The Master of Arts in Politics (MAP) trains graduates in broad theoretical concerns about politics, government, and political values. CGU’s Department of Politics & Government educates future scholars and practitioners of politics, government, and policy to make better decisions through rigorous research and a sophisticated understanding of political systems and policy analysis. Providing excellent grounding in contemporary methods, our MA in Politics offers built-in flexibility that allows students to emphasize that part of Political Science that is of most interest to them, choosing between American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Political Economy, and International Relations. Working alongside faculty who are experts in the field, you’ll conduct high-quality interdisciplinary research on the most pressing political and governmental issues of our time. Upon graduating, you will join the long line of highly successful program graduates who are making their mark in an impressive range of careers. These same skills are also useful for students who wish to pursue a PhD in Political Science or Public Policy.

Admission. Admission requirements are detailed in the Admissions section of the current Policies and General Information Bulletin.

University Policies. Policies detailed in the current Policies and General Information Bulletin apply.

Program Highlights

• The degree requires completion of 9, 4-unit courses. Students normally complete coursework in three to four semesters. 

• Our graduate Political Science program was ranked No. 2 in the nation among graduate Political Science programs for “faculty responsiveness and support outside of the classroom.”

General Requirements

Coursework: Completion of 36 units as described below.

Final Paper Portfolio: All students in the Department of Politics and Policy are required to submit two papers to the program office. One paper should be written during the student’s first semester in the program. A second paper should represent the student’s best work and may come from any subsequent semester that the student is enrolled in the program. Papers are used for accreditation review of the program.