political Science & Government needs to check out Columbia University in the City of New York. Columbia University in the City of New York offers graduate degrees in political science for those interested in an advanced degree. New York, New York is an ideal environment for individuals who enjoy the fast moving urban lifestyle.Every additional year of college causes students to take on more debt, so Columbia's impressive 85.3% graduation rate is definitely a plus.

For graduates who would like to carry on following their bachelor's degree, this school has graduate programs available. Get an idea of what student life at Columbia is like by viewing some. It's hard to find a better school than Princeton University if you wish to study Political Science & Government. Princeton University political science & government students receive 73.0% more than the standard political science graduate. Located in Princeton, New Jersey, Princeton supplies a safe and sound, suburban atmosphere for learners.Each year, approximately 60.0% freshmen receive scholarships, with the typical award being $42,307. This school is thought to be a great option for veterans and military members.

Learn more and discover just how Princeton. It's hard to find a better school than Washington University in St Louis if you wish to study Political Science & Government. Graduates from the political science & government degree program at Washington University in St Louis make 27.4% above the typical college graduate in this field. Washington University in St Louis is located in the suburban region of Saint Louis, Missouri, near to shops and other entertainment.WUSTL's 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio is one of the best in the nation. Washington University in St Louis is well-known for the support of military personnel and is the 569 best in the nation for veterans. Get a better idea of what campus life at WUSTL is really like by seeing a few.

It's difficult to beat George Washington University if you want to study Political Science & Government. Political science graduates from George Washington University earn a boost of approximately 16.3% over the average earnings of political science & government majors. Want a sizable student body? This institution has over 20,000 students on campus.There is a graduate program obtainable for those who are intrigued.

On account of GWU's outstanding student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, there are plenty of possibilities for learners to interact with their professors. Find all of to learn more. It's hard to beat Harvard University if you want to pursue Political Science & Government as a major. Harvard University political science & government majors make 37.2% more than the standard political science grad. This school is one of the largest schools in Massachusetts.Freshmen are required to live on-campus at Harvard University. With its low net price and fantastic education, Harvard University is a good investment, earning a position of #28 in Massachusetts.

Want to know more about Harvard University's campus? Every student who is interested in Political Science & Government needs to check out University of Pennsylvania.

Political science majors from University of Pennsylvania get a earnings boost of around 31.7% above the average earnings of political science & government graduates. University of Pennsylvania is among the largest schools in Pennsylvania.54.0% of students at University of Pennsylvania acquire educational funding, so don't forget to complete the FAFSA! Graduates of University of Pennsylvania usually do not have problems paying back their student debt; just 1.1% are in default. Want to learn more about University of Pennsylvania's campus? Any student pursuing a degree in Political Science & Government has to take a look at Yale University. Political science graduates from Yale University get a earnings boost of approximately 36.4% above the typical income of political science & government graduates.

The setting in a large urban center is great for students seeking out considerable options for social networking, excitement, and exploration.Students from outside the U.S. Need not be worried about being out of place mainly because 10.7% of Yale's undergraduates originate from countries outside the U.S. About 73.0% of the educators at Yale University are full-time and get normal office hours, so they should be more accessible to help. Where is Yale University doing the best? Look into all the school's. Any student pursuing a degree in Political Science & Government needs to take a look at Dartmouth College.

Enjoy a strong focus on political science & government inside the major at Dartmouth. Students who like a more relaxed life will appreciate the school's position in the smallish town of Hanover, New Hampshire.This school requires first-year students to live on-campus. You'll get to meet others from many different nationalities because of Dartmouth's diverse student body. From Dartmouth are a good way to explore college. Duke University is a great option for students pursuing a Political Science & Government degree. Duke University political science & government students make 24.9% more than the average political science grad.

The setting in a big urban center is wonderful for students seeking ample chances for networking, experience, and discovery.If you're concerned with taking on too much student debt, you will want to note that Duke students graduate with about $24,668 in student loans. 97.0% of freshmen return for their sophomore year. Take a to explore more about Duke's campus.