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Political Science M.A.

Political Science - M.A.

The Master of Arts in Political Science offers a deeper understanding of the field, with opportunities for specialized study and research. With experienced faculty and a supportive community of scholars, you'll be prepared for a variety of career paths, including teaching, research and public service.

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Master's Degree in Political Science

Graduates of Kent State University’s Master’s Degree in Political Science are well-equipped for advanced careers in government, academia, and the private sector. They can pursue roles as policy analysts, political consultants, researchers, and university professors, applying their expertise in political theory and analysis. Many graduates work in government agencies, non-profit organizations, or international institutions, where they can influence public policy, engage in advocacy, and contribute to social change. The program's emphasis on critical thinking, research methodology, and practical experience prepares graduates for leadership positions in public administration, diplomacy, and political communication, as well as for further academic pursuits, such as pursuing a Ph.D. in Political Science or related fields.

Program Information for Political Science - M.A.

Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Arts degree in Political Science focuses broadly on the dynamics surrounding representation, equity, conflict, human rights, development and conflict resolution. Students delve into the scholarship on these dynamics (among others) in an interdisciplinary and theoretically sophisticated way, thinking about how the political process and government policy-making affect the lives of citizens, and how citizens influence those processes.

The Political Science major comprises the following concentrations:

  • American Politics and Policy
  • Conflict Analysis and Management
  • Transnational and Comparative Politics
Admissions for Political Science - M.A.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements 

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Résumé or curriculum vitae with cover letter
  • Goal statement
  • Writing sample
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Priority deadline: February 15
      Applications submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.
Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Understand the theoretical underpinnings of political science and be able to address real world issues and problems.
  2. Attain research and methodological skills that will further their research and make them attractive to future employers.
  3. Effectively communicate research findings and implications to a range of audiences including scholars, practitioners and citizens.
Coursework

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
POL 60002SCOPE AND EPISTEMOLOGY 3
POL 60003QUANTITATIVE METHODS I 3
POL 60010QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS 3
Culminating Requirement
Non-Thesis or Thesis Option, choose from the following: 19
Non-Thesis Option
POL 60099
CAPSTONE SEMINAR
Electives (6 credit hours)
Thesis Option
POL 61199
THESIS I
Elective (3 credit hours)
Concentrations
Choose from the following:12
Minimum Total Credit Hours:30
1

Students intending to pursue a Ph.D. degree are advised to choose the thesis option

American Politics and Policy Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
POL 60101STATUS OF THE FIELD: AMERICAN POLITICS AND POLICY 3
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:9
POL 60102
AMERICAN POLICY PROCESS
POL 60103
CONGRESS, THE PRESIDENCY AND THE COURTS
POL 60106
URBAN POLICY AND POLITICS
POL 60108
AMERICAN POLITICAL BEHAVIOR
POL 60191
SEMINAR IN AMERICAN POLITICS AND POLICY
Advisor-Approved Electives
Minimum Total Credit Hours:12

Conflict Analysis and Management Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
POL 60901FOUNDATIONS OF CONFLICT ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT 3
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:9
POL 60507
CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION AND RECONCILIATION
POL 60902
POWER, CONFLICT AND THE POLITICS OF GENDER
POL 60903
IDENTITY DRIVEN CONFLICTS
POL 60904
SOCIAL MOVEMENTS AND NONVIOLENT CONFLICTS
POL 60906
POLITICAL VIOLENCE
POL 60907
TERRORISM AND HUMAN RIGHTS
POL 60991
SEMINAR IN CONFLICT ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT
Advisor-Approved Electives
Minimum Total Credit Hours:12

Transnational and Comparative Politics Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
POL 60501STATUS OF THE FIELD: TRANSNATIONAL AND COMPARATIVE POLITICS AND POLICY 3
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:9
POL 60502
GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
POL 60503
FOREIGN POLICY ANALYSIS
POL 60510
POLITICS OF DEVELOPMENT
POL 60591
SEMINAR IN TRANSNATIONAL AND COMPARATIVE POLITICS AND POLICY
Advisor-Approval Electives
Minimum Total Credit Hours:12

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • Minimum 30 credit hours required for graduation
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Looking for Our Undergraduate Program?

Click here to learn more about our B.A. program in Political Science.

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Political Science - M.A.

Graduates of Kent State University’s Master’s Degree in Political Science are well-prepared for a range of impactful careers in government, academia, and the private sector. They can take on roles as policy analysts, political consultants, and research directors in think tanks and non-profit organizations, where they contribute to the development of effective public policies. Many graduates also pursue careers in international relations, public administration, and public affairs, working for government agencies, international organizations, or corporations. Additionally, the degree opens doors to academic positions, allowing graduates to teach and conduct research at the university level. With a strong foundation in political theory and practical skills, graduates are equipped to make meaningful contributions to their fields and communities.

Political science teachers, postsecondary

4.9%

about as fast as the average

19,800

number of jobs

$85,760

potential earnings

Political scientists

6.1%

faster than the average

7,000

number of jobs

$125,350

potential earnings

Social sciences teachers, postsecondary, all other

-0.3%

little or no change

19,300

number of jobs

$69,340

potential earnings

Social science research assistants

5.8%

faster than the average

40,100

number of jobs

$49,210

potential earnings

Social and community service managers

17.0%

much faster than the average

175,500

number of jobs

$69,600

potential earnings

Social scientists and related workers, all other

0.8%

little or no change

38,800

number of jobs

$87,260

potential earnings

Legislators

6.2%

faster than the average

53,700

number of jobs

$33,200

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

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