Applied Politics

The M.A.P. program is offered by the Department of Political Science in cooperation with the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics at the University of Akron.  It is one of the few professional masters degree programs in the United States focusing on practical politics designed for students interested in efforts to influence political decisions.  This includes activities to capture elective public office in partisan contests, influencing legislation and strengthening political organizations.

Admission Requirements

Three letters of recommendation and a personal statement are required; the GRE is recommended. The Graduate Committee examines applicants' college courses and grades. Applicants with undergraduate degrees or post baccalaureate work will be granted full admission if they have at least a 3.0 G.P.A. (out of 4.0) overall or 3.0 G.P.A. for their last 64 hours of course work and 3.0 G.P.A. in political science course work (or course work in major for non political science majors). No student will be considered for conditional or provisional admission to the program unless s/he has at least a 2.75 overall G.P.A; or at least a 2.75 G.P.A. for the last 64 hours and a 2.75 G.P.A. in political science (or course work in major for non political science majors).

Akron Advantage

A unique combination of initiatives, traits, competencies and past successes at The University of Akron give our students a competitive edge after graduation. There are many components to this "Akron Advantage", including Documented Excellence through the University

Additional Information

Students must complete 39 credits of graduate work including a set of core courses, 12 credits of electives, a professional internship, and the preparation and defense of an applied politics portfolio. The range of elective courses allows students to specialize in the area of greatest interest to them including lobbying and political communications. The program is designed to accommodate both full-time and part-time students. The program can be completed in as little as one calendar year plus one semester (seventeen months).