Master of Arts in Political Science

A political science program for working professionals

If you are a secondary or community college instructor in Indiana seeking to teach dual-credit courses in political science, this 100% online program is for you. In our Master of Arts in Political Science, program you will:

  • Broaden your command of approaches and methods to analyze and explain political institutions and behavior
  • Develop an advanced understanding in American Politics or World Politics
  • Help to build civic literacy in the classroom with higher-level competency
  • Expand your research, analysis and communication skills

The online format lets you further your education without disrupting your professional and family life, and you can integrate grad courses into your regular teaching schedule or take over the summer. That means you’ll be able to complete the 30-credit program in 24-30 months of consecutive part-time enrollment, or even more quickly if you take more than one course at a time.

In addition, IU's Office of Online Education has entered into a partnership with our campus to provide a full suite of services to students in 100% online collaborative degrees. These services include but aren't limited to:

  • 24/7 support via phone
  • Email and chat
  • Onboarding/orientation to online education
  • Coaching and mentoring
  • Career services

Degree information

30 Credit hours
Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
Online

For information specific to you and your situation, meet with your academic advisor and find your ideal pathway to complete your degree on time.

The 100% online Master of Arts in political science consists of 30 credit hours of graduate-level coursework.

All courses are 3 credit hours unless otherwise noted.

Bulletin

Political Science Core Courses
(18 credits)

  • POLS-P 570 - Introduction to the Study of Politics 1
  • POLS-Y 580 - Research Methods in Political Science
  • POLS-Y 575 - Political Data Analysis
  • POLS-Y 529 - National Institutions
  • POLS-Y 657 - Comparative Politics
  • POLS-Y 6XX - Capstone

Political Science Tracks
(12 credits)

Students complete either American Politics or World Politics track.

American Politics Track

  • POLS-Y 675 - Political Philosophy
  • POLS-Y 567 - Public Opinion: Approaches and Issues
  • POLS-Y 661 - American Politics
  • One additional graduate-level course chosen from the World Politics track.

World Politics Track

  • POLS-Y 669 - International Relations
  • POLS-Y 757 - Comparative Politics
  • POLS-Y 530 - World Political Economy
  • POLS-Y 508 - Issues in World Politics

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Tuition information

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Scholarships

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Careers

Indiana has seen a nearly 25% increase in the overall number of high school students taking dual-credit courses, demonstrating the opportunity for degree-holders. In addition, this degree enables teachers with a bachelor’s degree to work as instructional coordinators, a field growing by 12% in Indiana with an average salary of $60,000, representing a pay increase of $5,000 to $9,000 per year, depending on the educational context and job responsibilities.

Want to change careers? This degree can help. Your research, analysis and communication skills are in demand for positions including:

  • Political campaign staff
  • Nonprofit director or program coordinator
  • Public relations specialist
  • Legislative assistant
  • Policy analyst

Have questions or want more information? Contact us!

Rhonda Wrzenski Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Political Science
Coordinator of Political Science
Pre-Law Advisor

Office:
Crestview Hall 005
Phone:
(812) 941-2023
Email:
rwrzensk@iu.edu

Interested in learning more or are you ready to apply?