Overview

The Political Science programme at Villanova University provides a rigorous academic foundation for students aiming to master the complexities of domestic and international politics. This Master of Science degree integrates theoretical scholarship with real-world context, ensuring graduates are prepared for high-level professional roles or doctoral research. Students benefit from a flexible curriculum that allows for deep specialisation across various political sub-fields.

Why Political Science at Villanova University?

The department is distinguished by its faculty of award-winning scholars and mentors who are recognised experts in fields ranging from comparative politics to national security. Teaching is conducted in small, discussion-based seminars with a maximum of 15 students, fostering an intimate and collaborative learning environment. Students also have the unique opportunity to customise their degree by taking interdisciplinary graduate credits in departments such as History, Public Administration, or Applied Statistics.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 955 per credit
National fee: USD 955 per credit
Local fee: USD 955 per credit

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

Syllabus

To earn the degree, students must complete ten courses and a final comprehensive written examination. The curriculum includes core requirements alongside a wide selection of elective modules. Modules may include:

Research Concepts and Approaches
American Government
International Relations
Comparative Politics
Political Theory
Quantitative Methods
Statistical Analysis
GIS

Careers with Political Science

Graduates from this programme have secured influential positions across the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Alumni frequently pursue careers within the U.S. State Department, foreign service, and intelligence agencies such as the FBI or the Pentagon. The degree also serves as a gateway to roles in international NGOs, government relations, and data analytics.

Many students use the programme as a stepping stone to prestigious doctoral placements. Former students have successfully entered PhD programmes at institutions including Brown University, Cornell University, and the University of Oxford. Others find success in journalism, law, secondary education, and municipal government management.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Research Concepts & Approaches
Topics in American Government
Topics in International Relations
Topics in Comparative Politics
Topics in Political Theory
U.S. Congress

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-06-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00

More details

Admission is conducted on a rolling basis

Language

English

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Philadelphia, United States

Disciplines

Political Science View 290 other Masters in Political Science in United States

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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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Other requirements

General requirements

Online application form
Transcripts
GRE (General) is optional but strongly recommended for students seeking funding.
3 recommendation letters (academic references are strongly preferred)
Statement of goals - a 500-750 word statement that outlines the applicant's topics of interest in political science, pertinent experience, prior research, and objectives in seeking the degree
$50 non-refundable application fee

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

28650 USD / year

≈ 28650 USD / year
Out-of-State

28650 USD / year

≈ 28650 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

28650 USD / year

≈ 28650 USD / year

Living costs

Philadelphia

United States

800 - 1300 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.

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