Master of Applied Politics

About

The Master of Applied Politics program is offered by the Department of Political Science in cooperation with the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics at the University of Akron.  It is one of the few professional masters degree programs in the United States focusing on practical politics designed for students interested in efforts to influence political decisions.  This includes activities to capture elective public office in partisan contests, influencing legislation and strengthening political organizations. Our experience-based program is designed to help students become effective leaders and practitioners in the field of public policy. Focusing on the North American political system, you will gain a foundational knowledge in party politics, electoral and advocacy campaigns, public policy, and voting, while also building practical skills in data and policy analysis and writing. Everything is political, and politics is everywhere. Our MA in Politics is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing you to explore politics across diverse themes without restricting yourself to a single specialism. Drawing on inspiring academic expertise, you will explore the latest perspectives in political analysis and theories, alongside research methodologies in political science. With a strong emphasis on classroom debate and diverse theoretical perspectives, the course equips you to analyse politics in its many forms. Through core units, you will engage with the latest perspectives in political theory, analysis, and research methodologies. You will then tailor your programme by selecting from a wide range of optional modules across different areas, including: The Politics of Money and Finance; Critical Globalisation Studies; Gender in Comparative Politics; Tools & Techniques of Applied Quantitative Analysis; Critical Military Studies; Critical Environmental Politics. 

Career Path 

Graduate career path includes Political Consultant (Strategy, Messaging, Voter Outreach), Legislative Aide / Advisor (Parliament, Congress, Assemblies), Political Campaign Manager (Local, National, International Elections), Policy Analyst (Government Agencies, Think Tanks, NGOs), Grassroots Organizer (Community Mobilization, Advocacy Campaigns), Lobbyist (Advocacy Groups, Corporations), Political Communications Director (Media Relations, Speechwriting, Digital Strategy), Public Affairs Specialist (Government Relations, Corporate Strategy), Nonprofit Advocacy Director (Civil Rights, Environmental, Social Justice), Government Relations Officer (Corporations, Universities, NGOs), Political Risk Analyst (International Business, Security Firms), International Organization Officer (UN, AU, EU, World Bank, NGOs), Political Journalist / Analyst (Media, Research Organizations), Polling & Survey Analyst.