COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts in Political Science program at the University at Albany requires a minimum of 31 credits and is designed to build strong analytical, research, and practical skills in the study of politics and public affairs. The program combines core academic training with flexible elective options, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests and career goals in areas such as government, policy, public administration, or related fields.Students begin with two core courses that provide essential foundations for advanced political science study. These include Introduction to Political Inquiry, which focuses on how political research is designed and conducted, and either Qualitative Research Methods or Quantitative Methods, which develop skills in analyzing political data, arguments, and evidence using different methodological approaches. These courses help students understand both theoretical and empirical approaches to studying political systems.A key requirement of the program is the master’s capstone project. In this component, students complete a master’s essay under the guidance of a faculty advisor. This project allows students to conduct independent research on a political topic of their choice, demonstrating their ability to apply research methods, critical thinking, and subject knowledge in a focused academic study.Beyond the core and capstone requirements, students complete additional elective courses in political science, public administration, policy, or related disciplines.These electives give students the opportunity to develop specialized expertise in particular subfields of political science. In some cases, students may also fulfill elective requirements through internships with government agencies, the state legislature, election campaigns, nonprofit organizations, or lobbying firms. This practical experience helps connect academic learning with real-world political and policy work, enhancing career readiness and professional development.