A master’s in political science will give you deep insight into the political, social, and economic landscape of specific cities and countries, or certain political ideologies. It will prepare you to handle societal issues, develop public policy, and participate in decision-making at the highest levels. With a master’s degree in political science, you’ll be able to choose between a wide variety of roles available and build a lucrative and rewarding career.
Read on to learn about the best political science graduate programs, job prospects, salaries, and more.
What is a Political Science Master’s Degree?
First, let’s answer the question, “what is political science?”
Political science is a field that focuses on both theory and practice of politics and government at various levels from local to international. It’s essentially the social scientific study of the field of politics.
A Master’s in Political Science is a program that usually takes about two years to complete for a full-time student. This graduate program requires students to complete coursework and specialty training in the subfield of their choice. It’s worth mentioning that some MA or MS programs leave the door open for a future PhD in the field while others are terminal degrees.
A graduate degree in political science prepares learners to become political scientists who research public opinion, analyze political behavior, and examine public policy and its impact on various groups and businesses.
Should I Sign Up For a Master’s in Political Science Program?
A master’s of political science can help you launch a career in government, public policy, research, and advocacy, among other career directions. A graduate degree in this field will give you a deep understanding of how societies and governments work.
Political science graduates learn about global international relations and issues related to public policy, globalization, economics, and urban planning. With a master’s in the field from a reputable institution, a strong GPA, and practical skills, you’ll easily land a prestigious and well-paid role.
Political science is a stable field — rest assured there will be plenty of jobs in this area well into the future. After all, societies always need governments and politicians, strategic researchers, and all other associated professions!
How We Selected the Best Master’s in Political Science Programs
With so many graduate programs for political science majors available, it can be challenging to find the best ones to feature. However, that’s exactly what we did — out of the many, we selected the best political science master’s programs. Here’s how:
- We looked at each institution to compare academic rigor, expectations, and quality. Before we began this comparison, we also ensured that each institution on our list was regionally accredited.
- We considered each program’s reputation and looked at graduate outcomes, including whether there are sitting policymakers from said programs.
- We looked at factors such as accessibility, admission requirements, availability of financial aid, student career services, and other unique benefits available at each program.
- We considered the faculty at each institution.
- We also looked at how each program did in the University rankings nationally and globally.
That said, after looking at all the criteria above, we selected the ten top political science grad programs below.
Best Political Science Graduate Programs
Many universities offer renowned master’s programs in political science. Here are some of the best programs available in the USA today.
Stanford University, School of Humanities & Sciences
Master of Arts in Political Science / Master of Arts in International Policy
Location: Stanford, California
Acceptance rate: 3.9%
Accreditation: WSCUC
Tuition cost: $58,746 in 2023-2024 for the Master’s in International Policy (MIP) program
Financial aid: Fellowships, Internship Funding, Assistantships, etc.; More information is available here
Program duration: Two years for MIP
The School of Humanities and Sciences at Stanford University is one of the best graduate schools for political science in the country, with an overall acceptance rate of only 3.9%. In the unlikely chance you still aren’t convinced that Stanford is among top grad schools for political science, US News ranked Stanford #1 best political science school in 2021.
Stanford is an internationally acclaimed private research university founded in 1885 and is located in the Silicon Valley area just south of San Francisco, California.
Only students who have completed 45 credits with Stanford University’s doctoral or professional school are currently eligible to apply for their Master of Arts in Political Science program. Under this program, you can choose between concentrations in International Relations, Political Theory and Political Methodology, Comparative Politics, and American Politics.
If you still want to attend Stanford if you haven’t completed those 45 credits, you may be happy to know that external students can apply for the Master’s in International Policy program from the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies.
Duke University, Trinity College of Arts and Sciences
Master of Arts in Political Science
Location: Durham, North Carolina
Acceptance rate: 5.9%
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Tuition cost: $30,110 per year for domestic students; more information is available here
Financial aid: Available; More details available from Duke’s Department of Political Science
Program duration: Two years
Duke University was founded in 1838 as a small school in North Carolina. Now, it boasts two faculty members with Nobel prizes in chemistry. The school also values its diversity, proclaiming that more than half of its students are people of color and international students. The overall acceptance rate is 5.9%
Duke’s MA in Political Science program is one of the best political science master’s programs in the country. The program is closely linked to their doctorate programs, with faculty overseeing both master’s and PhD students, and students of the two levels working together in seminar courses.
You can choose two concentrations from Normative Political Theory and Philosophy, Security, Peace, and Conflict, Political Behavior and Identities, Political Methodology, Political Institutions, and Political Economy. There are also opportunities for paid internships and training through the school’s Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning for Development (MELD) program.
Columbia University
Master of Arts in Political Science
Location: New York, New York
Acceptance rate: 4.1%
Accreditation: MSCHE
Tuition cost: ~$60,000 per year
Financial aid: FAFSA, limited fellowship slots
Program duration: Two semesters when taken full time
Founded as King’s College in 1754, Columbia University is one of the world’s leading research universities. Located in New York City, it caters to a diverse group of students and has an overall acceptance rate of 4.1%
Columbia’s Master of Arts in Political Science program has concentrations in four fields: American Politics, Political Theory, Comparative Politics, and International Relations. The program is based on coursework, so you don’t need to write a thesis. The full-time program runs for two semesters, and a part-time option is also available.
GRE scores are optional for applicants to the MA program.
George Washington University, Columbian College of Arts & Sciences
Master of Arts in Political Science
Location: Washington, D.C.
Acceptance rate: 49.7%
Accreditation: MSCHE
Tuition cost: $33,930 per year when full-time
Financial aid: More information here
Program duration: 33 credit hours
George Washington University was founded by Congress in 1821. It is located in the center of Washington, DC, and has a very generous acceptance rate of 49.7%. This university requires your GRE scores.
Across all its programs, the university emphasizes practical skills and allows students to complete internships in prestigious institutions such as the White House, Bloomingdale’s, and the World Bank.
The university’s MA in Political Science program gives its students a practical understanding of the field of political science. Concentrations in American Politics, Law & Politics, and World Politics are available with the program, and students can study alongside doctoral students and participate in practice debates. To finish the program, you’ll need to complete a minimum of 15 credits out of a total of 33 credit hours in one of these concentrations.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Master of Science in Political Science
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Acceptance rate: 4.1%
Accreditation: NECHE
Tuition cost: Fall/spring 2022-2023 $28,795
Financial aid: More information here
Program duration: One year
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) was established in 1861 and is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This prestigious institution is known for excellence in education, research, and innovation. MIT has an overall acceptance rate of 4.1%.
The school’s Master of Science in Political Science gives students clear insight into the function of modern societies and governments, as well as public policy development.
For the one-year program, you can choose between a range of concentrations, including American Politics, Models and Methods, and International Relations, among others. This program involves a minimum of 66 units spread over six subjects and you’ll need a GPA of 3.5 for successful completion.
Villanova University
Master of Arts in Political Science
Location: Villanova, Pennsylvania
Acceptance rate: 25.2%
Accreditation: MSCHE
Tuition cost: $845 per credit
Financial aid: More information is available here
Program duration: 30 credit hours + a capstone experience; two years for full-time students
Villanova is a private non-profit Catholic university founded in 1842 and located in Pennsylvania. This university offers a Master of Arts in Political Science with a curriculum blending both theory and practice. Enrolling in this program means you’ll need to complete a 30-credit curriculum. Students can choose between three concentrations: Political Philosophy, American Government, and International Relations + Comparative Politics.
At Villanova, classes are capped at a maximum of 15 students to encourage a discussion-based lecture environment. Students will finish the program with either a comprehensive exam (written) or a thesis.
University of Florida
Master of Arts in Political Science
Location: Gainesville, Florida
Acceptance rate: 30.1%
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Tuition cost: $12,744 in-state, $17,394 out-of-state; more information is available here
Financial aid: More information available on the Student Financial Aid and Scholarships website
Program duration: 36 credit hours; about two years for full-time students
The University of Florida has well over 300 programs. As an academic powerhouse in the region, UF offers a fantastic online or distance learning experience. However, the MA Political Science program at this institution is an on-campus program that requires 36 credits to finish. This program will also require students to complete two courses: political data analysis and conduct of inquiry. Students then build their curricula around these core courses.
Rutgers University
Master of Arts in Political Science
Location: New Brunswick, New Jersey
Acceptance rate: 68.2%
Accreditation: MSCHE
Tuition cost: In-state $9,348, Out-of-state $15,900; more information is available here and here
Financial aid: More information is available here
Program duration: 36 credit hours; two years for full-time students and up to four for part-time
Despite its high overall acceptance rate, Rutgers holds the distinction of being one of the country’s top 25 public universities. Out of the institution’s 200 programs, one of them is the MA in Political Science. However, this graduate program is made even more unique thanks to its unusual concentration: United Nations and Global Policy Studies.
Students who enroll in this program can expect to take twelve courses, including three core courses examining the UN and global affairs, plus a capstone seminar about the UN and global policy.
If you apply to this program, there are some financial aid opportunities, including fellowships and living stipends. Also note that applying requires your GRE scores.
Syracuse University
Master of Arts in Political Science
Location: Syracuse, New York
Acceptance rate: 59.2%
Accreditation: MSCHE
Tuition cost: $32,436; more information is available here
Financial aid: More information is available here
Program duration: 30 credit hours; about one to two years for full-time students
Syracuse University is a private institution located in upstate New York. This university offers over 200 advanced degree programs, including a Master of Arts in Political Science. The MA Political Science program at Syracuse allows students to choose between earning a terminal degree for professional training or joining a program that puts them on a path to a PhD.
This 30-credit-hour program was designed as a one-year stint. However, you can choose to take longer if necessary. You can choose your specialty as well, though you will need to complete a methodology course required by the program.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Master of Arts in Political Science
Location: Champaign, Illinois
Acceptance rate: 59.7% overall
Accreditation: HLC
Tuition cost: About ~$28,000 per year; more information here
Financial aid: All students receive financial assistance in fellowships/assistantships; more information is available here
Program duration: 32 credit hours
Although the overall acceptance rate at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is nearly 60%, the Master of Arts in Political Science program in particular is highly selective. The UIUC department of political science states that its goal is to admit a small but highly capable group of students. Each admitted applicant receives financial aid, either as a fellowship or assistantship.
This graduate program has two concentrations on offer, namely African American Studies and Civic Leadership. Students can also build their own curriculum, tailoring their studies by choosing from courses that cover various topics, including research design/techniques, democratic political institutions, comparative political behavior, and more.
How Long Does It Take to Complete a Master’s Degree in Political Science?
Typically, a master’s degree in political science requires at least 30 credits and can take anywhere from one to two years to complete if you study full-time. On the other hand, a part-time program can take three to four years.
There are also special integrated programs where you can earn your bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the same time. These typically take around five years to complete.
How Much Does a Master’s in Political Science Cost?
Tuition fees for master’s programs in political science vary widely depending on a range of factors. Most notably, there is a big difference between tuition in public and private universities, with the former being significantly lower.
On average, the tuition for public universities is around $7,772 if you come from the same state and about $27,968 if you’re from out of state. Tuition in private universities can vary dramatically depending on the institution. If you enroll in an online program, the tuition is usually the same, but you’ll likely have fewer expenses in general as you won’t need to pay for things like transport and accommodation.
Financial Aid for Master’s in Political Science Students
If there’s one thing that potentially discourages many from applying to top graduate schools for political science master’s degrees, it’s the cost involved. It’s no secret that a master’s degree can cost quite a lot of money — so much that it’s quite cost-prohibitive for many. It’s very common to see hopefuls going into massive amounts of debt to invest in their future careers.
Fortunately, you won’t always have to go into insurmountable debt or bear the brunt of your tuition costs alone. Some programs may offer a partial tuition waiver in return for required assistantships, though on rare occasions, some programs will offer a full tuition waiver for the same. But what if your chosen program doesn’t offer a tuition waiver? What options do you have other than looking for the cheapest online master’s degrees?
It may not be immediately obvious, but graduate students can actually qualify for a lot of the same financial aid offerings as undergraduates.
One of the best examples of this is the FAFSA, or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Applying for the FAFSA can help you qualify for federal student loans, which typically offer better interest rates and benefits than private loans. And as a master’s student, you’re automatically considered an independent student when you file your FAFSA, so you no longer have to provide your parents’ financial information as you might’ve needed to in undergrad.
Students looking to enroll in the best political science graduate programs can benefit from a number of financial aid opportunities, such as:
- Federal work-study programs where students get federal work placements to help them earn an income that can help pay for education costs
- Private loans from banks and private institutions
- Grants, scholarships, and fellowships from the university, the state, professional associations, or other institutions
- Assistantships and fellowships (usually with a school’s department of political science) where students receive tuition remission and, sometimes, a living stipend to cover expenses while studying full-time
Are There Scholarships for Political Science Master’s Degree Students?
There are many scholarships available from various organizations and professional associations. Some of them are renewable, while others are one-time awards. It’s best to apply to as many scholarship opportunities as you can as you’ll likely have a lot of competition. Applying to more will allow you to increase your chances of success.
Here are some notable scholarships:
- Gloria Barron Wilderness Society Scholarship – This scholarship awards $15,000 to grad students researching aspects of wilderness, including climate change, conservation, and related public policy.
- Beinecke Scholarship – This scholarship awards $34,000 to students earning their graduate degree in the arts and humanities as well as the social sciences, of which political science is a part. Applicants must be able to show proof of past need-based financial aid. They must also be able to meet scholastic and academic requirements and excel in their achievements.
- ISI Fellowship – This scholarship from the Intercollegiate Studies Institute awards up to fifteen students a fellowship with an amount between $5,000-$15,000. Students must be earning their graduate degree in humanities and/or social sciences, and must be able to show their commitment to teaching after they graduate. Applicants can demonstrate this commitment through their personal statements.
What Will You Learn from a Master’s in Political Science Program?
Once you enroll in a Political Science graduate program, you’ll need to take various courses that will help you develop strong skills in research and analysis. These courses typically include subjects like political economy, comparative politics, and more. Some programs include coursework relating to political theory and history, political psychology, American political culture, and more.
To complete your master’s degree in political science, you may need to take a master’s exam, while others may require a capstone project or master’s thesis.
It’s worth mentioning that many programs will allow students to choose their specializations to effectively tailor the programs to their specific interests. Thus, it is not uncommon to see programs offering a wide range of concentrations, some of them below.
Master’s in Political Science Concentrations
Master’s in political science programs typically offer a vast range of concentrations and specializations to allow students to tailor their studies to their career aspirations.
Here are some of the most common specializations:
- American Politics: Covers an in-depth understanding of how US Politics has influenced American society over time.
- Comparative Politics: Covers different political systems across various countries and their similarities and differences.
- Political Theory: Analyzes various political concepts, such as democracy, class economics, liberty, revolution, and gender in depth.
- Public Administration: Prepares you for roles in and related to research and business process execution in public administration.
- Public Policy: Equips you for decision-making roles related to public policy analysis, development, and implementation.
- International Relations: Covers the complexities of how countries interact at an international level, their alliances and disputes, and how to design solutions for international issues.
- Civil Disobedience: Helps evaluate how rebellions originate, develop, and finally culminate in success or failure.
How Much Money Can You Earn with a Master’s in Political Science?
You’re probably wondering about your career options and how much you’d make as a graduate if you commit to earning a master’s of political science.
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics or BLS states that the typical education requirement for entry in political science-related fields is a master’s degree. A master’s is certainly a huge investment, but your investment can truly pay off.
You probably wouldn’t be surprised to know that many political science master’s degree holders often have high-earning careers that allow them to take home over six figures. If you look at the BLS occupational outlook handbook, Political Scientists had a median salary of $122,150 in 2021.
However, it’s worth mentioning that a master’s degree in political science can also prepare graduates for careers in other fields, such as public relations or fundraising management. And according to the BLS, the 2021 median salary for public relations managers was at $125,780 while the 2021 median pay for fundraising managers was $100,810.
Of course, there are many other fields you can get into with a Political Science master’s. Read on to see what other jobs you can get after graduating from this program.
What Jobs Can You Get with a Master’s in Political Science?
A master’s degree in political science qualifies you for a wide range of professions in the public and private sectors, with various levels of salary. Here are some of the job opportunities and roles you can secure with this qualification, along with their median annual salaries:
Political Scientist ($85,257)
A political scientist carries out research and analysis in political theory, working within the government or the political sector. They advise on social, political, and economic issues affecting society. According to Glassdoor, the likely range for political scientists is $66K to $111K. However, the BLS states it is not uncommon to have salaries of six figures and up.
Economist ($100,582)
An economist researches a range of issues at the national and international levels. They are experts in all matters related to the economy, such as cost of living, employment, labor issues, healthcare policy, and energy development and management.
Urban and Regional Planner ($98,783)
An urban and regional planner’s work involves interacting with government officials, contractors, and developers around environmental, social, and economic projects. They collect feedback, develop plans for projects, and oversee budgets.
Lobbyist ($85,694)
A lobbyist acts as a bridge between private organizations and businesses and politicians. They research the legislation and legal stance of the government and advise their clients on framing and strategy. They talk to politicians on behalf of their clients to influence government policy.
Political Campaign Manager ($75,357)
A political campaign manager designs and manages campaigns for political organizations or individual politicians. They research different campaign strategies and give advice on budgets, messaging, public relations, and other aspects of the campaign.
Policy Analyst ($73,901)
A political analyst monitors and assesses the impact and effectiveness of public policies. This analysis constructively contributes to government planning and processes, allowing public institutions to make better decisions.
Journalist ($58,159)
Journalists play a more important role than ever in keeping the public informed on the issues that affect government, business, and society in general. A graduate degree in political science will equip you for political reporting as well as across print, television, and digital journalism across a range of fields.
Legislative Assistant ($65,875)
A legislative assistant mostly handles administrative tasks related to legislation for government agencies. They keep an eye on relevant policies and processes, manage communications, and carry out documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a bachelor’s degree in political science to get into a master’s program for political science?
You might be surprised to know that, no, you do not need a bachelor’s degree in political science to get into a master’s in political science. You’ll still most likely need a bachelor’s degree, but it won’t necessarily have to be in political science. However, it’s worth mentioning that political science master’s programs often look for past coursework relating to political science — and they may want your major to be from a field closely related to politics.
Is MA Political Science difficult?
An MA in Political Science can indeed be challenging to pursue. A Master of Arts degree in Political Science is both practical and theoretical, with a focus on multiple theories, philosophies, and thinkers. An MA will allow you to enter various fields and specializations upon graduation, such as media, marketing, public administration, public service, academics, and more.
Is political science MS or MA?
Most political science master’s degrees are offered as MAs or Master of Arts. However, some colleges and universities offer theirs as MS or Master of Science.
Final Thoughts
As with any graduate program, it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons before choosing the right master’s in political science for you. Think about the quality of the school’s faculty, the concentrations offered, and the overall cost of studies before deciding on a master’s program. After all, the right course from a prestigious university can take your career to unimaginable heights!
Still not sure which field is right for you? If you’re looking for something lucrative, consider one of the highest-paying master’s degrees.
Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.
