Accelerated Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science
Develop the skills to be a future leader in record time. Earn your Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in political science in just five years.
Program Overview
The Accelerated Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science provides undergraduate students with advanced training that prepares them for dynamic careers with considerable savings. The 30-credit program allows current undergraduates to begin graduate-level study during their senior year and complete a master’s degree with just one additional year of graduate course work.
During the program students will work closely with our internationally recognized faculty to develop key research skills and advanced understanding of political systems, international relations, and policy processes. UConn's Accelerated MA in Political Science can prepare you for diverse fields, such as government, policy analysis, research, advocacy, business, and communication.
The program is not limited to political science majors and minors. It is also open to students from other fields who are interested in understanding how political dynamics shape and inform their specific areas of interest.
Why Choose the Accelerated MA in Political Science?
Graduate education is increasingly a requirement for career advancement and at times can be used as a substitute for job experience. The Accelerated MA in Political Science is tailored for students who want to develop advanced research skills and are interested in better understanding political processes.
Our graduates go on to work in public affairs, research and analysis, consulting, advocacy, business, and education.
Save Time
Earn up to 12 graduate credits as an undergraduate and complete your master’s degree in as little as one additional year.
Save Money
Graduate courses completed through the accelerated program apply toward both degrees, helping reduce the overall cost of earning your MA.
Advance Your Career
Through research training, substantive coursework, and professional networking, you can gain an advantage in a diverse and dynamic job market.
Curriculum and Degree Requirements
Our program exposes students to essential analytical and professional skills that are transferable to several fields, while also expanding substantive knowledge on critical contemporary political issues.
To earn a master’s degree, students in the Accelerated MA program are required to complete 30 graduate-level credits, including:
- Nine credits of methods coursework.
- Three credits of professional development.
- Fifteen credits of electives in political science and relevant fields.
- A three-credit final research project.
Visit the UConn Graduate Catalog’s website for the most up-to-date degree requirements for the current academic year.
Methods Coursework
Students must take the following three core methods courses (9 credits):
- POLS 5600: Nature of Political Inquiry (3 credits) or POLS 5620: Research Design and Development (3 credits) – Introduction to research methods and designs in political science.
- POLS 5605: Quantitative Methods (3 credits) – Introduction to data analysis techniques most often used by political scientists.
- POLS 5615: Qualitative Methods (3 credits) – Survey of qualitative research methods such as case studies, interviewing, focus groups, and interpretive methods.
Professional Development
Students must take the following 3 credit course:
POLS 5625: Professional Development (3 credits) – Exploration of careers that involve researching and thinking about politics.
Electives
Students must take 15 credits from the following:
- At least graduate two courses (6 credits) in one of the five POLS subfields: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, or Public Law.
- Three graduate courses (9 credits) in POLS or taken anywhere in the University as long as they are approved by the student’s advisor.
- Potential substantive focuses could include:
- Political Theory
- Human Rights
- Democratic Rights and Institutions
- Human Security and Armed Conflict
- International Organization and Law
- Economic Rights
- American Political Institutions and Policy
- American Political Behavior
- Judicial Decision-Making
Required Research Presentation
All Accelerated MA students must enroll in POLS 5000: Independent Study in Political Science (3 credits) during their final semester and present this research at the 5th Year Student Spring Research Conference. This research will be evaluated by a committee of three examiners typically composed of their major advisor, the Director of Graduate Studies, and one additional POLS faculty member.
How to Apply
UConn students apply to the Accelerated MA in the fall semester of their third year (or credit equivalent). Eligible applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Students accepted into the Accelerated MA program must also be accepted by the Graduate School during the final year of their undergraduate degree. We will provide guidance on the application process as part of your enrollment in the program.
Required Application Materials
- An unofficial transcript for all college-level coursework, which you can download via StudentAdmin.
- A current resume
- A personal statement that explains your interest in the Accelerated MA, why you are suited to the program, and how the program will help you achieve your career goals.
- One statement of support from a UCONN POLS faculty member confirming they will serve as your MA advisor and that they support your admission.
Instructions for Current UConn Undergraduates
First Application Process (completed as a junior or credit equivalent)
- Visit the Graduate School’s Application Management web page.
- Click “Create an Account to start a new application.”
- Create account.
- Follow instructions to get a temporary PIN.
- Set your password.
- Click “Start a new application.”
- Under the question “To which type of program are you applying?” choose “Non-Degree Graduate.”
- In the “Intended Program” section choose “UConn Accelerated UG to Grad,” then choose “Political Science.”
- Fill out the application.
Second Application Process (completed as a senior or credit equivalent)
You can submit a second application once you have filled out your BA Plan of Study and are ready to graduate with your undergraduate degree. This second application will finalize your admissions and officially enroll you as a graduate student.
- Visit the Graduate School’s Application Management web page.
- Click “Log in to continue an application.”
- Log in using the password you created the first time you applied.
- Click “Start a new application.”
- Fill out demographic information and then under “To which type of program are you applying?” click “Master’s.”
- Under “Application Management” click on “In Progress Application.”
- Click “Continue” at the end of the informational page.
- Under the "Intended Program” section, for “Levels of Study” choose “Masters,” for “Academic Areas” choose “Social Sciences,” and for “Program” choose “Political Science MA.”
- Fill out an application using the information you submitted the first time you applied.
- This time you’ll need to pay the application fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take the GRE?
No, GRE scores are not required for program admission.
Do I need to be a political science major to enroll in the program?
No, you are eligible to apply to the MA program regardless of your undergraduate major.
How many credits count toward both my undergraduate degree and the MA in Political Science?
Up to 12 credits (generally four 3-credit classes) of approved gradate coursework included in the student’s undergraduate (BA) plan of study can be used toward the MA plan of study.
Does the Political Science Department offer graduate assistantships or scholarships for accepted students?
Currently, the department is unable to offer financial support.
Does the Political Science Department offer financial support for students completing their research project or for professional development?
Yes, when possible, the department will offer small scholarships to facilitate activities such as research or conference travel. In addition, accepted students will be given priority for paid research assistantships in the department’s research labs.
What opportunities are there for MA students outside of the classroom?
As part of the MA program, you will gain exposure to various professional careers through our alumni network.
MA students can use internship opportunities for credit. Students are also given priority for paid research assistantships in the department’s research labs.
What do graduates of the program end up doing?
Graduates of the program have continued to diverse work from public policy analysis to business management to doctoral degrees. You can find more information on our Careers and Outcomes page.
Cost and Financial Aid
Graduate-level coursework by accelerated MA students while earning their bachelor’s degree (up to 12 credits) is included in the cost of undergraduate tuition. Students are responsible for the cost of the remaining credits for the MA in Political Science.
Information about graduate tuition can be found on the UConn Office of the Bursar’s website.
Contact Us
For questions or for more information about the Accelerated Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science, please contact:
Yonatan Morse
Associate Professor and Director of the Accelerated MA Program
yonatan.morse@uconn.edu
Stephen Dyson
Professor and Director of Graduate Studies
stephen.dyson@uconn.edu
Evan Perkoski
Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies
evan.perkoski@uconn.edu