Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Politics and International Affairs

Political Science, Master of Arts


Academic Information

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.

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Politics and International Affairs

Political Science, Master of Arts


Careers

What Can I Do with a Master of Arts in Political Science?

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.

With further education, one of these paths is possible:
  • Diplomat
  • Educator
  • Journalist
  • Policy analyst

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Politics and International Affairs

Political Science, Master of Arts


University Requirements

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Politics and International Affairs

Political Science, Master of Arts


Overview

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

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Politics and International Affairs

Political Science, Master of Arts


Details

Graduate Admission Information
Additional Admission Requirements
Master's Requirements
Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Program
Additional Information
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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Politics and International Affairs

Political Science, Master of Arts


Campus Availability

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