Master of Arts in Political Science and Public Affairs

Saint Louis University's Master of Arts in Political Science and Public Affairs program allows academically talented students to advance their knowledge and analytical skills by focusing on an interdisciplinary problem-oriented area within political science. SLU's M.A. in political science and public affairs is open to individuals who have earned a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in political science or a related social science discipline from an accredited university and demonstrate outstanding potential. The M.A. in political science and public affairs requires 30 credits. M.A. students in St. Louis may choose one of four concentration areas American politics, international affairs, public policy and administration, or political thought. Students can concentrate on American Politics, Political Thought, Public Policy and Administration, and International Affairs. An M.A. in political science and public affairs prepares students for careers in government, foreign service, national or international business, nonprofit organizations and NGOs, and future graduate study. Graduates will be able to explain how political systems operate within the context of their chosen M.A. concentrations. Graduates will be able to critique competing theoretical explanations and produce a comprehensive review of the scholarly literature in their chosen field of study. Graduates will be able to design original research and seminar projects that investigate political processes with appropriate methodologies and contribute to ongoing scholarly debates. Graduates will be able to explain the results of their research in public forums and justify their methodological choices. Graduates will be able to analyze the values that inform political institutions, behavior and policies. Graduates will be able to demonstrate honest and ethical research practices. 

Career Path 

Graduate career path includes Policy Analyst, Legislative Aide, Public Affairs Specialist,Public Information Officer, Government Relations Officer, Political Campaign Manager, Community Development Specialist, Diplomatic Services Officer, Foreign Service Specialist, International Development Program Coordinator, NGO Field Officer (Policy/Advocacy Focus), Human Rights Advocate, Global Policy Analyst, Teaching Assistant Supervisor, Cultural Exchange Program Coordinator, Curriculum Developer (Political Science Programs), International Humanitarian Aid Coordinator, Global Governance Specialist, Academic Advisor (Social Sciences Focus), Research Assistant (Political Science/Policy Studies), Scientific Journal Editor (Political Science Focus), Community Education Program Coordinator, Political Journalist, Documentary Researcher (Political Themes), Public Relations Specialist (Government/NGO Focus), Editorial Assistant (Policy/Political Publications), Communications Strategist (Advocacy/Policy Focus).