Overview
Our Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science students work alongside our Ph.D. students in seminar courses and receive the same access to faculty mentorship. Dedicated experts in the department provide our MA students guidance on the thesis-writing process. Seminar courses unpack leading approaches to analytic and methodological standards in political analysis.
As a result, we have a strong track record of helping to place students into Ph.D. programs. In recent years our MAs have achieved entry into Ph.D. programs such as NYU, Princeton, Emory, Chicago, Maryland, Penn State, and of course, Duke itself. In addition, our program is both flexible and rigorous, and the skills we cultivate translate well to careers in the public sector (foreign service, state department, federal administration) and the private sector (mostly NGOs and companies with international outreach).
Students in the Master of Arts in Political Science program at Duke University will pursue coursework in two fields of the discipline, selected from the following: Normative Political Theory & Philosophy; Political Behavior & Identities; Political Institutions; Political Economy; Political Methodology; and Security, Peace & Conflict. Typically, students who are pursuing only the M.A. degree are not eligible for departmental financial assistance. However, there may be opportunities for financial support for select admits. In addition, the MELD program offers participating students paid internships. Moreover, the Dean’s Research Award for Master’s Students provides funds for conference or research travel or research supplies in support of degree completion.
Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning for Development Program
MA students are encouraged to take advantage of a new Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning for Development (MELD) Program. The MELD Program will provide paid internships and training opportunities during the academic year for students interested in a career in research and evaluation in the international development industry. Admission to MELD is subject to an application process and spaces are limited. In coordination with DevLab@Duke, the program will engage students in the management and implementation of real-world development research and evaluation, with the objective of strengthening both research and management skills.
Programme Structure
Courses include:
- Understanding Ethical Crisis in Organizations
- Rule of Law
- Intellectual History and Political Theory
- Dissent, Disobedience and Revolution
- Ancient Political Philosophy
- Politics and Philosophy of Self and Other
- Nietzsche's Political Philosophy
- Contemporary Theories of Liberal Democracy
- Topics in Early Modern Political Thought from Machiavelli to Mills
- Social Theory and Social Practice
- Heidegger
- Contemporary Ethical Theories
- Thucydides and the Realist Tradition
- Modern Political Theory
- Adversarial Ethics
- Political Thought in the United States
- Free Speech, Hate Speech, and Civil Disobedience
- Intermediate Topics in Political Theory
- Economy, Society, and Morality in Eighteenth-Century Thought
- Hegel's Political Philosophy
- Contemporary Continental Political Thought
- Democracy and Constitutionalism
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 24 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting
- Apply before
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Language
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Credits
Delivered
Campus Location
- Durham, United States
Disciplines
Political Science View 295 other Masters in Political Science in United StatesWhat students do after studying
Academic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
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- 98 accuracy using real exam data
- 4.9/5 student rating
Other requirements
General requirements
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or science from an accredited institution (transcripts required, including an estimated GPA and a grade scale)
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume
- Three recommendations
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or equivalent—official results
- English Language Testing (TOEFL or IELTS)—official results
- Interview and/or a video introduction
- Nonrefundable application fee of US$75— paid by credit card, or by a check made payable to Duke University
Tuition Fees
-
International Applies to you
Applies to youNon-residents67724 USD / year≈ 67724 USD / year - Out-of-State67724 USD / year≈ 67724 USD / year
-
Domestic
Applies to youIn-State67724 USD / year≈ 67724 USD / year
Living costs
Durham
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
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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.
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