Program Overview

Master of Arts in Political Science

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Political Science at the University at Albany provides students with a strong foundation in government and politics, offering six career-launching tracks of study. Located less than a mile from the New York State Capitol, the program offers immediate access to abundant career-building opportunities.

Program of Study

The MA program in political science requires a minimum of 31 credits. Students complete two core courses, a master's capstone, and additional graduate courses in political science, public administration, and policy or other relevant fields.

Core Courses

• Introduction to Political Inquiry
• Qualitative Research Methods OR Quantitative Methods

Master's Capstone

Students complete the capstone requirement by writing a master's essay under the direction of their advisor or another appropriate faculty member in the political science department.

Electives

Students are encouraged to select elective courses that will help them develop expertise in a particular subfield or area of inquiry in political science. They may choose to fulfill some electives by completing an internship with the state legislature or an election campaign committee, government agency, nonprofit organization, or lobby firm.

Areas of Study

American Politics

This track provides students with a practical education on the functioning of American governmental systems. It is recommended for those interested in a career in public employment or with non-governmental organizations that interface with government.

• Three courses in institutions, political processes, and lobbying, and state and local politics
• Two political science or public administration and policy courses

Applied American Politics (Elections, Lobbying, and Advocacy)

This track is recommended for those interested in pursuing a career in elections, lobbying, and/or other forms of government advocacy.

• Three electives focusing on legislative process, political parties, political behavior, campaigns and elections, politics of organized interests, or legislative or campaign internship

Justice, Democracy, and Law

This track is advised for those interested in questions of justice, equality, inclusion, citizenship, and basic rights, as well as the role of the state in affecting these fundamental principles.

• Field Seminars in Political Theory AND Public Law
• Choose two: Political Philosophy; Contemporary Political Theory; American Political Theory
• Choose two: Constitutional Law; Civil Rights and Civil Liberties; Law and Policy; Law and Society

Law and Politics

This track provides students with advanced coursework and training in the study of law from multiple perspectives.

• Field Seminar in Public Law
• Judicial Power
• Law and Society
• Choose two: Constitutional Law; Civil Rights and Civil Liberties; Law and Policy; Election Law; Justice Reform in Latin America

Public Policy

This track gives students the skills and substantive knowledge to understand and analyze the politics of public policy.

• Quantitative AND Qualitative Methods
• Research Design
• Field Seminar in Public Policy
• Comparative Public Policy
• State and Local Policy
• One or more courses in subjects such as inequality, migration, foreign policy, and politics of health policy

Career Outcomes

The MA in Political Science prepares students for careers in both the public and private sectors.

• Sample job titles:
  • Political Aide
  • Research Coordinator
  • State Assembly or Congressional Staff
  • Lobbyist/Liaison
  • Nonprofit Administrator
  • Government Watchdog Analyst
  • Public Servant

Admissions Requirements

• Deadlines:
  • Fall (Priority for funding consideration): February 1
  • Fall (Regular admission): July 1
  • Spring: December 1
  • Summer: Not Available
• Required Application Materials:
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Resume
  • Statement of goals
• Available information for International Applicants

Student Learning Objectives

• The student understands the essence of political inquiry in the social sciences.
• The student is trained in and understands a variety of methods of political science.
• The student develops expertise in a substantive area of political science.
• The student either executes a major independent research project or a portfolio of excellence.

Supplemental Degree Programs

Graduate students can typically request a supplemental degree in one or more subordinate degrees without needing to go through the full admissions process again.

• Supplemental programs available with this degree:
  • Africana Studies CGS
  • Community College Leadership CGS
  • Data Science for Public Affairs CGS
  • Demography CGS
  • Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity CGS
  • International Education Management CGS
  • Nonprofit Management and Leadership CGS
  • Public Sector Management CGS
  • Women and Public Policy CGS