Master's in Economics and Political Science

<h3 id="section---M.A.InPhilosophyPoliticalScienceAndEconomics">M.A. in Philosophy, Political Science, and Economics</h3> <p>This program weaves together three important disciplines to mold graduates into agents of social change. In the first year students take equal credit hours in all three sub-disciplines. In the second year a student can continue to study all three subjects or choose a specialty and conduct research in a topic of their choice. Competitive applicants have a background in mathematics and philosophy; however, there are no formal bachelor's degree requirements. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the degree, graduates can find work in government, finance, journalism, or any field that seeks to address societal problems. </p> <h3 id="section---M.A.InPoliticalEconomy">M.A. in Political Economy</h3> <p>This degree program challenges students to explore and research the connection between economic theory and politics. After completing core courses in mathematics, economics, and data analysis, students choose elective courses in topics ranging from agriculture policy to international trade law. Although students can take supplementary mathematics classes while in the program, successful applicants have background knowledge of multivariate calculus, linear algebra, probability, and statistics. After 1-2 years of study students graduate with up-to-date knowledge of political and economic theory as well as advanced critical thinking, research, and analysis skills. Graduates go on to a wide variety of careers in political campaigns, financial services, nonprofit organizations, or think tanks. </p> <h3 id="section---JointM.A.InPoliticalScienceAndMBAMasterOfBusinessAdministration">Joint M.A. in Political Science and MBA (Master of Business Administration)</h3> <p>If you are interested in the intersection of political theory and business practice, you can earn a joint M.A. and MBA degree. Students take courses like public entrepreneurship that integrate business law, leadership, and ethics with policymaking. To be accepted students must apply to both business school (with an GMAT test score) and graduate school (with the GRE test). Students save time and tuition by graduating with a master's in political science (which typically takes two years) and an MBA (which also typically takes two years) in three years total. Graduates go on to work in the public or private sector, but are particularly suited for business jobs that involve interaction between private companies and government agencies. </p> <h3 id="section---M.S.InAppliedEconomicsWithAConcentrationInPublicPolicy">M.S. in Applied Economics with a Concentration in Public Policy</h3> <p>In this program students learn to apply advanced economic theory in the formation of public policy. Students start with core courses in microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, statistics, and econometrics. Later on in the course, students integrate their experience in quantitative techniques to construct public policy. Applicants are not required to have a bachelor's degree in economics; however, background experience in economics and statistics strengthens a student's chance of being accepted. After the 12- to 24-month course, graduates are qualified to conduct expert statistical analysis, economic reasoning, and modeling. They can find work in government agencies, congressional committees, and private businesses in the financial services sector. </p> <h3 id="section---M.S.EconomicsForDevelopment">M.S. Economics for Development</h3> <p>In this program students study both policy creation and economic theory as it pertains to local, national, or global development. Students take courses in economic theory, quantitative methods, and electives in development and public policy. Before graduating, students write a dissertation on a subject of their choice and apply their blended knowledge by conducting original research.To apply students need a bachelor's degree in economics. Students can continue on to doctoral research or jump into work at international financial institutions, government agencies, or non-governmental organizations (NGO). </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th> Degree Program </th><th> Program Length </th><th> Program Requirements </th><th> Related Careers</th></tr> <tr><td> M.A. in Philosophy, Political Science, and Economics</td><td>1 year</td><td> Bachelor's degree in a related field</td><td> Strategy consultant<br />Policy advisor</td></tr> <tr><td> M.A. in Political Economy</td><td>1-2 years </td><td> Bachelor's degree</td><td> Economist<br />Financial manager<br />Lobbyist<br />International trade specialist</td></tr> <tr><td>Joint M.A. in Political Science and MBA </td><td>3 years</td><td> Bachelor's degree</td><td> Financial manager<br />Policy analyst<br />Political consultant</td></tr> <tr><td> M.S. in Applied Economics with a Concentration in Public Policy</td><td> 1-2 years</td><td> Bachelor's degree with demonstrated success in mathematics and economics</td><td> Policy analyst<br />Economist<br />Budget analyst</td></tr> <tr><td> M.A. in Economics for Development </td><td>1-2 years</td><td> Bachelor's degree in economics</td><td>Development economist<br />Lobbyist<br />Policy advisor</td></tr> </table><h2 id="section---GettingIntoAGraduateProgramInEconomicsAndPoliticalScience">Getting into a Graduate Program in Economics and Political Science</h2> <p>To apply for graduate school in economics and political science students need at least a bachelor's degree. There is no set GPA requirement, but competitive programs often look for GPAs over 3.0. Some programs require previous specialization in economics or at least demonstrated success in upper-level mathematical reasoning (statistics, data analysis, and linear algebra). Applicants must submit GRE test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay stating their interest in the program. </p> <p>If you are interested in the intersection of economics and politics there are a variety of graduate programs that can act as a stepping stone to a great career.</p>