Program Overview

Political Psychology, MA

Department of Political Science, College of Arts and Sciences

Degree Awarded: Master of Arts in Political Psychology

Department Chair: Dr. Leonie Huddy, SBS S-711

Program Director: Dr. Andrew Delton, SBS N-725

Graduate Program Coordinator: Ms. Carri Horner, SBS S-707

Overview

Stony Brook University’s Master of Arts in Political Psychology (PSPMA) is for anyone who is intellectually curious about politics and psychology and who wants to expand their research skills.

Career Paths

Graduates of the M.A. in Political Psychology program will usually pursue one of two paths after graduation:

• Graduates may continue on to careers working at political campaigns, government agencies, media outlets, polling firms, non-profits, and similar organizations. Many of these jobs require understanding data collection and analysis. The combination of content classes and methods training we provide will serve you well for these. Our program equips you to go out and make a difference.
• Graduates may also continue to pursue a Ph.D. Our program helps students prepare for doctoral programs in political science, psychology, and related fields. Students from our program have gone on to Ph.D. programs at Columbia University, the University of Maryland, the University of Pittsburgh, Florida State University, as well as our own Ph.D. program here at Stony Brook.

Program Features

• Our program is fully in person, enabling close collaboration and networking between students and faculty members.
• Students of the program will learn about theories at the crossroads of psychology and political science and how these can help us to understand politics and public opinion.
• Students are trained in state-of-the-art statistics programs and research methods.
• Class sizes are intentionally small, allowing for students to get to know their professors.
• The program offers a diverse line-up of classes, including courses on emotion and politics, moral politics, public opinion, and the intersection of politics with behavioral economics.

Course of Study

The Political Psychology program curriculum is concise but rigorous, taking one calendar year of full-time study to complete. The coursework provides students with a foundation in statistical and methodological skills which are then applied in elective coursework. Students are able to select research projects and design experiments that relate to their career and personal research interests. The program culminates with a capstone thesis project where students demonstrate their learning to design, research, and present their own findings on the topic of their choosing.

Admission Requirements

1. Applicants must meet the minimum Requirements for Admission to the Graduate School.
2. Applicants must submit a complete application by the posted application deadline. The application includes:
   • Official transcripts from all previous institutions.
   • Three letters of recommendation from instructors, academic advisors, or employers.
   • A personal statement/statement of purpose describing your reasons for applying to the program, addressing your research interests, background in political science, career plans, and any additional interests, information, or work history that can assist the admissions committee in evaluating your application.
   • Documented proficiency in English for international students (see the English Proficiency Requirements).

Degree Requirements

In addition to the Minimum Degree Requirements of the Graduate School, the M.A. in Political Psychology requires the successful completion of:

Required Coursework (15 credits)

• POL 501 - Introductory Statistics (3 credits)
• POL 502 - Intermediate Statistics (3 credits)
• POL 504 - Research Design (3 credits)
• POL 568 - Capstone Thesis Project in Political Psychology (6 credits)

Elective Coursework (15 credits)

Students will take additional restricted courses offered by the Department of Political Science, including:

• POL 503 - Survey Research Methods (3 credits)
• POL 521 - Behavioral Economics & Public Policy (3 credits)
• POL 561 - Dynamics of Public Opinion (3 credits)
• POL 562 - Passionate Politics: Mobilization, Interest Groups, and Social Movements (3 credits)
• POL 565 - Persuasion and Propaganda (3 credits)
• POL 567 - Culture, Values, and Public Opinion (3 credits)
• POL 571 - Moral Politics (3 credits)
• Or other course with advanced Program Director approval