Students in the Master of Arts (M.A.) in political science program at the School of Public and International Affairs deepen their knowledge and research skills for careers in politics or policy and/or prepare to apply to doctoral programs in political science and related fields. The degree requires the completion of either a master’s thesis or professional paper (an article-length research paper, suitable for submission to an academic journal). Most classes are on weekday afternoons in the fall and spring semesters. The M.A. degree can be done part-time or full-time.

Curriculum
MA in Political Science

Required Courses
Course    Title/Desc    Credit
POL7005    Graduate Colloquium in Political Science    2
POL7050    Research Methods & Design (C min)    4
POL7051    Statistics for Political Science 1 (C min)    4
POL7XXX+
Two additional POL courses at 7000 level or above
6 - 8

Electives
Course    Title/Desc    Credit
Free Electives    Six to eight credits of elective courses at the graduate level    6 - 8

MA research
Students complete either MA thesis or a professional paper, non-thesis option (4-6 credits minimum)
Thesis
Course    Title/Desc    Credit
POL8095    M.A. Thesis Research    4 - 6
Non-thesis
Course    Title/Desc    Credit
POL8096    M.A. Non-Thesis Research    4 - 6

The Political Science M.A. program prepares students for careers in public policy, government, international organizations, or research firms. Graduates have gone on to Ph.D. programs, government careers, or employment as political campaign managers or consultants.

Admission Requirements

• Transcripts from all undergraduate work and (if any) graduate work
• Three letters of recommendation
• A statement of purpose explaining why you have decided to pursue graduate education in political science and specifically addressing how your interests fit with those of the department faculty 
• For students applying with only a bachelor’s degree: GRE verbal, quantitative and analytical scores are required
• For students applying with a master’s degree from a US university or an English-medium university outside the US: GRE scores are optional
• For students applying from countries where English is not an official language: TOEFL scores (or other standardized tests recognized by the UC Graduate School) are required unless you have a bachelor’s or higher degree from an entirely English-instructing college or university
• Applicants should have at least a B average in undergraduate coursework or otherwise give evidence of academic promise
• The video essay is not required

Tuition fee-2 years$60,000

Total fee-2 years$92,000