EIU Department of Master of Arts in Political Science

Accelerated MA in Political Science

Do you want to complete a graduate degree in political science in just one year? It can be easily done if you take advantage of our accelerated MA in political science option.

Here's how it works. 

1. While you are an undergraduate at EIU, you can apply to join our accelerated program. The requirements to apply are below. 

2. Once admitted, you can take up to nine hours that will count for both the completion of your undergraduate degree as well as credit toward a masters degree in political science. Those courses are listed at the PLS 4750 level and above. 

3. Upon completion of your undergraduate degree, you can begin coursework in the MA program.

4. Because our master's degree only takes 33 hours, this means that you would only need to take eight courses to complete your masters degree. This can easily be accomplished in Fall, Spring, and Summer. 

Program Admission Requirements

Admission to the accelerated graduate program in Political Science requires the following:

• Minimum 3.25 cumulative undergraduate GPA
• Minimum 60 hours of undergraduate course credit completed
• Minimum of 9 hours of Political Science (PLS) courses, with at least 6 credits at the 3000-level. Concurrent enrollment is allowed.
• All majors may apply, as long as the minimum PLS hours are met.
• All applicants must submit two letters of reference and a professional goals statement.

You can begin the application process here.