MA in Political Science

In the Master of Arts in Political Science program, students develop a foundation of academic study in their field of interest. MA students enroll to prepare for further graduate study (PhD, law, etc.) or to “craft their own adventure” beyond the BA basics. MA students may also take courses alongside doctoral students and are exposed to the same material, with courses as varied as Public Opinion and Psychology, Social Movements, International Security, and Game Theory, among others.

In addition to coursework, students participate in scholarly debates in their chosen field and hone statistical research techniques. Many go on to careers as political campaign strategists, professors, leaders in government and business and expert contributors at top media outlets.

Join the Graduate Programs Virtual Open House: October 17–27

Registration is open for the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences 2023 Open House! The online event includes program-specific information sessions and opportunities to engage with current graduate students, faculty and our admissions team.

The Political Science Department is hosting an information session for prospective graduate students on Thursday, Oct. 26 at 12:00 p.m. EDT. 

Registration and Details

Concentrations

All MA students must complete 15 of the total 33 required credits in one of three tracks:

• American Politics
• World Politics
• Law and Politics

Review the Bulletin requirements for more details on each concentration.

Comprehensive Exams

At the end of their studies, all MA students must pass a comprehensive examination in one of the departmental tracks: American politics, world politics or law and politics.

Preparation

Soon after their arrival in the department, students should speak with the professors who are the conveners for their chosen exam track. Professors will advise students about coursework that is most appropriate, combining the parameters of the field with the student's interests. Check with the graduate director about who the conveners are for the current year.

Plan of Study

During the first semester, and no later than the second, students should fill out a plan of study in consultation with the director of graduate studies. This allows students and their advisors to plan for the entire program, and determine which classes are necessary to prepare for comprehensive exams.

Exam Dates and Grading

Opportunities to take the exams are offered once per year in May. An extra exam may be scheduled in April for MA students planning to graduate in May. Be sure to contact the graduate advisor in advance to arrange this if necessary. 

Comprehensive exams are evaluated as fail, bare pass, satisfactory pass, or pass with distinction. Students must receive a grade of bare pass or better on the MA exam in order to fulfill this degree requirement. Students may retake an exam once, if necessary; under no circumstances may a student take a comprehensive examination a third time. Failure to demonstrate the required level of performance on comprehensive examinations after two efforts will result in termination from the program.

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“I moved from being an academic to business to government, so a lot of the things I learned at GW — looking at the macro picture, being able to look strategically — I took with me.”

Anwar Gargash, BA ’81, MA ’84
UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs

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Course Requirements