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Indiana University Online

Political Science, M.A.

Learn to interpret the fast-moving and exciting political landscape with the IU Online M.A. in Political Science. This degree program teaches you to utilize the approaches and methods of political scientists to explain political institutions and behavior.

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Course Delivery: 100% Online

Total Credits: 30

In-State Tuition Per Credit: $350.00

Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $490.00

Cost of attendance may vary by campus. View the total cost calculator

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Degree Overview

As a student in the IU Online Master of Arts in Political Science, you’ll study the role of political activity in the social sciences, train to use various methods to build a body of knowledge using major theories and themes of political thought, and conduct empirical social science research.

You’ll graduate with an Indiana University degree respected by employers worldwide—and you can work on yours anytime and anywhere. Plus, you’ll enjoy personalized support services throughout your academic journey.

And the benefits start long before graduation. More than half of IU Online students advance in their careers before they complete their degree.

To be accepted to this program, you must have:
  1. Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  2. 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
To apply to this program, complete an online application that includes: 
  1. Official transcripts from each undergraduate institution
  2. 250-word personal statement explaining background and reasons for entering the program
Application Dates

Fall semester: Aug 1 

Spring semester: Jan 1

Summer session 1: Not currently accepting applications for Summer 2023. 

Summer session 2: Not currently accepting applications for Summer 2023. 

Your IU Online M.A. in Political Science may prepare you for careers in such fields as: 

  • Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
  • Education
  • Lobbying
  • Policy analysis
  • National security
  • Public service, government, and politics

To earn the M.A. in Political Science, you must complete 30 credit hours. Requirements are broken down as follows:

  • Core courses (18 credit hours)
  • Track courses (12 credit hours)

Students are required to complete one of the following 12-credit tracks:

  • World politics
  • American politics

Core Classes for the MA in Political Science
Course Number Course Name Credits
POLS-P 570 Introduction to the Study of Politics I 3 Credits
POLS-Y 580
-OR-
POLS-Y 524		 Research Methods in Politicial Science
-OR-
Research Methods		 3 Credits
POLS-Y 575 Political Data Analysis 3 Credits
POLS-Y 529 National Institutions 3 Credits
POLS-Y 657 Comparative Politics 3 Credits
POLS-Y 600 Capstone 3 Credits

Find course descriptions with our Search Schedule of Classes/Courses tool.

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