What Is a Master's in Political Science Degree?
A master's in political science is an advanced degree focused on the study of government, public policy and political processes. As a part of this degree, students learn about domestic and international governments through a curriculum that includes research, writing and analysis. This degree prepares graduates to work in occupations such as political scientist, policy analyst, or political science professor.
Common Undergraduate Degrees for Political Science
Students can start their education in this field by earning a bachelor's degree in political science. In order to work in political science, most occupations require at least a bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree in political science requires the completion of 120 credits and is typically earned in four years. This degree helps expose students to the study of governments and policies. This degree may be offered as a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science.
Admissions Requirements for Political Science Master's Programs
The admission requirements for political science master's degree programs include having earned a bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited institution. Those who are applying to this program must also have maintained at least a 3.0 GPA while earning their bachelor's degree or master's degree that has been completed or that they are currently enrolled in.
Other requirements may vary depending on the university, but students often have to submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, a resume, and pay an application fee.
Why Should I Get a Political Science Master's Degree?
A Master's in Political Science allows students to further their understanding of the political world. When earning a master's degree, students develop critical thinking, analytical, research, and writing skills. These skills can be applied to a broad study of political science, or a student may choose a specific area to specialize in. This includes U.S. politics, foreign policy, comparative politics or law. These options better prepare students for their future careers. Whether a student plans to work in government, private companies, organizations, or non-profits, they can customize their coursework so that it aligns with their future goals.
A master's degree helps students or current workers establish and further their professional careers. This may include promotions from entry level positions to senior roles or earning a higher salary. This degree also qualifies workers to become political scientists, political analysts or professors. In addition, a master's degree in political science prepares students for entry to law school or doctoral studies.
How to Choose a Master's in Political Science Program
When choosing a political science degree, students have many options to choose from. Students should consider if they have a specific area of interest they want to base their studies around. A Master of Arts is a broad degree that allows students to explore many areas of political science such as American politics and international relations. With a Master of Science, students typically have a particular concentration for their degree in mind. This also may include more research or data-based coursework. This degree may also be a good option if a student wants to relate their study of political science to the economy or business. Alternatively, if a student is interested in public policy or the justice system, they can choose to earn their degree in criminal justice.
Students should also consider the format in which the degree is offered. There are programs that can be completed entirely online or a hybrid option that includes in-person and online courses. Some universities may offer this degree as an accelerated program that allows students to earn their degree in less time.
Political Science Master's Degree Courses
A master's degree in political science consists of between 30-60 credits and can be completed in around 2 years. The coursework included in a political science degree may vary depending on if a student selected a Master of Arts or a Master of Science. Master of Arts in Political Science is a broader degree that encompasses the field of political science. This degree also includes humanities and social sciences. Whereas a Master of Science has more research based coursework and is more specialized in one area of political science. This degree also includes more qualitative and quantitative data, how political science impacts the economy, and public policy.
Political Science Foundational Courses
The foundational courses in this degree provide students with an overview of political science concepts and subject areas. This includes learning about the history behind in American and international politics as well as power, leadership and conflicts countries face. Research, writing and analysis is a large part of the coursework. Students use quantitative and qualitative research to analyze data, examine issues and come up with solutions to solve problems.
Universities offer this program as a thesis or non-thesis option. The thesis option allows students to complete a research project in their area of specialization and work alongside faculty members. The non-thesis option provides students the opportunity to show an understanding of their area of focus by taking a written examination and research papers.
Common foundational courses typically include:
- Introduction to Political Theory
- Political Science Research Methods
- American Politics
- International Politics
Many universities include seminars or capstone projects as a part of this degree.
Political Science Specialist & Elective Courses
Political science specialist & elective courses allow students to personalize their degree based on their interests.
These courses can be used to prepare students for their plans after graduation. This can include learning more about the sector they want to work in, continuing their education to earn a doctorate or applying to law school. This helps students learn specific skills that are needed for specific jobs or leadership roles, such as in political campaigns or holding entry-level local, state, and federal legislative positions. Some universities allow students to complete approved internships that allow them to gain real world experience.
Some specialist and elective courses may include:
- Comparative Politics
- Government in American Society
- Public Policy Administration
- Political Process and Behavior
- Political Theory
- Law and Policy
Licensure & Certification in Political Science
In order to work in political science, you do not need to have a license or certification. However, depending on the specific occupation you plan on working in, you may be able to find a certification that helps you develop your professional career. The Academy of Certified Political Scientists and Certified Political Analysts offers a certification to political scientists. To be a CPS Certified Political Scientist, you need to have an accredited degree in politics and at least 18 hours of political science and qualifying legal courses in an accredited master's program.
Concentrations Offered for a Master's in Political Science Degree
When earning a master's degree in political science, students can choose from several different concentrations. By selecting a specific concentration, a student can focus their research and studies on a specific subfield of political science. This may include specializing in politics within the United States government or international politics, which allows students to explore politics in other nations. These concentrations typically include:
- American Government and Politics
- International Relations
- Political Theory
- Comparative Politics
Post-Graduate Options After Master's in Political Science
After earning their master's degree, students can continue their studies and earn a Ph.D. in Political Science. The coursework has an emphasis on completing research and writing, which includes the completion of a dissertation. This degree can be earned in around 3-5 years. A Ph.D. in Political Science allows graduates to work as a researcher and continue to complete independent research. This includes being involved in policy making or being employed by government agencies. Graduates can hold work in government roles on a national or international scale. In addition, graduates can teach at colleges and universities as a political science professor.
What Can I Do with a Political Science Master's Degree?
Students can go on to work in roles on a local, national to international scale. A Master's in Political Science provides students with a strong understanding and knowledge of how governments operate and the process involved when coming up with policies. In addition to the roles in politics, graduates can also go on to work in business, economics and marketing. Political leadership and policy decisions have a financial impact on the success of the economy and society as a whole. By working in positions such as market research analyst or economist, graduates analyze data, use market research and forecast future trends.
In addition, graduates may be able to be employed as a political science professor, with a graduate degree.
Earning a master's degree in political science prepares students for entry to law schools and doctoral programs. Graduates can also go on to work for political campaigns, non-profit organizations or the private sector. Another option includes holding positions in local, state, and federal offices.
Job Outlook for a Master's in Political Science
While the employment outlook for occupations in political science varies, there is growth in this field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for careers such as political scientist is expected to increase slightly faster than average. The increased demand for public policy analysis leads to employment growth for these occupations. With a Master's degree in Political Science, graduates have the ability to work many sectors.
Their career options are not limited to politics as graduates can go on to work in business, communications and law. Graduates can apply what they learned while earning this degree to the economy and forecast future trends in the market. This includes working as an economist. The political climate and decisions made by the government are connected to the success of the economy. The job outlook for this occupation is expected to increase much faster than average. Those with a master's degree or Ph.D., analytical skills, and work experience in this area have the highest chances of employment.
How to Become a Political Scientist
Political scientists examine and study political systems. Their work involves analyzing the origin and operation of political subjects and political systems. This may include the US government as well as foreign relations. Political scientists also come up with and test out political theories, forecast political and economic trends.
In order to work as a political scientist, you typically need a master's degree or Ph.D in political science or related field. Those with a bachelor's degree in political science may be able to qualify for entry-level positions, such as working as research assistants, for political campaigns, or for nonprofits.
The employment of political scientists is projected to increase 6 percent from 2019 to 2029. As reported by the BLS, the median annual wage for political scientists was $125,350 as of May 2020.
How to Become a Economist
Economists work to gather and analyze data and research economic issues. In addition economists conduct surveys and forecast market trends. By doing this they are able to advise businesses, governments, and individuals on the economy. Political decisions and relations have an impact on the economy domestically and internationally.
In order to work as an economist, you usually need a master's degree. Those with a bachelor's degree may be able to hold some entry-level economist positions, which may include jobs with the federal government. Most economists need a master's degree or Ph.D.
The employment of economists is expected to increase 14 percent from 2019 to 2029, which is significantly faster than the average. As of May 2020, the median annual wage for economists was $108,350 as reported by BLS.
Master's in Political Science Program Financial Aid & Scholarship Resources
Just as you do when applying to undergraduate programs, those interested in earning a graduate degree should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, to see if they qualify for any federal aid. There are several types of financial aid that can help students continue their education. This includes grants, which is money that does not need to be repaid, and loans, which is borrowed money that needs to be paid back with interest.
Students can find scholarships depending on their background, accomplishments, the state in which they are located, and the political science career they plan on working in.
There are many small scholarships as well as large ones, including the Harry S. Truman Scholarship. The Truman Scholarship is a graduate fellowship for students in the United States pursuing careers in public service. The scholarship is awarded to graduate students who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership in their studies and have a commitment to working in a career dedicated to public service.
