Graduate degrees

Receive personalized guidance from nationally and globally renowned faculty members specializing in various political science disciplines, such as international relations, political theory, public policy and comparative politics. Consider enrolling as a graduate special to access our graduate-level courses prior to your formal application.

Attention applicants: The Department of Political Science will be making very limited, if any, admissions of Ph.D. students for fall 2026. Only applicants in the subfields of international relations, comparative politics, and quantitative American politics will be considered. Admissions will remain open for students pursuing an MA degree in all subfields and for those applying to the MPA program. Please note that no funding will be available for students admitted for fall 2026.

Jump to a degree: Ph.D. in Political Science | M.A. in Political Science | MPA in Political Science


 

Ph.D. in Political Science

The strength of the Ph.D. program in political science lies in its small size and the diversity of its faculty. Students accepted into the doctoral program are expected to have a major and minor field in the areas the department offers as specializations, which include: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, public administration, or public policy.

Doctoral degree coursework

The program requires a major and minor comprehensive exam in students' selected fields, as well as completing a 9-credit scope and methods course sequence.

Please review our Frequently Asked Questions before applying.

Program requirements

Review program requirements for the Ph.D. program in the course catalog.

Program handbook

See what the department offers and expects of successful graduate students.

Begin application

Create an account or log into our application portal to get started with your application.

 

Master of Arts in Political Science (M.A.)

The Master of Arts in Political Science offers students an opportunity for advanced, specialized courses in the discipline of political science, leading to a graduate degree. It also prepares for a career in teaching, politics, public service and government - and complements working students in their current careers.

The Master of Arts program in political science aims to provide students with advanced specialized courses leading to a graduate degree. It prepares them for further academic pursuits towards a doctoral degree, careers in teaching, politics, public service, and government, or to enhance their current professions. The curriculum encompasses a comprehensive scope of the discipline, blending both substantive content and methodological approaches. Students gain expertise in research methods for in-depth political analysis and also have the opportunity to pursue specialized research projects.

Master's degree coursework

The program requires the student to fulfill specified coursework over the course of the student's degree. Students have two tracks to complete the M.A. degree and the number of credits required depends on the track the student takes to complete the degree. Students should discuss with their advisor which track is appropriate for them given the academic and career objectives.

Track one: thesis option (30 credits)

The thesis option is highly recommended for students who think they may go on later to graduate work at the doctoral level. For students who may pursue a political science Ph.D. later, this option gives them experience with writing a significant piece of original research that may lay the foundation for work at that level. This writing is crucial for professors to evaluate their ability to perform at a higher level and will often form the basis for letters of recommendation to Ph.D. programs. Students selecting this option do no take comprehensive examinations as the literature review and analysis of the thesis will be extensive enough to judge the student's depth of knowledge in the field of study.

Track two: non-thesis option (36 credits)

The non-thesis option is highly recommended for students who already are engaged in their career fields and are seeking to use their degrees for professional advancement. A thesis is not required, but additional coursework is needed to demonstrate appropriate knowledge in the student's major field. Once the student completes all coursework, they may schedule their comprehensive examination.

Program requirements

Review program requirements for the M.A. in Political Science in the course catalog.

Program handbook

See what the department offers and expects of successful graduate students.

Begin application

Create an account or log into our application portal to get started with your application.

 

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

The Master of Public Administration program prepares students for careers in public administration and policy analysis while improving the managerial competence of persons presently in public service through the advanced study of administrative processes and problems, and through an increased understanding of policy issues and research skills.

The curriculum delves into understanding internal organizational dynamics, managerial competencies, and the broader socio-political context of public programs. It also emphasizes research methods vital for modern governmental complexities and offers tracks for specialized expertise aligned with personal interests or career aspirations. The Master of Public Administration program aims to equip individuals for careers in public administration and policy analysis, enhance the managerial skills of current public service professionals, and bolster University-based research in the field.

Master's degree coursework

The MPA program does not require a thesis.

All MPA students are required to complete 30 credits of coursework, including general core courses (21 credits) and elective courses (nine credits). For most updated course offerings, please check the University General Catalog. You might also discuss with your advisor and/or director of graduate studies.

Program requirements

Review program requirements for the MPA program in the course catalog.

Program handbook

See what the department offers and expects of successful graduate students.

Begin application

Create an account or log into our application portal to get started with your application.

Graduate school admission requirements

Graduate school admission requirements vary for domestic, international, and graduate special applicants. Select from the options below to learn more.

Virtual open houses

Each fall and spring semester, the Graduate School hosts multiple free, online Virtual Open Houses. Register in advance to learn about the University’s on-campus and online graduate programs and get questions answered by faculty, staff and current graduate students.

Graduate student housing

Interested in living on campus? Learn more about Ponderosa Village, an on-campus community for graduate students and their families.