Programs at a Glance

General Information

Program Description

The Master of Arts Program focuses on the core scholarly areas of political science. Students specialize in one of four concentrations:
1. American Government and Politics,
2. Comparative Government and Politics,
3. International Relations, or
4. Political Thought.
Courses in the MA program serve as a foundation for work in a doctoral program or as preparation for careers in government, nonprofit organizations, or the private sector.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science provides theoretical and applied training related to the world of public affairs. The program blends political science and the study of public policy to prepare students as practitioners, researchers, and teachers. From political science, the program develops theoretical insights and research tools relevant to the study of political development and public affairs. From public policy, students study the process by which public policies are adopted and how the effective management of programs and agencies is achieved.
This blend of political science and public policy is developed through a curriculum that combines international and comparative study with an analysis of U.S. politics and policy making. In addition, students complete a sequence of core courses in research methods and social science statistics.