Master of Arts

Political Science

Launch Your Career in Public Service or a Related Field in Politics

Get ready to enter the political arena as a savvy campaign aide, lobbyist, government relations specialist, communications director, news journalist, or legislative research analyst.

The political science master’s program at UAlbany gives you a strong foundation in government and politics and offers six career-launching tracks of study (see below). If you aim to become a lawyer, the curriculum provides excellent preparation for law school.

Located less than a mile from the New York State Capitol, the widely respected Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy provides immediate access to abundant career-building opportunities.

Additional Program Information

Graduate Bulletin | Graduate Student Handbook | Department Contact: Jaclyn Napoleon

Program of Study
Career Outcomes
4+1 Master’s
Admissions Requirements
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Program of Study

programofstudy

The MA program in political science requires a minimum of 31 credits. You will complete two core courses, as well as a masters capstone. Enroll in additional graduate courses in political science, public administration and policy or other relevant fields to accumulate the remaining credits.

Core Courses

Introduction to Political Inquiry
Qualitative Research Methods OR Quantitative Methods

Master's Capstone

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

Electives

To get the most out of the program, you are encouraged to pursue a track in American politics; applied American politics (elections, lobbying, and advocacy); justice, democracy, and law; law and politics; or public policy.

You 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.

Area of Study Requirements

American Politics

This track provides you with a practical education on the functioning of American governmental systems. It is recommended if you're interested in a career in any facet of public employment or with non-governmental organizations that interface with government.

In this track, you get to choose:

Three courses in institutions, political processes and lobbying, and state and local politics.

Sample subjects: American political development; chief executive office; federalism; women and politics; government and mass media; community politics.

Two political science or public administration and policy courses.

Sample subjects: constitutional law, founding of the American national government; citizen participation; urban community development; U.S. housing policy; inequality and public policy; politics of environmental regulation.

Applied American Politics (Elections, Lobbying, and Advocacy)

This track is recommended if you're interested in pursuing a career in elections, lobbying, and/or other forms of government advocacy. The coursework is similar to the American politics track, except three electives should focus 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 if you're interested in questions of justice, equality, inclusion, citizenship and basic rights as well as the role of the state in affecting these fundamental principles. It allows you to strengthen your understanding of theory to prepare for law school or a politically focused legal career.

Coursework includes:

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 you with advanced coursework and training in the study of law from multiple perspectives.

It serves three different groups of students. First, if you aspire to attend a highly competitive law school to have the opportunity to engage in advanced study of law before applying, and to encounter a broader set of perspectives than might typically be included in a JD degree. Second, if you hope to pursue a PhD you can gain relevant course work and skill development to ease that transition. Finally, the track provides you with strong writing and analytical skill development.

Coursework includes:

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

If you're interested in politics and public policy, this track gives you the skills and substantive knowledge to understand and analyze the politics of public policy. Unlike a traditional MPP degree, which focuses on policy analysis, or an MPA degree, which focuses on administration and management, the MA in political science with a concentration in public policy provides you with a broader approach to policy for work in government, non-profits, or for companies on policy-related issues.

Coursework includes:

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 you 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

career

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without Rockefeller College and its world-class faculty, challenging courses, professional development programs, and important internships.”

- Peter W. Brusoe, BA ’03, MA ’04, PhD

Office of Career Development

The Office of Career Development offers comprehensive career counseling services, including helping students and alumni identify rewarding public affairs careers. We provide résumé writing and job search advice from the initial search through acceptance of a position. Within six months of receiving their degrees nearly all of our graduates are working in a position in their chose field. In addition, many of our students are accepted into prestigious postgraduate fellowship programs such as the New York State Excelsior Service Fellowship; many of these opportunities lead to permanent employment.

Contact

The Office of Career Development

[email protected]

Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Option

If you’re a current UAlbany undergraduate student with at least a 3.2 GPA, you can save time and money by beginning your graduate degree coursework as early as your junior year. Up to 12 academic credits, billed at the undergraduate rate, will count towards both degrees – so you can complete your combined program in only 5 years and spend less than you would if you completed each program separately.

Contact your undergraduate advisor to see if you’re eligible and learn about your combined graduate program options.

Admissions Requirements

Deadlines

Fall (Priority for funding consideration): January 15
Fall (Regular admission): July 15
Spring: December 1
Summer: Not Available

Required Application Materials

Transcripts from all schools attended
Two letters of recommendation
Resume
Statement of goals
The statement is generally one to two pages discussing what you have to offer the program and what you wish to get out of the program. It should include a brief description of the applicant's field of interest, related background, desired area of study and research emphasis or career goals.
Official GRE scores
While we do not require the GRE, the admissions committee will be looking for signs the applicant can complete all necessary coursework, which requires strong writing and analytic skills as well as competency in statistics. If an applicant’s record of prior coursework does not demonstrate these abilities (through the absence of any courses with a substantial quantitative component, for instance), the applicant might benefit from submitting GRE scores or having letter writers specifically address such skills in their recommendation letters.

Available information for International Applicants.

Special Notes

This program offers an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience in the course listing as an option to fulfill course requirements. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. If applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.

admissions

Student Learning Objectives

Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

Master of Arts

The student understands the essence of political inquiry in the social sciences.
- Can distinguish among major epistemological and ontological perspectives from across the discipline.
- Asks and answers empirical questions in political science.
The student is trained in and understands a variety of methods of political science.
- Understands basic methodology for either (or both) quantitative and/or qualitative research.
- Selects appropriate method(s) for the research questions being asked.
- Assesses the strengths and weaknesses of different methodological tools.
- Understands and can make use of the varieties of evidence (e.g., survey data, ethnographic findings, experimental findings).
The student develops expertise in a substantive area of political science.
- The student demonstrates familiarity with the key ideas, institutions, interests and identities at work in American politics, comparative politics and/or political theory.
The student either: executes a major independent research project or a portfolio of excellence.
- The student utilizes the skills developed in the program to write a MA thesis, supervised by a faculty member, that explores a substantive question in political science.

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