Aspiring political professionals seeking to advance their careers will find that choosing the right master’s in political science degree program is crucial to achieving their goals. These programs are carefully designed to prepare graduate students for careers as political scientists, where the median salary is $132,350 per year — a figure that is anticipated to rise as the demand for professionals in this field is expected to grow by 3% over the next decade.
Completing a master’s in political science program takes about two years, with the cost of graduate degree programs averaging $20,513 per year in tuition.
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How we rank schools
Our list features the best Political Science degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 41 Accredited Master’s in Political Science Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
Columbia University
Intelligent Score: 99.8In-state: $57,864
Out-of-state: $57,864
In-state: $49,024
Out-of-state: $49,024
SAT: 1460-1570
ACT: 33-35
$2,276
On-Campus
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
30
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Intelligent Score: 99.77In-state: $53,450
Out-of-state: $53,450
In-state: $53,450
Out-of-state: $53,450
SAT: 1510-1580
ACT: 34-36
$960
On-Campus
New England Commission of Higher Education
66
Boston College
Intelligent Score: 99.5In-state: $59,050
Out-of-state: $59,050
In-state: $31,824
Out-of-state: $31,824
SAT: 1330-1500
ACT: 31-34
$2,078
On-Campus
New England Commission of Higher Education
30
University of Georgia
Intelligent Score: 99In-state: $9,790
Out-of-state: $28,830
In-state: $8,878
Out-of-state: $8,878
SAT: 1250-1460
ACT: 29-33
In-State: $370
Out-of-State: $1,050
On-Campus, Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
30-33
Binghamton University
Intelligent Score: 98.4In-state: $7,070
Out-of-state: $24,660
In-state: $11,310
Out-of-state: $11,310
SAT: 1290-1450
ACT: 29-32
Resident: $471
Non-Resident: $991
On-Campus
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
32-40
Michigan State University
Intelligent Score: 95.74In-state: $15,555
Out-of-state: $40,384
In-state: $18,858
Out-of-state: $18,858
SAT: 1100-1300
ACT: 23-29
Resident: $867
Non-Resident: $1,703
On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
30
University of California, Riverside
Intelligent Score: 95.34In-state: $43,603
Out-of-state: $77,803
In-state: $52,964
Out-of-state: $52,964
SAT: 1080-1280
ACT: 22-31
$340
On-Campus
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
36
Duke University
Intelligent Score: 95.01In-state: $55,880
Out-of-state: $55,880
In-state: $57,900
Out-of-state: $57,900
SAT: 1470-1570
ACT: 34-35
$3,631
On-Campus, Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
30
University of Iowa
Intelligent Score: 94.9In-state: $8,073
Out-of-state: $30,036
In-state: $10,079
Out-of-state: $10,079
SAT: 1110-1310
ACT: 22-29
In-State: $626
Out-of-State: $1,677
On-Campus, Online
Higher Learning Commission
30
Rutgers School of Graduate Studies
Intelligent Score: 92.84In-state: $12,230
Out-of-state: $29,012
In-state: $17,736
Out-of-state: $17,736
SAT: 1180-1410
ACT: 25-32
Resident: $826
Non-Resident: $1,405
On-Campus
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
36
Northeastern University
Intelligent Score: 92.4In-state: $54,360
Out-of-state: $54,360
In-state: $25,264
Out-of-state: $25,264
SAT: 1410-1540
ACT: 33-35
$1,350
On-Campus
New England Commission of Higher Education
32
University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign
Intelligent Score: 91.6In-state: $14,317
Out-of-state: $33,824
In-state: $15,016
Out-of-state: $15,016
SAT: 1200-1460
ACT: 27-33
In-State: $574
Out-of-State: $1,240
On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
32
George Washington University
Intelligent Score: 90.51In-state: $55,961
Out-of-state: $55,961
In-state: $31,770
Out-of-state: $31,770
SAT: 1270-1450
ACT: 30-33
$2,020
On-Campus
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
33
University at Buffalo
Intelligent Score: 89.7In-state: $7,070
Out-of-state: $24,740
In-state: $11,310
Out-of-state: $11,310
SAT: 1140-1310
ACT: 23-29
Resident: $471
Non-Resident: $1,011
On-Campus
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
30
Syracuse University School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
Intelligent Score: 89.38In-state: $53,432
Out-of-state: $53,432
In-state: $40,392
Out-of-state: $40,392
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$1,872
On-Campus
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
30
Arizona State University
Intelligent Score: 86.57In-state: $10,710
Out-of-state: $28,800
In-state: $11,720
Out-of-state: $11,720
SAT: 1100-1320
ACT: 21-28
Resident: $897
Non-Resident: $1,471
On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
30
American University
Intelligent Score: 86.55In-state: $50,542
Out-of-state: $50,542
In-state: $34,533
Out-of-state: $34,533
SAT: 1220-1390
ACT: 27-32
$1,866
On-Campus
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
33
University of Houston
Intelligent Score: 86.02In-state: $8,449
Out-of-state: $20,665
In-state: $8,539
Out-of-state: $8,539
SAT: 1120-1310
ACT: 22-28
Resident: $412
Non-Resident: $932
On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
30-36
How to Choose a Master’s in Political Science Program
Choose your area of study
When selecting a program for your graduate degree in political science, you’ll first want to identify your area of interest to narrow down your options. Focus on political science master’s programs with coursework that support your professional goals.
The concentration options for political science degrees will vary by institution but often include international relations, appealing to those interested in global diplomacy and security; political economy, for students enthusiastic about the intersection of politics and economics; and public policy, ideal for degree-seekers driven to shape and analyze government decisions.
Research schools and programs
With your specialization in mind, you can now research political science master’s programs to determine the best fit for your objectives. Consider the following questions to help guide your research:
- Does the program offer courses in my area of interest?
- What type of research opportunities does the program provide?
- How does the program facilitate career advancement in my chosen field?
- Does a recognized accrediting body accredit the program?
University websites typically provide information on programs, their specializations, faculty, and career support. However, you can also find answers to these questions by contacting an admissions counselor or attending an information session.
Prepare for tests and applications
Preparing for tests and applications can be daunting, but starting early can make this process significantly easier.
For example, gathering transcripts and letters of recommendation should be done a few months in advance to ensure all materials are ready when submitting your application. If standardized tests are a requirement, consider enrolling in a test prep program to improve your scores. Additionally, allocate sufficient time to write your statement of purpose, which often takes longer than many students initially expect.
Select your program
By submitting well-rounded applications to multiple programs, it’s not uncommon to receive several acceptance letters. In such cases, revisit your initial research criteria, prioritizing the most essential elements — specialization strength, educators you’re looking forward to learning from, and program reputation.
Additionally, consider each school’s total cost of attendance and the availability of financial aid opportunities — as you’ll want to select a program that’s both economically feasible and aligned with your academic interests.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Once you’ve selected which graduate school you’ll attend, strategically planning how to finance your degree is crucial.
Prioritize funding that doesn’t require repayment by looking for scholarships and grants specific to political science or your specialization. Consider assistantships, which offer tuition waivers or stipends in return for research or teaching responsibilities. If you’re currently employed, ask your employer if they offer tuition reimbursement programs that support your professional growth while you contribute to the company.
In situations involving financial gaps, utilize federal loans, which have lower interest rates than private loans, as a supplementary option. Be sure to borrow sparingly to minimize your debt burden — setting yourself up for future financial success.
What Can You Expect From a Master’s in Political Science Program?
The influential nature of politics is undeniable, and many future professionals seeking to stake their claim in this field consider a master’s in political science an essential component of their education. Graduate coursework for political science students will typically cover a wide variety of topics, such as:
- American government
- Comparative politics
- International affairs
- International relations
- Political behavior
- Political economy
- Political analysis
- Policy analysis
- Quantitative research methods
The most innovative curriculums emphasize the development of critical thinking, analytical, and research skills, often culminating in a master’s thesis or research project that allows students to investigate a specific political science question in depth.
Typically, full-time graduate students can complete these programs in two years, although part-time enrollment may extend this timeline. Upon graduation, political science students will be qualified for many different roles within both the public and private sectors.
Potential courses you’ll take in a master’s in political science program
- Comparative Politics: An essential component in many curriculums, a comparative politics course will examine political systems across different countries, focusing on their institutions, governance models, and policy outcomes. Graduate students learn to analyze and compare political dynamics and structures globally, understanding how different political contexts affect policy and governance.
- Political Economy: Another standard course, this class integrates economics and politics, investigating how political institutions and policies influence economic outcomes and vice versa. Participants examine trade, development, and globalization, understanding the financial effects of political actions and decisions.
- Political Theory: Offering an in-depth analysis of political thought, this course covers critical political theorists and their ideas from classical antiquity to contemporary times. Students engage with concepts of justice, democracy, power, and authority, critically analyzing how political theories have affected society.
- International Relations: Often considered an elective, an international relations course will explore the theories and practices of international politics, including the roles of states, international civil society organizations, and non-state actors. It delves into security, diplomacy, international law, and global governance issues, providing insights into the complexities of international affairs.
Master’s in Political Science Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to a master's in political science degree program?
Although admissions can be competitive for these programs, the application process is relatively straightforward. Standard admission requirements include:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Potentially GRE scores
Given the variations in requirements, consulting with an admissions counselor before applying is highly recommended. They can provide insights and specific guidance while you complete your application, making you a stronger candidate for admission.
How much does a master's in political science degree cost?
The cost of this degree can vary, but the average cost of graduation tuition was $19,749 for the 2020-2021 academic year. Many factors can cause this figure to fluctuate, including the type of institution (public or private) and your residency status (whether you qualify for in-state or out-of-state tuition).
Beyond tuition, you must also account for books, supplies, housing, and living expenses. These costs can add up over time, making it crucial to budget for them from the start.
How long does it take to earn a master's in political science degree?
Obtaining a master’s in political science takes about two years for full-time students, while part-time students may take up to four years or more. The longer timeline for part-time students is often due to balancing course loads with other commitments — such as a full-time job or raising a family — leading to fewer credits each semester.
It’s also important to consider the total number of required credits, as these requirements will directly impact how quickly you can complete the program — regardless of whether you are a full- or part-time student. Most programs average 32 to 36 credits for graduation, though some may require up to 40.