Northeastern University

Program Information

Degree Offered

M.A.; M.P.A., Ph.D.- Public and International Affairs

Format: Campus

Program Description:

Examining both the theory and practice of political science, Northeastern's graduate programs prepare students for careers in government, nonprofit or private organizations, or academia, in the United States or abroad. Often international in character as well as content, these programs offer contacts with students from around the world. Graduate students take part in small seminars, gaining the close attention of faculty who have earned distinction as both teachers and scholars. Six have won University-wide awards for teaching excellence, and nearly all have recently published scholarly books. Their research interests span every area of political science, with particular strength in American politics and policy processes, public administration, and the interrelated areas of development and democratization. Faculty also help interested students obtain professional internships, including the prestigious Presidential Management Internship offering rotations in varied federal agencies.

The Master of Arts Program focuses on the core scholarly areas of political science. Students specialize in one of four concentrations:

1. American Government and Politics,
2. Comparative Government and Politics,
3. International Relations, or
4. Political Thought

Courses in the MA program serve as a foundation for work in a doctoral program or as preparation for careers in government, nonprofit organizations, or the private sector.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science provides theoretical and applied training related to the world of public affairs. The program blends political science and the study of public policy to prepare students as practitioners, researchers, and teachers. From political science, the program develops theoretical insights and research tools relevant to the study of political development and public affairs. From public policy, students study the process by which public policies are adopted and how the effective management of programs and agencies is achieved.

This blend of political science and public policy is developed through a curriculum that combines international and comparative study with an analysis of U.S. politics and policy making. In addition, students complete a sequence of core courses in research methods and social science statistics.

A further offering, the Masters in Public Administration (MPA) Program, is designed to integrate theoretical foundations with practical skills directed toward defining and developing analytical, conceptual and practical competencies in the public and non-profit sectors. With classes scheduled after 5 PM, and flexible enrollment options, the program is designed for both the full-time student and the professional, who is attending classes part-time.

The MPA program at Northeastern University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA), the membership association of graduate programs in public administration, public policy and public affairs. NASPAA accreditation signifies that a master's program in public affairs and administration has gone through a rigorous process of voluntary peer review conducted by the Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation (COPRA), and has met NASPAA's Standards for Professional Master's Degree Programs in Public Affairs, Policy and Administration

Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC); National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: Yes

Classification: Doctoral/Research Universities - Extensive

Institution Sector: Private not-for-profit

Locale: Large City

Size & Settings: 20,000 and above