The IU Online Master of Arts in Political Science offers instruction in the approaches and methods political scientists use to analyze and explain political institutions and behavior. 

Read, interpret, and evaluate literature in the political science discipline. Study the role of political science within the social sciences, the various methods used to build a body of knowledge, and the application of this knowledge to the political environment around you. Trace the influence of major theories and themes in political thought, and conduct empirical social science research. 

Tailor your degree to your professional interests by choosing one of two tracks:

• World politics
• American politics

Your IU Online MA in Political Science may prepare you for careers in such fields as: 

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
• Education
• Lobbying
• Policy analysis
• National security
• Public service, government, and politics

This 100 percent online program is taught by IU East, IU Bloomington, IU Kokomo, IU Northwest, IU South Bend, and IU Southeast. This consortial model allows you to take coursework from several campuses and learn from a wide range of faculty.

Of Special Interest for Teachers/Instructors Needing to Meet HLC Dual-Credit Standards

The stackable structure of the MA in Political Science is ideal for those who want to teach dual-credit courses and who need to meet Higher Learning Commission dual-credit qualification standards. These standards require teachers wanting to teach dual-credit courses in political science to hold either a master's degree in political science or a master's degree in another discipline (such as education), plus at least 18 credit hours of discipline-specific graduate coursework.

• If you need both discipline-specific coursework and a master's degree, the MA in Political Science meets HLC standards.
• If you already hold a master's degree in a discipline other than political science, you can meet HLC standards by completing the Graduate Certificate in Political Science.

Degree Requirements

To earn the MA in Political Science, you must complete a total of 30 credit hours. Requirements are broken down as follows:

• Core courses (18 credit hours)
• Track courses (12 credit hours)

Students are required to complete one of the following 12-credit tracks:

• World politics
• American politics

For more information see Political Science, MA: Online Degrees: Online Degree Programs: Indiana University (iu.edu).