Political Science

MA

Why study Political Science?

Students in the Master of Arts (M.A.) in political science program at the School of Public and International Affairs deepen their knowledge and research skills for careers in politics or policy and/or prepare to apply to doctoral programs in political science and related fields. The degree requires the completion of either a master’s thesis or professional paper (an article-length research paper, suitable for submission to an academic journal). Most classes are on weekday afternoons in the fall and spring semesters. The M.A. degree can be done part-time or full-time.

Admission Requirements

  • Transcripts from all undergraduate work and (if any) graduate work
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • A statement of purpose explaining why you have decided to pursue graduate education in political science and specifically addressing how your interests fit with those of the department faculty 
  • For students applying with only a bachelor’s degree: GRE verbal, quantitative and analytical scores are required
  • For students applying with a master’s degree from a US university or an English-medium university outside the US: GRE scores are optional
  • For students applying from countries where English is not an official language: TOEFL scores (or other standardized tests recognized by the UC Graduate School) are required unless you have a bachelor’s or higher degree from an entirely English-instructing college or university
  • Applicants should have at least a B average in undergraduate coursework or otherwise give evidence of academic promise
  • The video essay is not required

The Political Science M.A. program prepares students for careers in public policy, government, international organizations, or research firms. Graduates have gone on to Ph.D. programs, government careers, or employment as political campaign managers or consultants.

The Taft Research Center at the University of Cincinnati provides graduate student travel grants for research or conference presentations and doctoral dissertation fellowships.

Our school has research strengths in several areas, with multiple professors working within each, including:

Students may choose to complete a Graduate Certificate in Public Opinion and Survey Research or a cross-disciplinary Graduate Certificate in Asian Studies. SPIA also offers a joint M.A./J.D. program with the College of Law at the University of Cincinnati. 

Students entering the political science PhD program with an MA only need 60 credits to complete the PhD instead of 90. 

Students entering the political science PhD program with an MA only need 60 credits to complete the PhD instead of 90. 

Application Deadlines

  • January 15 for fall enrollment with consideration for graduate assistantship or tuition scholarships. Typically Ph.D. students are prioritized for assistantships, but excellent M.A. applicants are sometimes awarded funding.
  • June 15 for fall enrollment if the applicant has a fellowship or other funding.

Submit an application for the Political Science program through the UC Graduate School. 

The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Contact Information

Dr. Jack Mewhirter
Room 5110 Clifton Court Hall
School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA)
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0375
(513) 556-1182
SPIA-Grad@uc.edu

Find related programs in the following interest areas:

Program Code: 15MAS-POL-MA