San Diego State University

Program Information

Degree Offered

Political Science; Political Science with Public Policy emphasis

Program Description:

The Political Science Department at San Diego State University has a high-quality, flexible master’s program designed to meet the needs of a wide range of students:

A. Those who believe they would like to obtain a PhD. Our MA program is an excellent place to begin advanced training in Political Science theory and research methods, to develop a specialized area of interest and expertise, and to try on academic entrepreneurship by doing original research in a thesis. We have a good record of placing our graduates in top PhD programs and having these students hit the ground running.

B. Those who would like additional training and credentials for a career in government, nonprofit organizations, public interest groups, research organizations, teaching, or business. Some of our students on this career trajectory already have local employment and enroll part-time in order to blend advanced education with their current jobs. Others enroll full-time and use the degree as a tool for entry into their field. Our public policy emphasis is designed to enhance job placement through an internship in an organization relevant to a student’s interests.

C. Those who enjoy politics and the intellectual stimulation of an academic environment. Some of our students enter our program without a clear agenda for how they will use the degree, but with a strong interest in politics or a desire to continue to learn and grow past their undergraduate study.

Faculty members in Political Science are people who care about politics and who engage students as thinkers and actors. Our students come away from the degree program with a more sophisticated grasp of power, politics, and justice and with a host of new skills as writers, analysts, and researchers.

International Student Requirements:

International Students who have not previously studied in English need to provide TOEFL scores in addition to other application requirements.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: No

Format: Campus

Classification: Doctoral/Research Universities - Intensive

Institution Sector: Public

Locale: Large City

Size & Settings: 20,000 and above