Master of Arts in Politics and Policy (30 credit hours)
The Master of Arts in Politics and Policy (M.A.) is a traditional degree option for students who may wish to continue their academic careers in doctoral programs or enroll in law school. Students are required to take 3 courses (9 credits) in this degree program and the other 7 courses (21 credits) are electives. The required courses in the M.A. program are:
POLS 400 (Research in Politics and Public Policy)
POLS 402 (Methods of Policy Analysis) or POLS 422 (The Politics of Data)
POLS 456 (Seminar: Political Philosophy) or POLS 457 (Politics of Authenticity)
Students in this program will work with the director of graduate studies to create a plan for graduation. The elective credits will likely be the product of a combination of traditional classes in Political Science, directed research with a faculty mentor, an internship, and/or thesis credits.
Master of Public Policy (30 credit hours)
The Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.) degree may be attractive to students who desire to join the workforce in a policy analysis, administrative, leadership, or managerial capacity. Students are required to take 5 courses (15 credits) in this degree program. The other 5 courses (15 credits) are electives. The required courses in the M.P.P. program are:
POLS 400 (Research in Politics and Public Policy)
POLS 402 (Methods of Policy Analysis) or POLS 422 (The Politics of Data)
POLS 406 (Public Policy Process)
POLS 419 (Mapping Data for Policymaking)
POLS 460 (Public Administration) (previously POLS 431)
Students in this program work with the director of graduate studies to create a plan for graduation. The elective credits will likely be the product of a combination of traditional classes in Public Policy and Public Administration, directed research with a faculty mentor, an internship, and/or thesis credits.
Both the M.A. and M.P.P.
Both the Master of Arts in Politics and Policy and the Master of Public Policy programs combine coursework, professional development, and independent research to build skills in qualitative and quantitative analysis; grant writing; and analysis of complex policy environments. Students will become better prepared to address normative political questions; apply statistical methods to policy analysis; and network in political and non-profit sectors. The M.A. in Politics and Policy and M.P.P. can be completed in a single calendar year (fall, spring, and summer), and several of the current students are also participants in the Community Fellowship program. Fellows involved in the program will work for 20 hours a week in a local agency on a project related to community development. Many recent graduates have secured careers in health policy analysis, administration in nonprofit and public organizations, grant administration, organizational development, community organizing, state and local government leadership, lobbying, and communications. Other graduates have chosen to pursue their academic objectives of obtaining an advanced degree.
Graduate Certificate in Interdisciplinary Policy Studies
Addressing complex societal challenges requires a deep understanding of how policy intersects across various sectors. The Interdisciplinary Policy Studies Certificate equips students with foundational knowledge in policy processes and evaluation, with a focus on critical analysis of health, education, and public policy. This program is ideal for students who are interested in applying policy knowledge across multiple disciplines in practical, real-world settings.