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Guide to Master's Degree

How to Get a Master's Degree in Political Science

Political scientists apply historical, economical, and sociological knowledge to understand political systems and public policy. Their strategic analysis can improve the operation of public services, create more effective public policies, gauge public opinion, or plan effective leadership. Applied in business or law, political science expertise lends insight into organizational change, marketing, or legal strategy.

A master's degree in political science prepares you to apply high-level analytical skills in politics, business, law, or political science education. In addition to developing a historical perspective on political institutions, you'll hone your research and communication skills. The program is available through distance graduate education, making it possible to earn a master's degree online while you work.

WorldWideLearn.com's guide to the MS in political science helps you determine how graduate education fits into your career trajectory. Follow these steps to find the right school, submit a strong application, and reinvent yourself as a political science scholar.

Guide to Master's Degrees in Political Science

Political science scholars derive insight into political systems through social science research. The field brings together disciplines such as sociology, economics, history, anthropology, psychology, public administration, law, and statistics. Keep this overlap in mind when you investigate your academic options. Most graduate political science departments adopt different interdisciplinary emphases, and some even operate under the auspices of another department.

To learn more about the field, see WorldWideLearn.com's Guide to College Majors in Political Science.

Professional and Academic Master's Degrees

Your career goals will determine which master's degree is right for you. Academic degrees offer versatility and intellectual breadth, while professional master's degrees focus on practical applications in public administration, law, or business.

Master of Science (MS) or Master of Arts (MA)

The traditional social science master's degree combines coursework and a culminating independent project. MS programs require a research project based on quantitative and qualitative evidence; MA programs generally involve a master's thesis. The academic master's degree serves as a stepping stone into a professional career or into a PhD program in political science. Some schools offer accelerated one-year MS programs designed for professionals who want to deepen their knowledge in a specific area.

Master of Public Administration (MPA) or Master of Public Policy (MPP)

The MPA and MPP are professional graduate degrees focusing on the application of political science knowledge to public administration and policy making. In addition to academic courses, the MPA and MPP curriculum includes practical training in applied areas such as municipal administration, nonprofit management, and policy analysis. Designed for working adults, MPA and MPP programs often feature the option to earn a master's degree online.

Joint Degrees: MS and MBA or JD

Joint degrees combine the Master of Science or Master of Arts with a professional business or law degree. Joint MS/MBA and MS/JD programs examine the applications of social science research and political science insights to commercial organizations and the legal systems.

Learn more about your master's degree options at WorldWideLearn.com's Master's Degrees Online and The Master's Degree Explained.

Specializations

Master's degree programs offer the opportunity to focus your political science education, both through elective coursework and self-directed research. Standard political science specializations include:

Within these areas, you can develop your own specialized area by focusing on a specific issue, political system, or geographic region. Examples include municipal financial management, East Asian security, military operations, and energy policy for sustainability.

Career Track

A master's degree in political science serves either as a professional credential or as a stepping stone into academia.

Academic Track . The academic MS or MA in political science will give you a head start toward the doctorate, which is the required qualification for a university teaching and research career. Prepare for academia by choosing a master's program with opportunities for teaching assistantships, research facilities, and faculty in your field of interest.

Professional Track. Most master's students head directly into the public or private sector, taking on research and advisory roles. Political science job titles include:

Contexts for political science work include government agencies, political campaigns, nonprofit organizations, chambers of commerce, and historical societies.

To determine which career path is right for you, consult WorldWideLearn.com's Career Pathways resource. You'll find career planning and assessment tools as well as descriptions of different careers.

Political Science Career Prospects

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the "growing importance of public policy and research" will drive demand for political scientists. Employment is anticipated to grow 21 percent between 2008 and 2018. Top issues on the agenda: environmental policy, sustainable energy, health care, and immigration. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, political scientists, most of whom hold a master's degree or PhD, surpassed the $100,000-median earnings mark in 2008.

Plan for a Master's Degree in Political Science

A year or two in graduate school passes by in a flurry if you don't start with a firm foundation. Plan your academic journey now to ensure that you seize the opportunities that come your way in graduate school.

Step One: Find the Right Graduate Political Science Program

Arguably the most important factor is finding the master's program that fits your ambitions. The interdisciplinary nature of political science ensures infinite diversity among graduate programs. Follow these steps to narrow down your options and identify the best recipients of your time and tuition dollar.

1. Find Accredited Programs

First, access information about accredited master's degrees in political science. Accreditation is the first and foremost arbiter of academic merit. Accrediting agencies regularly assess programs for adherence to basic quality standards. Accreditation indicates not only the quality of your education, but also the value of the degree as an employment credential. It can also figure into your eligibility for financial aid. The U.S. Department of Education Web site posts a searchable database of approved national and regional accreditation agencies.

Resources

WorldWideLearn.com offers a starting point for your research, with links to online degrees in political science. All WorldWideLearn.com educational partners are accredited.

The National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) is the major accrediting body for graduate MPA and MPP programs. Search for accredited online or campus master's degrees in political science.

2. Choose Program Format: Campus or Online Political Science Programs?

Program format has emerged as a top criterion in graduate school decisions. Online programs have evolved into a credible alternative to traditional campus degrees, as digital communications technology and access to online resources becomes more advanced. At the same time, busy professional lives and a demand for lifelong education has swelled demand for online education.

The online vs. campus decision today comes down to your life circumstances and access to resources. Working professionals depend on the convenience of online access. Career changers and recent graduates, by contrast, may rely on access to campus research facilities and faculty mentors. Aspiring academics, meanwhile, benefit from the close-knit intellectual community, faculty support, and teaching opportunities available on campus.

Resources

WorldWideLearn.com lays out the pros and cons of Online Degree Programs, and directs you to programs that offer your chosen learning format. For Campus Education programs near you, search Degrees by Location.

The Sloan Consortium represents online programs nationwide. Search the site's database for online master's degrees in political science.

3. Compare Academic Programs

The heart of your program research takes you into the details of individual graduate political science programs. To find a program with the resources to match your academic and career goals, take into account these factors:

Your career track will determine the priority of these factors. Academics depend on faculty mentorship and top-notch research resources in their specialty area. Professionals may prefer a career-focused program taught by industry insiders. The university's relationships with public and private employers will carry weight with professionals and career changers.

Resources

WorldWideLearn.com features a range of resources to help you investigate individual academic programs, including links to school information sites. You can also fill out a form indicating your program preferences, and find master's degree programs that meet your needs. School representatives can answer your questions directly, streamlining the research process.

School Web sites offer comprehensive program information about degree requirements, course descriptions, and campus facilities. You'll also find links to faculty Web pages and publications.

Interviews with faculty, alumni, and current graduate students give you an inside look into the academic experience and the value of the degree on the job market. Combine these interviews with a campus visit to explore local facilities and meet your future peers and mentors.

4. Evaluate Program Quality

Finally, evaluate programs on your list based on quality indicators such as reputation and selectivity. You can assess the quality of a political science program by taking into account:

Look for programs that offer the best value for students with your academic background. You can gauge your admissions prospects by taking into account your undergraduate GPA, standardized test scores (if available), work experience, and support of academic faculty or professional colleagues.

Resources

Admissions Counselors can advise you on the department's selectivity and job placement success. To get a sense of the diversity and experience level of the student body, ask to see demographic information.

Rankings give you a general sense of the program's reputation. U.S. News & World Report's Best Graduate Schools in Political Science is the most widely-regarded national ranking publication. The annual report features breakdowns for American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Politics, Political Methodology, and Political Theory programs.

Step Two: Apply to Graduate Political Science Programs

Application procedures are pretty standard across all graduate political science programs. Plan to cover the following bases as you make your case for admission and financial support:

1. Complete Prerequisites

Before you apply, be sure you can cross the following prerequisites off your list:

WorldWideLearn.com's Education Resources Guide helps you meet these requirements by connecting you with test preparation resources, prerequisite courses, and online learning tools.

2. Prepare Application Materials

Access each school's application online, fill out the information sheet, and prepare the following materials in support of your admission:

Timing can be an important factor in admissions. Start collecting application materials as soon as you can to ensure that all the documents arrive well in advance of the deadline.

3. Finance Your Political Science Degree

A master's degree is a sound investment in your future, but it still brings bills to pay today. Distance graduate education offers one means of reducing school expenses, since you can earn a master's degree online while you work. Most graduate students also rely on financial aid to offset the cost of college. Sources include your university, the federal government, public agencies, private foundations, and your employer.

Take these steps to secure financial aid:

Step Three: Become a Political Science Scholar

Participating in the academic community is as important to your graduate education as your classroom education. You can take steps now to build relationships with other scholars and a general literacy in political science research. Use these resources to connect with the people and ideas animating the academic community today:

Professional Associations

Journals

Major political science journals include:

Also look for journals in your particular field of interest. For example, the Journal of East Asian Studies and the Journal of Public Administration, Research, and Theory (JPART) offer insights into specific areas of political science scholarship.

In addition to reading journals and joining associations, attend local networking events to meet your peers in person. Universities, think tanks, and private foundations sponsor lectures, conferences, and informal gatherings to foster community among political science professionals and academics.

Conclusion

The key to a successful graduate student experience is developing clear goals and finding the right resources to achieve them. By building this foundation, you're setting yourself up to take full advantage of the opportunities that await. Whether you earn a master's degree online or on campus, you'll be exposed to some of the most innovative political thinkers and policy experts in the field. Use your academic resources wisely, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a leading light yourself.

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AIU Online

American InterContinental University Online's flexible curriculum allows you to study when and where it's most convenient. Earn your degree at an accelerated pace from an accredited school that is respected by employers.

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