UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN · UNITED STATES
Master of Arts in Political Science at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
18 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 32Graduate Hours Required for MA
- 3.0Minimum GPA
- December 1stApplication Deadline
- $22,000Potential Financial Aid Package for PhD Students
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers a Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science. While the department does not typically admit students directly into the MA program, an exception is made for the Civic Leadership concentration, which is restricted to students who were accepted into the program as undergraduates at Illinois. For those pursuing a PhD in Political Science, a Master of Arts can usually be earned within three semesters, requiring 32 graduate hours and a 3.0 GPA. The program emphasizes graduate teaching experience, which is considered valuable for students aspiring to college teaching careers. Financial aid, including fellowships and assistantships, is available on a competitive basis for PhD students, often covering tuition waivers and stipends up to $22,000.
Curriculum
The MA program requires the completion of 32 graduate hours. Students can choose between a thesis or non-thesis option. Both options require a minimum of 24 hours within the department, with at least 24 hours at the 500-level. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation. A master's paper is specifically required for the non-thesis option.
- First Year
- Tools of Inquiry Coursework
- Thesis Research (MA, Thesis Option)PS 599
- Research/Project/Independent Study Hours (MA, Non-Thesis Option)
Careers
Graduate studies in Political Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign can prepare students for various academic and professional roles. The program highlights the importance of teaching experience for those aiming for college teaching careers.
- College Teacher
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Public Administrator
Frequently asked questions
- Can I directly apply for the Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science program?
- The department typically does not admit students directly into the MA program. An exception is made for the Civic Leadership concentration, which is reserved for students who were accepted into that program as undergraduates at Illinois.
- What are the general entry requirements for international students?
- International applicants must submit an online application, application fee, academic statement of purpose, personal statement, and a sample of written work. Applicants whose native language is not English must also submit TOEFL iBT or IELTS scores.
- How much does the MA in Political Science program cost?
- Please refer to the Graduate College admissions website for current tuition rates. International students must also demonstrate sufficient funds to cover living expenses for visa purposes.
- What is the application deadline for the MA in Political Science program?
- The application deadline for Fall admission is December 1st. All required documents must be submitted by this date for consideration.
- What are the career prospects after completing the MA in Political Science?
- Graduates can pursue roles such as College Teacher, Researcher, Policy Analyst, or Public Administrator. Graduate teaching experience is emphasized for those aspiring to college teaching careers.
- Is financial aid available for MA students?
- The provided data mentions financial aid packages, including fellowships and assistantships, are available on a competitive basis for PhD students, often covering tuition waivers and stipends up to $22,000. Information regarding financial aid specifically for MA students is not detailed.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate WorkMinimum of 20 hours of undergraduate work in political science and cognate disciplines (e.g., economics, psychology, finance, sociology, history) for PhD applicants.
Previous AdmissionAdmission to the MA in Civic Leadership concentration is restricted to students previously accepted into the Civic Leadership Program as undergraduates at the University of Illinois.
TOEFL iBT or IELTSRequired for applicants whose native language is not English.
The Graduate College admission requirements apply to all applicants. All applicants are required to submit an application and fee, academic statement of purpose, personal statement, and a sample of written work.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the Graduate College admissions website for current tuition rates.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the Graduate College admissions website for current tuition rates.
LivingInternational candidates must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover living expenses for the duration of their studies to obtain a visa.
Financial aid packages for PhD students may include waivers of tuition and some fees. International students must prove self-sufficiency for visa purposes.
How to apply
1. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the online application form through the Graduate College admissions portal.
2. Pay Application FeeSubmit the required application fee.
3. Provide Supporting DocumentsUpload your academic statement of purpose, personal statement, and a sample of written work.
4. Submit English Proficiency ScoresApplicants whose native language is not English must submit TOEFL iBT or IELTS scores.
5. Demonstrate Financial Support (International Students)International applicants must provide documentation of sufficient funds to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses for the entire period of study to support visa applications.
Scholarships
Departmental Financial Aid (for PhD students)Up to $22,000 plus tuition and fee waivers
Frequently asked questions
Can I directly apply for the Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science program?
+
The department typically does not admit students directly into the MA program. An exception is made for the Civic Leadership concentration, which is reserved for students who were accepted into that program as undergraduates at Illinois.
What are the general entry requirements for international students?
+
International applicants must submit an online application, application fee, academic statement of purpose, personal statement, and a sample of written work. Applicants whose native language is not English must also submit TOEFL iBT or IELTS scores.
How much does the MA in Political Science program cost?
+
Please refer to the Graduate College admissions website for current tuition rates. International students must also demonstrate sufficient funds to cover living expenses for visa purposes.
What is the application deadline for the MA in Political Science program?
+
The application deadline for Fall admission is December 1st. All required documents must be submitted by this date for consideration.
What are the career prospects after completing the MA in Political Science?
+
Graduates can pursue roles such as College Teacher, Researcher, Policy Analyst, or Public Administrator. Graduate teaching experience is emphasized for those aspiring to college teaching careers.
Is financial aid available for MA students?
+
The provided data mentions financial aid packages, including fellowships and assistantships, are available on a competitive basis for PhD students, often covering tuition waivers and stipends up to $22,000. Information regarding financial aid specifically for MA students is not detailed.