Masters Degree in Political Science

After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, many students take the next step in education seeking a master’s degree. Often students wonder what the long-term benefits are investing in a Master’s Degree in Political Science, and what they can expect from the program.

One of the most compelling reasons to get a master’s degree is job opportunity. Not too many years ago, most employers were satisfied with a bachelor’s degree for a large number of careers. Now however, the opportunities for students who hold master’s degrees may be greater as the job market remains highly competitive.

Another reason a student may choose a Political Science Master’s Degree is earning power. On About.com, it is reported that earning a master’s degree will net the student, on average, an additional $500,000 above an undergraduate degree, over the student’s life. This increased earning power is just an average. It could reach higher depending on the career track a student chooses to follow.

Other benefits of earning a master’s degree are job positioning and promotions. A student may set aside a portion of the bottom rungs on the career ladder as a master degree prepares them for higher positions right out of college. It also shows well on a resume when job promotions become available.

In order to earn an M.S. in Political Science, there are several things to consider. Among the considerations, a student will need to qualify for entrance into a program. This means there are usually strict GPA requirements, as well as particular undergraduate courses of study that must be completed. The student will also need to know ahead of time what time restrictions they should consider. Some colleges place a high demand on a student’s time outside of the classroom, while others may be less stringent. For the working student this can be a strong factor in choosing the right program.

The coursework for a Master in Political Science delves into the insights and inner-workings of societies and governments in our modern time. Students will develop the ability to understand, promote, and give an evaluation of public policy. The courses build on the broad subjects from the bachelor’s degree, going into more detail in the major courses. Many master programs also teach the student to be proficient in research and how it applies to the political system.

Courses may include:

• American Political System
• Comparative Politics
• International Relationships
• Security Issues
• Methodology

There are often subjects that must be completed as prerequisites. Some colleges allow these to be completed and transferred from another institution, while other schools require they are taken on their campus. Closely checking the prerequisite requirements will save a student future aggravation, time loss, and wasted money on repeating a class already completed.

A Master’s Degree in Political Science usually totals sixty-six units, depending on the school. Some schools demand a minimum time for completion, restricting it to a certain number of semesters, while others may allow for accelerated completion. The final component to an M.S. is a Master’s Thesis, written on an approved subject in the last section of the program.

Choosing a school will also depend on funding available in the way of grants, loans, or income. Some schools offer very little financial aide while others have access to money for students for college. Check with the schools financial aide department for help in this area.

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