EIU Master of Arts in Political Science

Applying to the Political Science Graduate Program

We are excited that you are thinking about graduate study in Political Science at Eastern Illinois University. Applying is a two step process, and everything is submitted through MyEIU.

Step 1: Apply to the Graduate School

Submit your application materials through MyEIU.

• International students should be sure to select the international option in MyEIU
• U.S. students should select the Graduate School when logging in

Step 2: Apply to the Political Science Graduate Program

After you are admitted to EIU, return to MyEIU to submit your materials for the Political Science Graduate Program.

Good news: applications to the Political Science Graduate Program are accepted year round.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate Assistantships are available for full time students who can be on campus daily. These applications are also submitted through MyEIU.

• Spring assistantships: applications due November 1
• Fall assistantships: applications due March 1

Need to Make a Change or Have Questions?

• Changing your intended semester? Use the Application Update form
• Have general questions? Check out the Graduate Application FAQ
• Still wondering about something? Email the Political Science Graduate Coordinator, Jeff Ashley, at jsashley@eiu.edu

We are happy to help and would love to see you join our program.

Admission Requirements

U.S. Residents

• Apply to the Graduate School
  • Submit your application and $30 application fee through MyEIU
  • Application fee waivers are available, especially for first-generation graduate students, individuals underrepresented in graduate study, and applicants whose life experiences add to the diversity of the program. 
  • The GRE is not required
• Transcripts and GPA
  • Upload or mail undergraduate transcripts to the Graduate School
  • Minimum GPA required is 2.75 on a 4.0 scale from an accredited institution
    • Graduate School Contact Information
      The Graduate School
      Eastern Illinois University
      600 Lincoln Avenue
      Charleston, IL 61920
      Email: graduate@eiu.edu
• Apply to the Political Science Graduate Program
  • Once admitted to the Graduate School, submit the following in MyEIU:
    • Two reference email addresses, ideally from professors or employers
    • A professional goals statement
    • Optional: Graduate Assistantship application

International Applicants

• Apply Through International Programs
  • Submit application materials through MyEIU
  • Upload or mail undergraduate transcripts and English language certification to the Office of International Students & Scholars
  • Minimum GPA required is 2.75 on a 4.0 scale
  • The GRE is not required
    • International Office Contact Information
      Office of International Students & Scholars
      Eastern Illinois University
      600 Lincoln Avenue
      Charleston, IL 61920
      Email: international@eiu.edu
• Tuition Support
  • Apply for international student scholarships
• Apply to the Political Science Graduate Program
  • After admission to EIU, submit the following in MyEIU:
    • Two reference email addresses
    • A professional goals statement
    • Optional: Graduate Assistantship application

Please note that students cannot receive both a Graduate Assistantship and a scholarship. We recommend applying for both. If both are awarded, the tuition scholarship can be declined.

Application Fee Waiver

The Political Science Department, in partnership with EIU’s Graduate School, offers a limited number of application fee waivers that cover the $30 graduate application fee.

Who Should Apply

You may be a good fit for a fee waiver if you meet one or more of the criteria below.

Strong academic record

• Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Official transcripts must be submitted to the Graduate School as part of the normal application process

Academic or service achievements

• Share your academic, research, leadership, or service accomplishments
• These should be described in a short essay of no more than 500 words

Additional consideration

• First generation graduate students
• Students underrepresented in graduate study
• Applicants whose life experiences add to the diversity of our graduate student community

How to Apply

1. Email your 500 word essay to the Political Science Graduate Coordinator, Jeff Ashley, at jsashley@eiu.edu.
2. Complete your full application to the Graduate School and the Political Science Department. This includes:
   • Online application
   • Two references using the departmental reference form
   • Personal statement
   • Undergraduate transcripts
3. Do not submit the application fee when completing the online application. Wait until you are notified by Professor Ashley about your fee waiver decision.

Please note that receiving a fee waiver does not guarantee admission to the program.