Political Science

Departmental Website

http://www.eiu.edu/poliscigrad/

Overview

Earn your M.A. in Political Science with 2 Options: 1) A mix of online and face-to-face Political Science MA or 2) An online option in Public Administration and Public Policy. Complete your degree in 1-3 years, finding the pace that works for you. We provide a strong foundation in political science, research methods, public administration, public policy, and non-profit management and leadership. All courses are taught by department faculty, with full advising and mentoring provided. Besides strong job placement in a variety of public and private sector careers, we also have a strong Ph.D. and J.D. placement record, including University of Illinois-Chicago, Claremont Graduate University, Cornell University, University of Cincinnati, University of Pittsburgh, The Ohio State University, University of Missouri, University of Nebraska, Purdue University, Texas Tech University, Southern Illinois University, UNC-Chapel Hill, and Indiana University.

Option(s)

Public Administration/Public Policy Option (Online)

Graduate Certificates

Public Planning

Hours Required

Course Catalog Listing

http://catalog.eiu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=33&poid=4978&returnto=1418

Typical Starting Positions

State/local/regional government agencies, Non-profit and civic organizations, City and urban planning, Economic development, Private sector government relations, Protective services administration, Budget analysis, Human resource management, Public policy research, Campaign management, Lobbying, Legal advocacy

Well Known Companies that Hire EIU Graduates

Illinois Principals Association, Illinois Department of Transportation, City of Effingham, City of Arcola, South Central Illinois Regional Planning & Development, Will County Governmental League, USDA Rural Development, Amazon.com, University of West Florida, Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Memphis, DePauw University, HOPE of East Central Illinois, Courage Connection of Champaign, IL, U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, U.S. Department of Defense, Nebraska Department of Economic Development, U.S. State Department

Research Opportunities

Our students regularly attend conferences, including the Illinois Political Science Association, the Indiana Academy of Social Sciences, the Midwest Political Science Association, and the Illinois State University Conference for Political Science Students. In the past decade, students have made over 50 conference presentations. Competitive travel grants are available. Our students are regularly recognized for outstanding thesis research, including 6 thesis awards in the past decade alone. Students also work with faculty to co-author research, with over 40 publications in the past decade.

Student Professional Organizations

Pi Sigma Alpha honor society, American Political Science Association, Illinois Political Science Association, Midwest Political Science Association

Professional Development Opportunities

Key departmental opportunities include 1) internships, 2) career panels and forums, and 3) data analytic skills. The Graduate School hosts forums on careers and research, and provides leadership opportunities to graduate students through the Graduate Student Advisory Committee. The University also offers career planning services, research support through Booth Library, and online technical and software training opportunities.

Graduate Assistant Opportunities

Each year we offer 6 graduate assistantships (GAs) to competitive students. GAs work with faculty in exchange for a 9-month stipend and a tuition waiver for two semesters and one summer.

Scholarship Listing

Click on the scholarship to learn more, including contact information and application procedures.

2016 Distinguished Graduate Student
Andrew Galo Scholarship for International Studies
Annie L. Weller Scholarship
COS Advisory Board Endowed Fund Sch
Department of Political Science Graduate Scholarship Fund
Diversifying Higher Education Faculty in Illinois (DFI) Fellowship
EIU University Professionals of Illinois Graduate Annual Scholarship
Forrest W. Howell Scholarship in Public Administration
Frances Meyer Hampton Graduate Scholarship
Graduate Student Investigator Award
Hamand Society of Graduate Scholars
James B. Curtis Memorial Scholarship
King-Mertz Research/Creative Activity Awards
King-Mertz Research/Creative Activity College Award of Excellence
Mrs. Pratima Niranjan Shah Scholarship
Robert & Kathryn Augustine Distinguished Master's Thesis Award Competition & MAGS Thesis Nomination
The EIU College Thesis Award of Excellence
The Graduate School Research/Creative Activity Grants
Williams Travel Grants

To search for scholarship opportunities please visit http://www.eiu.edu/scholarships/

Faculty Listing

http://www.eiu.edu/poliscigrad/faculty.php

Faculty Honors & Awards

The Political Science M.A. program has earned a First Choice designation, based on our commitment to the highest standards of excellence.

Political Science, Coleman Hall 2010
Contact Name: Dr. Melinda Mueller, Graduate Coordinator
Contact Email: mamueller@eiu.edu
Coordinator Profile: http://www.eiu.edu/graduate/prospective_degreeprograms_politicalscience.php
Web: http://www.eiu.edu/poliscigrad/