Graduate Programs in Political Science

The Department of Political Science offers a high-quality graduate program of study in a collegial atmosphere with extensive access to faculty scholars, practioners, and research opportunities.  Graduates of our program are prepared for careers in national security, government administration, campaigns and elections, advocacy, law enforcement, academia, and policy research.  Students may choose from multiple degree programs, including:

• Master of Arts in Political Science
• Master of Applied Politics
• Juris Doctorate/ Master of Applied Politics

Admissions

Admission is granted to students who have met the requirements of The University of Akron Graduate School and the Department of Political Science.  Applications may be submitted electronically here. 

Fall Admission Deadline

Applications for Fall admission and graduate assistantships are due by March 1. Applications that arrive later than March 1 will be considered for admission but will not be considered for a  graduate assistantship. Notification of offers of admission with graduate assistantship awards will be made by March 15. Those who applied by March 1 who are offered admission without a graduate assistantship will also be notified by March 15. Students who are offered assistantships by March 15 have until April 15 to notify the Director of Graduate Studies, if they intend to accept the offer of admission/assistantship. Students will be considered for admission year-round. Students are encouraged to have an assistantship application on file as, on rare occasions, openings become available during the academic year.

Spring Admission Deadline

Applications for Spring admission and graduate assistantships are due by December 1.  There are a very limited number of assistantships available for Spring, as most are given out for the Fall and are to last the two years a student is typically in the program. Applications that arive later than December 1 may be considered for admission but will not be considered for a Spring graduate assistantship. Notification of offers of admission with graduate assistantship awards will be made by December 15. Those who applied by December 1  who are offered admission without a graduate assistantship will also be notified by December 15. Students who are offered assistantships have until January 1 to notify the Graduate Director if they intend to accept the assistantship offer.

The admissions package requires:

•  University of Akron Graduate School application
• $40 fee for domestic students; $60 fee for international students
• Official transcripts from all higher education institutions attended
• Personal statement
• Three letters of recommendation (MA applicants should have 2 academic letters)
• For international students only, official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

 Admission Requirements

• 3.0 cumulative grade point average at the baccalaureate level
• The GRE is not required
• International Students only- As determined by the graduate school, international students admitted to graduate study in Political Science must achieve a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or 213 on the computer-based TOEFL or 79 or higher on the internet-based TOEFL

While most applicants have an undergraduate major in Political Science or a similar field of study, an undergraduate major in another area may be acceptable. However, an applicant should have at least nine hours of upper-level course work in Political Science. Failing this requirement, an applicant may be admitted to the program on a provisional basis.

Through the online application system you can submit your application and application fee electronically. Official transcripts should be sent directly to Graduate Admissions. Any required supplemental materials (letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, etc.) should be sent to the Department of Political Science.

PLEASE NOTE: There is some discrepancy between the application requirements listed here and those in the Graduate School Bulletin.  Please follow the requirements listed in the Department of Political Science webpage.   The Graduate School Bulletin is being updated and it does not yet reflect the correct set of Political Science Department application requirements.

Financial Aid Opportunities

Each year a limited number of graduate students are chosen to serve as Graduate Assistants in the Department of Political Science.  This prestigious award provides students with a unique opportunity to work closely with faculty on cutting edge research projects and learn first-hand in the classroom assisting in introductory Political Science courses. In exchange for a minimum of twenty hours of research or teaching each week, Graduate Assistants receive tuition reimbursement and a generous nine month stipend. 

Applications for Assistantships should be submitted by March 1st for consideration for the following Fall semester.  Awards are renewable for up to two years.

Assistantship Application