Applied Politics, MAP, Online
Quick Facts
Credit Hours: 30 | Estimated Time to Completion: 1 year | Cost Per Credit Hour: $500 | Start Dates: Fall, Spring
Program Details
- Location
- Wayne Campus, Akron Campus
- Level
- graduate
- Academic Pathway
- major
- Degree/Program Type
- MAP Master of Applied Politics
- Format
- online
- Course Info
- Course Sequence
- College
- Buchtel College of Arts & Sciences (BCAS)
- School/Department
- Department of Political Science
Program Contact
- Dr. David B. Cohen
-
Professor of Political Science; Director, Applied Politics Program; Fellow, Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics
330-972-6045
Program Overview
The University of Akron Online offers a Master of Applied Politics (MAP) for students seeking careers in campaigns, government relations, advocacy, public affairs, fundraising, political communication, and civic engagement. Developed in partnership with the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, the program is one of only five graduate programs of its kind in the United States and the only one in the Midwest focused specifically on applied politics.
Unlike traditional political science degrees that emphasize theory and research, the MAP focuses on practical politics and experiential learning. Students develop real-world skills in campaign strategy, electoral messaging, fundraising, digital communication, stakeholder engagement, and organizational leadership while learning how political organizations influence public opinion and drive action.
Delivered fully online through synchronous and asynchronous course formats, the program can be completed from anywhere and accommodates both full-time and part-time students.
What You'll Learn
Develop the strategic, communication, and leadership skills needed to navigate today's political, advocacy, and public affairs environments.
Skills Gained
Political strategy development
Campaign planning and management
Electoral messaging and persuasion
Digital communication and outreach
Fundraising and campaign finance
Government relations and stakeholder engagement
Political research and analysis
Public speaking and strategic communication
Core Practice
Design campaign and voter outreach strategies
Develop messaging that influences public opinion
Build fundraising and stakeholder engagement plans
Analyze political behavior and electoral trends
Navigate government relations and advocacy efforts
Apply political research to strategic decision-making
Evaluate policy issues and political challenges
Key Topics
Political strategy
Election campaigns
Digital politics and communications
Campaign finance and fundraising
Political behavior
Civic engagement
Government relations and lobbying
Political parties and interest groups
Public policy
Political communication
Career Outcomes
Graduates pursue roles across government, campaigns, advocacy organizations, public affairs firms, nonprofit organizations, and related sectors.
Job Titles
Campaign manager
Political consultant
Government relations specialist
Public affairs manager
Legislative aide
Advocacy director
Political strategist
Community engagement manager
Fundraising director
Policy analyst
Political communications specialist
Where You’ll Work
Government agencies
Legislative offices
Public affairs firms
Advocacy organizations
Nonprofit organizations
Political consulting firms
Trade associations
Community organizations
Research institutions
Additional Program Information
Online Applied Politics Curriculum
The curriculum combines applied political strategy, experiential learning, and professional development to prepare students for careers in politics, public affairs, advocacy, and government.
Core Foundations
Build practical expertise in political strategy, campaign operations, electoral messaging, fundraising, civic engagement, digital communication, and political behavior. Coursework focuses on the tools and techniques used by political professionals to persuade audiences, mobilize supporters, manage campaigns, and influence public opinion.
→ View full program requirements
Elective Courses
Tailor the degree to your interests through coursework exploring government relations, lobbying, public policy, political parties, interest groups, campaign law, media and politics, survey research, political influence, and electoral behavior. Electives allow students to deepen expertise in the issues, organizations, and strategies most relevant to their career goals.
→ View additional elective information
Experiential Learning and Capstone Project
Applied learning is a central component of the MAP experience. Students complete an internship in government, politics, advocacy, or a related field and conclude the degree with a capstone project demonstrating their ability to apply political strategy, research, and communication skills to a real-world challenge. Capstone presentations may be completed remotely, allowing students to participate from anywhere.
Practical Politics
Learn by Doing
Through internships, campaign-focused coursework, and hands-on projects, students gain experience applying political strategy in real-world settings.
Rankings
Recognized Among Top Online Universities
UAkron Online has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s top online universities, reflecting a strong commitment to quality and student success.
National Distinction
One of Only Five in the Nation
UAkron is home to the Midwest's only Master of Applied Politics program and one of just five such programs nationwide.
Online MAP Admissions Information
Learn about admission requirements, tuition, and financial aid opportunities for the online Master of Applied Politics program.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, allowing students to begin the admissions process throughout the year.
To apply, you'll need:
- A completed bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Two letters of recommendation
- A statement of personal goals
No specific undergraduate major is required for admission, and GRE scores are not required.
Need help? An Enrollment Advisor can guide you through each step.
Tuition and Cost Considerations
Tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis for graduate programs.
- Ohio resident tuition: $500 per credit hour
- Online students benefit from a reduced out-of-state surcharge of $1 per credit hour
→ View tuition and fees for graduate students
→ Estimate your cost of attendance
Financial Aid Options
Students may be eligible for a variety of financial support, including:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Federal and state grants
- Graduate student loans
- Scholarships
The University of Akron provides financial aid to a significant number of graduate students each year.
→ Learn more about financial aid
Get Help
The Office of Student Financial Aid offers support throughout the process, including assistance with FAFSA completion, understanding your aid package, and planning for educational costs.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, allowing students to begin the admissions process throughout the year.
To apply, you'll need:
- A completed bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Two letters of recommendation
- A statement of personal goals
No specific undergraduate major is required for admission, and GRE scores are not required.
Need help? An Enrollment Advisor can guide you through each step.
Tuition and Cost Considerations
Tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis for graduate programs.
- Ohio resident tuition: $500 per credit hour
- Online students benefit from a reduced out-of-state surcharge of $1 per credit hour
→ View tuition and fees for graduate students
→ Estimate your cost of attendance
Financial Aid Options
Students may be eligible for a variety of financial support, including:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Federal and state grants
- Graduate student loans
- Scholarships
The University of Akron provides financial aid to a significant number of graduate students each year.
→ Learn more about financial aid
Get Help
The Office of Student Financial Aid offers support throughout the process, including assistance with FAFSA completion, understanding your aid package, and planning for educational costs.
Online MAP Faculty & Staff
Learn from scholars and practitioners who study, participate in, and help shape today's political landscape.
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Online MAP Program FAQs
Yes. While the program focuses on practical politics and professional preparation, graduates may also pursue doctoral study in political science or related disciplines. MAP graduates have gone on to earn Ph.D. degrees and continue advanced academic research.
Organizations across government, advocacy, nonprofit, and public affairs sectors continue to seek professionals with expertise in communication, stakeholder engagement, political strategy, fundraising, and public policy. These skills are valuable in election cycles and year-round organizational and advocacy efforts.
Salary potential varies by role, experience, and employer. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, public relations and fundraising managers earn a median annual salary of approximately $133,000, and political scientists earn approximately $139,000. Government relations and public affairs professionals may earn higher salaries depending on industry, experience, and leadership responsibilities.
Applied politics graduates work in campaign management, political consulting, government relations, advocacy, public affairs, fundraising, community engagement, and policy analysis. They help shape political strategy, influence public opinion, build stakeholder relationships, manage campaigns, and advance organizational priorities across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Career opportunities exist with political campaigns, legislative offices, government agencies, consulting firms, advocacy organizations, trade associations, and community-based organizations.
Yes. The Master of Applied Politics is specifically designed for students interested in practical political work, including campaigns, electoral strategy, advocacy, fundraising, government relations, and political communication. Unlike traditional political science programs, the curriculum emphasizes applied skills and experiential learning.
Earn Your Political Science Master’s Online
Gain the strategic, communication, and leadership skills needed to navigate today's political environment and help shape tomorrow's decisions.