Master of Arts in Political Science

The Master of Arts in Political Science degree at Stony Brook University is an innovative program that uses the lens of psychology to better understand politics. Small courses taught by our full-time faculty focus on the psychology of public opinion, attitude change, persuasion, and political behavior. The program builds on our successful, internationally renowned PhD program in political psychology. The program teaches advanced skills in political psychology, public opinion, political attitudes, and mobilization. The Political Science M.A. program will introduce students to theories that help to make sense of public attitudes and behavior, familiarize them with core research on the dynamics of attitudes and opinions, and provide them with first-hand experience on the major research methods used to study the dynamics of public opinion and behavior. Students in the M.A. program also have the option to get involved in a research study with one of the faculty in the department and through the department's two political psychology labs. The program may be completed in a calendar year by full-time students and within 2 years by students who select a part-time schedule.

The Department of Political Science Doctoral Program admits only students who intend to complete the Ph.D., although students are eligible to receive the M.A. Applicants for admission to the Ph.D. program in political science must meet the following requirements:

A. Submission of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Test scores (verbal, quantitative, and analytic).

B. Prior training that includes basic work in at least two of the following:

1. Political science

2. Psychology

3. Mathematics or statistics

4. Economics or sociology

C. A bachelor’s degree with at least a B average in the major subject.

D. Three letters of recommendation from instructors or academic advisors.

E. In those cases where the departmental admissions committee deems it desirable, personal interviews with departmental representatives may be necessary.

Acceptance by both the Department of Political Science and the Graduate School is required.

English Proficiency

IELTS: Overall score of 6.5, with no subsection recommended to be below 6; and TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 90 for doctoral applicants and 80 for master’s applicants.