Examine political institutions with a critical eye. Research the effects of government policies. With a master's degree in political science, you'll help shape and analyze public policy.
Why Earn a Master's in Political Science?
How do we sustain democracies? What are the steps to rebuilding trust in a country's political system? With a master's in political science, you'll develop an advanced understanding of political systems.
Through seminars and lectures, you'll gain an in-depth view of American politics, global politics and political theory. You'll analyze public policy and the role of law. Hone your writing and research skills for a variety of career paths.
With your degree, you can pursue careers in government, law, education or media. You may also apply for Ph.D. study.
Why Study Political Science at CSUN?
Flexible Schedule
At CSUN, we offer class flexibility for students who are also working professionals. All our graduate seminars take place in the evenings. In addition, you can find upper-division courses that fit your schedule with our broad range of options. Finally, you may enroll on either a part-time or full-time basis to finish the program at your pace.
Multiple Options
We offer two options for the master's in political science degree: American Politics and Global Politics. The American Politics option focuses on contemporary political theories in U.S. government. The Global Politics option studies international relations and compares different governments. These options will allow you to focus your degree to your area of interest.
Areas of Specialization
In addition to the two degree options, you will be able to study a specific area of expertise. You will have the opportunity to choose seminars and classes in the following areas of specialization:
- American government and politics
- Comparative politics
- International relations
- Methodology
- Political theory
- Public policy and administration
- Public law
What You'll Learn
In the Political Science M.A., you will learn about U.S. political theory, comparative politics and international relations. To focus your degree, you will choose between the American Politics and Global Politics options. You will complete a research paper for your culminating project.
In your core requirements, you will study political science broadly. You will take seminars on:
- Political theory
- Methodology
- American government and politics
- International relations
- Comparative government
The rest of your classes will depend on your option.
In this option, you will focus your classes on theories pertaining to the U.S. government and its policies. Seminar topics include:
- Behavior
- Institutions
- Policy
- State and local government
- Municipal government
You'll also be able to take up to two American Politics-related 400-level courses from the Department of Political Science.
For your culminating experience, you will show your mastery over the subject by revising an existing research paper. You will develop it into a manuscript that could be submitted as a conference paper, journal article or academic writing sample.
In this option, you will study international relations and comparative governments. Seminar topics include:
- International relations theory and methodology
- International organizations
- Comparative foreign policies
- Democratization
- Western Europe
- Latin America
You'll also be able to take up to two Global Politics-related 400-level courses from the Department of Political Science.
For your culminating experience, you will show your mastery over the subject by revising an existing research paper. You will develop it into a manuscript that could be submitted as a conference paper, journal article or academic writing sample.
Careers & Outcomes
The M.A. in political science will prepare you for careers in government and non-governmental organizations. You are also prepared to teach political science or social studies in schools. You can also seek Ph.D. study at other institutions.
Common career paths for graduates include:
- Campaign manager
- High school or community college teacher
Admission Information
To be considered for admission to CSUN as a master’s student, you will need to:
- Meet university requirements.
- Meet department requirements for the Master of Arts in Political Science.
- Apply to both the university and the specific graduate program of interest.
Learn more about applying for a master's program at CSUN.