Shape the Future of Politics and Governance

Graduate Studies in Political Science

Politics impacts every aspect of our life, from local funding for education, housing and transportation to global challenges like war, poverty and climate change. The advanced study of political science prepares students with applicable knowledge and tools to pursue careers in law, public service, education, business and more.

We enable students to seek jobs both inside and outside the academic arena by assisting them in developing robust research and teaching portfolios with their specific career goals in mind. In addition to developing analytical and writing skills to pursue their own research, students have opportunities to collaborate with faculty mentors. They also learn successful teaching techniques from award-winning faculty, and more advanced students teach courses of their own. We encourage students to attend professional development seminars, workshops and meetings.

Graduates have gone on to positions at research universities and liberal arts colleges; public and private organizations; international organizations; and federal, state and local governments.

MA in Political Science

The M.A. program requires completing 30 graduate credits. Students may choose to write a thesis. Whether electing to write a thesis or not, the degree can be earned within one year.

PhD in Political Science

Doctoral students receive broad training in quantitative and qualitative methods of social science research, while also concentrating in two of the following substantive fields: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, public administration and policy, law and courts, or security studies.

Joint Degree Programs

Juris Doctor / Master’s or PhD in Political Science

The juris doctor/master of arts and juris doctor/doctor of philosophy in political science are joint degrees which may be conferred by the College of Law and the Syracuse University Department of Political Science.

Students enrolled in these programs may obtain a J.D./M.A. or J.D./Ph.D. in political science in less time than would be necessary if both programs were separately pursued.

For more information contact studentrecords@law.syr.edu.

Master’s in International Relations / PhD in Political Science

This combined degree program is available to both current and prospective students. All joint degree students must demonstrate competency in a second modern foreign language, pass qualifying examinations in two chosen fields of specialization, generally by the end of the third year; and defend a doctoral dissertation.

Current Students

To be eligible to apply to this joint program, students must be enrolled either in the M.A. in international relations OR the Ph.D. in political science. Students complete the joint degree program by completing a total of 79 credit hours—58 hours of coursework and 21 dissertation credits.

The following courses simultaneously count toward both degree programs: PSC 651, PSC 693, PSC 783, PSC 792, PAI 762, and PAI 720 or PAI 723.

Students graduate with an M.A. in international relations and a Ph.D. in political science. Students should first speak with their existing academic advisor before applying.

Prospective Students

Students applying to the Maxwell School for the first time should apply to either degree program, which allows students to earn an M.A. in political science along the pathway to the doctoral degree.

Prospective students should thoroughly explore both options (i.e., pursuing the Ph.D. with an M.A. in political science versus pursuing just the M.A. in international relations) to determine the best path based on their individual goals.

Certificates of Advanced Study

Graduate students in political science are eligible to complete graduate certificate programs in civil society organizations, conflict resolution, the European Union and contemporary Europe, Latin American and Caribbean studies, Middle Eastern affairs, security studies, South Asian studies, and a number of other substantive topics.

See All Certificates

Political Science Research Workshops

The Political Science Department is a highly engaged, collaborative research environment. Each month, faculty and students meet to present and receive feedback on work in progress.

See All Workshops

Graduate Student Honors and Awards

In addition to graduate assistantships as well as travel and project funding from the Maxwell School's interdisciplinary research centers, the Department of Political Science offers a number of honors and awards for graduate students. These awards are competitive and are used to recognize excellence in research, leadership and pursuing careers focused on civic engagement.

See a complete list of department awards and recent recipients on our Answers page.

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Student being presented with award by Prof. Tom Keck

I am Maxwell.

Being in Maxwell and part of the larger Syracuse University, we have more than enough resources for students to receive grants and scholarships, but also to collaborate with faculty whether you are interested in quantitative studies, qualitative studies or doing a mixed method approach."

Angely Martinez M.A. ’16, Ph.D. ’21

State Department

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