Academic college: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, School of Politics and Global Studies. This two-year Master of Arts (MA) program in Political Science offers a rigorous introduction to graduate study, providing a strong foundation in research methods and substantive content within political science. Students can specialize within or across the four main subfields: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory. The curriculum includes a required core course, POS 503 Empirical Political Inquiry, which focuses on research methods and techniques. Students also take a focus area course (e.g., POS 603 Polimetrics I, or a second focus area course for political theory) and electives. The program culminates in either a thesis (POS 599) or a portfolio option, each requiring a written submission and an oral defense, allowing for in-depth research under expert faculty supervision. Faculty have particular strengths in areas like ethnoreligious dynamics, women and politics, conflict and human rights, Latino politics, political psychology, and political economy.

Career options for graduates are diverse and span both research and applied roles. Graduates are well-prepared for positions in government (local, state, federal, international agencies), non-profit organizations, the private sector (e.g., in consulting, data analysis, or market research), and political campaigns. Specific roles can include campaign consultant, campaign strategist, data analyst, lobbyist, and research specialist. The program also provides an excellent foundation for those wishing to pursue further doctoral studies in political science or related fields.

Arizona State University, Tempe Campus, is at the academic heart of ASU, part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the university’s largest and most diverse college. ASU is a highly ranked public university with a world-leading drive for innovation and is consistently the #1 US public university chosen by international students. The Tempe campus is ASU's historic and largest, home to hundreds of degree programs, first-rate research facilities, and big sporting events, creating an energetic city-like atmosphere. The opportunity to learn from world-renowned faculty, including 15 National Academy of Sciences members, 3 Pulitzer Prize winners, and 2 Nobel Prize winners, offers an exceptional academic experience with a low student-to-faculty ratio.