Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Master of Arts program in Political Psychology is an interdisciplinary program that combines political science and psychology to aid in the professional advancement of electoral and issue advocacy campaign professionals, as well as those who work in government, in the private sector, or for a nonprofit organization.

Program Description

Developed as an interdisciplinary program, the Master of Arts in Political Psychology was created to educate students in the most recent insights from evidence-based research, prepare students with innovative tools and knowledge that gives them an advantage over their peers, and encourage hands-on training that ensures they can apply their classroom learning. The program's mission is to shape the world in a meaningful and positive way.

At a Glance

• College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Location: Online
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Accelerated Program Options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree.

Degree Requirements

• 30 credit hours including the required capstone course (PPS 550)
• Required Core (3 credit hours): PPS 501 Fundamentals of Political Psychology (3)
• Other Requirements (6 credit hours):
  • PPS 504 Attitudes and Persuasion (3)
  • PPS 506 Experimental Design (3)
• Electives (18 credit hours)
• Culminating Experience (3 credit hours): PPS 550 Capstone (3)

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
• Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
• Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
• Applicants are required to submit:
  • Graduate admission application and application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Letter of intent or written statement
  • Proof of English proficiency

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Attend Online

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.

Application Deadlines

• Fall: Priority deadline is 07/25
• Spring: Priority deadline is 12/11
• Summer: Priority deadline is 04/14

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:

• Evaluate complex political issues using political psychology concepts and theories.
• Analyze psychological influences on politics using relevant quantitative and/or qualitative methods.
• Assess the impact of persuasive communication on political attitude formation and change.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for a variety of careers in politics and related fields. An understanding of how voters make decisions and behave is crucial for jobs in political campaigns, grassroots organizations, and political party organizations. The communication skills developed in this program could lead to careers in political marketing or political advertising. Graduates are also prepared for a variety of jobs in local, state, or federal government.

Career Examples

• Campaign manager
• Campaign strategist
• Community organizer
• Fundraising consultant
• Issue advocacy consultant
• Legislative aide
• Lobbyist
• Media strategist
• Political analyst
• Political marketing manager

Additional Information

The School of Politics and Global Studies is host to the Future Security Initiative, the Center for Latina/os and American Politics Research, and the SPGS Experimental Lab. The Department of Psychology hosts 10 doctoral, master's degree, and graduate certificate programs that investigate issues such as social influence and persuasion, prejudices and discrimination, and neuroscience and clinical pathology. Faculty members are active in collaborative interdisciplinary research at ASU and with scholars at other universities, and have won many major grants and awards.