Overview

The Political Science M.A. programme at San Diego State University offers an academically challenging environment focused on global politics, regional studies, and advanced research design. This two-year course provides students with the analytical tools necessary to interpret complex scholarly debates and develop original critical voices. Participants benefit from a curriculum that bridges theoretical worldviews with practical political phenomena.

Why Political Science at San Diego State University?

San Diego State University is the largest institution in the California State University System, holding a prestigious national reputation for academic excellence. The department is deeply committed to social justice and offers a politically engaged atmosphere. Students benefit from the university's unique geographic location on the U.S.-Mexican border, providing a cosmopolitan context for fieldwork and research.

The programme is noted for its diverse international student body and supportive faculty mentorship. Students have access to specialised facilities and library ties with other major institutions, including the University of California, San Diego. Additionally, the department offers flexible scheduling with evening courses to accommodate those with professional commitments.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 8548 per year
National fee: USD 8548 per year
Local fee: USD 8548 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to provide breadth across disciplinary fields while allowing for substantive expertise in specific areas of interest. Modules may include:

Research Design
Global Politics
Comparative and Regional Politics
Theories of Politics
Critical Race Theory
Gender and Politics
Immigration and Border Politics
International Law
American Democracy

Careers with Political Science

Graduates are well-prepared for professional roles within government agencies, non-profit organisations, and public interest groups. The programme serves as a significant springboard for those entering prestigious Ph.D. programmes or pursuing careers in research and higher education. Many alumni secure positions as educators, policy analysts, or researchers in various international and domestic sectors.

The department provides practical training opportunities through teaching and research assistantships. These roles allow students to develop professional skills in pedagogy and data analysis. Furthermore, the available certificate programmes in Public Policy and Global Politics are specifically designed to enhance job placement and career specialisation.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Research Design and Analysis

Applied Qualitative Methods

Statistics

Seminar in Intl Relations

Seminar in Pub Policy

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

San Diego, United States

Disciplines

Political Science View 285 other Masters in Political Science in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Fill out an application with Cal State Apply (online)

Official copies of all undergraduate transcripts

An official record of your graduate work at other universities

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

11548 USD / year

≈ 11548 USD / year
Out-of-State

11548 USD / year

≈ 11548 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8548 USD / year

≈ 8548 USD / year

Additional Details

Non-resident tuition: Add $444 per unit to the basic tuition and fees listed above.

Living costs

San Diego

United States

1400 - 2455 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Political Science.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

San Diego

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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