We designed this Master's degree to provide you with broad training suitable for pursuing doctoral work or a career in government, teaching, or the private sector. You choose your primary field of study from one of these three areas: American Politics and Public Administration, Comparative Politics and International Relations, or Public Policy.
The MA in Political Science is available in two forms: Non-thesis and Thesis.
A degree in Political Science can prepare you for a career in a diverse range of job opportunities. Here, you can advance your knowledge about how our public lives are organized at the local, national, and international levels. We offer a highly diverse and collaborative approach to graduate study in political science. You will work closely with faculty to formulate a specialized plan to pursue your personal interests. Whether it's American politics, public administration, public policy, comparative politics, or political theory, you can tailor your academic work to help you meet your career goals. You'll be in good company, with many fellow students and faculty members pursuing in-depth study in the field.
To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.
You must additionally complete:
Read the full policy here.
In addition to University Requirements:
| Minimum Units for Completion | 36 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
| Thesis | Thesis may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option. |
| Comprehensive Exam | Comprehensive Exam may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option. |
| Research | Individualized research may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option. |
| Progression Plan Link | View Program of Study |
| Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan | Optional |
Purpose Statement
The Master of Arts in Political Science degree provides students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to understand and participate in the political systems of the United States and the world. This degree provides a broad perspective on experiences, international and domestic, from both theory and practice.
This degree builds a strong foundation in the advanced knowledge of the political world and enables students to be able to use key concepts and analytical approaches from Public Policy, American Politics, Public Administration, Comparative Politics, and International relations.
Building upon this fundamental knowledge, our curriculum ensures that students can define, design, and implement effective scholarly research projects in political science. In addition, they will be able to make clear and effective demonstrations of their work in writing and public presentations, including scholarly presentations to academics at professional political science conferences. Students will also leave this program ready to work in government, non-academic research institutions, and governmental and non-governmental organizations.
Our goal is to train students to be active, engaged, and informed participants in the global system who can not only understand the world around them but also shape and influence it.
Student Learning Outcomes
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Admission requirements include the following:
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.
International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
This Master’s degree requires 36 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 36 units:
Politics and International Affairs Core Courses (9 units)
Primary Coursework Specialization Areas - Select one (9 units)
Secondary Coursework (6 units)
Thesis or Non-Thesis Option - Select one (12 units)
Thesis Option (12 units)
Non-Thesis Option (12 units)
Please note that you choose all courses in consultation with your plan advisor.
You may count up to two 400-level courses toward this academic plan if they haven't previously been counted toward a bachelor's degree.
This program is available as an Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan wherein a student may start a master's degree while simultaneously completing their bachelor's degree.
Students enrolled at the Flagstaff campus for both undergraduate and graduate programs are eligible to complete the Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Government and start a Master of Arts in Political Science, non-thesis option at NAU.
OR
Students enrolled at the Flagstaff campus for both undergraduate and graduate programs are eligible to complete the Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs and start a Master of Arts in Political Science, non-thesis option at NAU.
OR
Students enrolled at the Flagstaff campus for both undergraduate and graduate programs are eligible to complete the Bachelor of Science in Political Science and start a Master of Arts in Political Science, non-thesis option at NAU.
Students accepted into the Accelerated Program should complete the following requirements:
This Master’s degree requires 36 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 36 units:
Primary Coursework Specialization Areas - Select one (9 units)
Non-Thesis Option (12 units)
Please note that you choose all courses in consultation with your plan advisor.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.