Graduate Degree Programs for Political Science Majors
There are a number of graduate programs for political science majors such as an M.A. in Political Science, a Master of Public Policy, an M.A. in International Affairs, and a Master of Public Administration. Each program prepares students for a different profession.
Graduate Degrees Related to Political Science
<h3 id="section---MasterOfArtsInPoliticalScience">Master of Arts in Political Science</h3>
<p>Graduate degrees in political science are a good choice for someone who desires to work in American politics or proceed to become a legislative assistant, public relations specialist, or academia. If someone desires to become an aid to a lawmaker or to proceed towards earning a Ph.D. in political science, then this is also the perfect Master of Arts. Political Science master's programs typically take 1 to 3 years. Applicants are required to have an undergraduate degree and to send the appropriate documents to the colleges that they are applying to.
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<h3 id="section---MasterOfPublicPolicy">Master of Public Policy</h3>
<p>A Master of Public Policy is an excellent choice for someone who wants to analyze public policy and to suggest improvements. What separates a Master of Public Policy from the programs listed below is its emphasis on applying what is learned in the program to real life and its emphasis on policy. Individuals with an MPP degree can work as policy analysts, department heads, and public health managers. MPP programs are typically 2 years and entrance requirements similar to other graduate programs in that they require an applicant to have an undergraduate degree, an applicant's undergraduate transcripts to be sent to the college one is applying for, the GMAT or GRE to be taken, a statement of one's professional goals, and a resume or curriculum vitae.
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<h3 id="section---MasterOfArtsInInternationalAffairs">Master of Arts in International Affairs</h3>
<p>Graduates with an M.A. in International Affairs can work as intelligence specialists and as diplomats who represent the interests of governments overseas. Students who choose to continue with their studies in this field, completing their Ph.D. could continue their career as a college professor. An M.A. in International Affairs often takes 1 to 2 years to complete, during which time they will also learn a second language. There are a number of different specialization areas that students can choose to focus on, including areas relating to security studies, diplomacy, and religion. Applicants are required to have an undergraduate degree and to send the appropriate documents to the universities that they are applying to.
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<h3 id="section---MasterOfPublicAdministration">Master of Public Administration</h3>
<p>A Master of Public Administration is an excellent graduate degree to earn if you are interested in becoming a politician, a human resources director, or a city manager. While a Master of Public Policy degree focuses on the ways in which public policy is made and how these policies can be changed to better citizen's lives, a Master of Public Administration focuses on the managerial aspects of government. MPA programs usually take 2 to 3 years to complete. An applicant to an MPA program is required to have already completed an undergraduate degree and should send their undergraduate transcripts, GRE/ GMAT scores, statement of career and educational goals, as well as their resume or curriculum vitae.
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<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 Political Science </td><td>1 to 3 years </td><td>•Undergraduate Degree </td><td>•College Professor (Ph.D. is preferable) <br />•Legislative Assistant <br />•Public Relations Specialist</td></tr>
<tr><td>Master of Public Policy</td><td>2 years </td><td>•Undergraduate Degree </td><td>•Policy Analyst <br />•Department Head <br />•Public Health Manager</td></tr>
<tr><td>M.A. in International Affairs </td><td>1 to 2 years </td><td>•Undergraduate Degree </td><td>•Diplomat <br />•Intelligence Specialist <br />•College Professor (Ph.D. is preferable)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Master of Public Administration </td><td>2 to 3 years </td><td>•Undergraduate Degree </td><td>•Politician <br />•Human Resources Director <br />•City Manager</td></tr>
</table><h2 id="section---AdmittanceRequirementsForGraduatePrograms">Admittance Requirements for Graduate Programs</h2>
<p>Students wishing to enter a graduate program with a policial science major are at a minimum required to have a bachelor's degree with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, although some schools also welcome professional experience. In addition to an application form, students are required to submit official transcripts from the previous study as well as submitting in-date GRE/GMAT scores. Students should also submit 2-3 reference letters from individuals who are familiar with their academic competence, a writing sample, and a personal statement. For non-native English speakers, they may be required to complete and submit TOEFL scores.
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<p>There are several graduate degree programs available for students who wish to major in political science, such as; Master of Arts in Political Science, Master of Public Policy, Master of Arts in International Affairs, and a Master of Public Administration. Each graduate program offers students a gateway to many unique careers.</p>