The Master of Arts in Politics trains graduates in broad theoretical concerns about politics, government, and political values.
CGU’s Division of Politics & Economics educates future scholars of politics, government, and policy to make better decisions through rigorous research and sophisticated understanding of political systems and policy analysis. Our MA in Politics offers a broad-ranging, substantive understanding of American politics. 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. The program offers built-in flexibility that enables you to customize your curriculum to fit your goals and interests. Upon graduating, you will join the long line of highly successful program graduates who are making their mark in an impressive range of careers.
Program Highlights
- This MA program offers a concentration in American Politics.
- The degree requires completion of 12 four-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.”
Program At-a-glance
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36 units
required units
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MA in Politics
degree awarded
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In Person
modality
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Spring, Summer, Fall
program start
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1.5-2 years | full time*
estimated completion time
Areas of Concentration
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American Politics
The study of American Politics examines political institutions and political behavior in the United States. Courses cover all levels of government: national, state, and local.
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Comparative Politics
Scholars of Comparative Politics investigate similarities and differences in patterns of politics across the world. The field of Comparative Politics includes, among others, the study of political institutions and regimes; electoral behavior and procedures; identity, ideology, and culture; public policy; political economy and political and economic development; social movements and organizations; and protest and revolution.
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International Relations
Gain a deeper understanding of the link between politics, security, and global political development by utilizing computational and advanced methodological approaches.
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International Political Economy
IPE is the study of how international and domestic political processes shape national economies as well as the global economy. Alongside economic theories of international economics, IPE stresses the study of institutions, politics, and relations among domestic and international stake holders in understanding the global economy and international politics.
Where You Can Find Our Alumni
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs
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National Institute of Science Education and Research
Senior Research Fellow
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California Institute For Public Affairs
President
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University Of Wisconsin
Professor for the Political Sciences
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Dongguk University
Professor of Public Administration Theory, College of Social Science
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University of California
Lecturer
Faculty
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Carlos Algara
Mary Toepelt Nicolai and George S. Blair Assistant Professor
Research Interests
American politics, the United States Congress, ideological representation, electoral politics, elite institutions
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Heather E. Campbell
Thornton F. Bradshaw Professor of Public Policy
Director, Division of Politics & EconomicsResearch Interests
Public Policy, Urban Environmental Policy, Environmental Justice
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Robert Klitgaard
University Professor
Research Interests
Public Policy, Economic Strategy, Institutional Reform, Corruption
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Tyler Reny
Assistant Professor
Research Interests
American Politics, Racial and Ethnic Politics, Political Behavior, Public Opinion, Political Psychology, Data Visualization
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Melissa Rogers
Professor, Politics & Policy
Co-Director, Inequality and Policy Research Center
Field Chair, Comparative Politics
Field Chair, American PoliticsResearch Interests
Comparative Politics, Political Economy, Economic Inequality
Curriculum
Core Courses (16 units)
- American Politics and Institutions
- American Political Behavior
- Congressional-Executive Institutions and Policymaking
- Representation and Elections
Other Requirements
Research Tools (16 units)
Required:
- Nature of Inquiry
- Introduction to Statistical Analysis
- Advanced Quantitative Research Methods
One tools elective, chosen from:
- Survey Methods
- Visualizing Data
- Computational Tools for the Social Sciences
- Applied Data Analysis: Limited Dependent Variables and MLE
- Another tool approved by your advisor
Electives (16 units)
Application Guidelines
| University Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $80 (fee is non-refundable) |
| Official Transcripts | Undergraduate/graduate Applicants must submit a sealed, official transcript from every undergraduate and graduate institution that has granted the applicant a degree. Electronic transcripts sent to admissions@cgu.edu are also accepted. For undergraduate coursework, applicants are required to submit proof of a completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Unofficial copies of transcripts are accepted for review purposes, but official copies will be required upon admission. Applicants currently earning a degree that will be completed prior to attending CGU are required to submit a transcript showing work in progress for evaluation purposes. Once the degree has been granted, a final official transcript documenting the degree conferred must be submitted to CGU. International applicants are advised to review the International Transcript Guidelines for additional information on submitting international transcripts. |
| English Proficiency Exam | Required (international applicants only) A valid score on one of the following examinations TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson PTE, Duolingo English Test is required of all non-native English-speaking applicants. The examination is not required for the following applicants:
CGU’s school code for the TOEFL exam is 4053. International applicants are encouraged to visit our International Applicants page for more information, including score requirements. |
| Resume | Applicants must submit an up-to-date copy of their resume. |
| Program Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Statement of Purpose | Please submit a 2-3 page statement of purpose that details your academic and/or professional achievements, your specific areas of research interest within your desired field of study, why you are a strong candidate for graduate studies at CGU, and your career goals. |
| Letter of Recommendation | 2 letters required When filling out the online application, please enter references acquainted with your potential for success who will submit a written recommendation on your behalf. In most academic departments, references from faculty members who can speak to your academic ability are preferred; applicants with substantial work experience may request professional references. Please do not enter family members as references. You will be required to input information for your recommenders (whether they are submitting online or not) in the “Recommendations” section of the online application. Please follow the directions in this section carefully before clicking on “Recommendation Provider List” to input the names and contact information for each recommender. You will have an opportunity to indicate if the reference writer will be submitting online. These reference writers will receive an email from CGU with instructions on submitting an online recommendation. Recommenders who are indicated as offline will not receive an email from CGU with instructions to submit. These reference writers can submit via traditional mail and should use the supplemental New Student Recommendation Form. Recommenders can also email their letter of recommendation to the Office of Admissions at admissions@cgu.edu. |
Key Dates & Deadlines
CGU operates on a priority deadline cycle. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit complete applications by the priority dates in order to assure maximum consideration for both admission and fellowships.
Once the priority deadlines have passed, the University will continue to review applications for qualified candidates on a competitive, space-available basis. The final deadlines listed are the last date the University can accept an application in order to allow sufficient time to complete the admissions, financial aid, and other enrollment processes.
Spring 2026
Priority Deadline – November 1, 2025
Final Deadline (International) – November 15, 2025
Final Deadline (Domestic) – December 1, 2025
Classes begin – January 20, 2026
Summer 2026
Priority Deadline – February 1, 2026
Final Deadline (International) – March 1, 2026
Final Deadline (Domestic) – April 1, 2026
Classes begin – May 18, 2026
Fall 2026
Priority Deadline – February 1, 2026
Final Deadline (International) – July 5, 2026
Final Deadline (Domestic) – August 1, 2026
Classes begin – August 24, 2026
Cost & Aid
ESTIMATED TUITION (CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS, NON-RESIDENTS, INTERNATIONAL)
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition rates.
STUDENT FEES (PER SEMESTER)
| $245 Student Fee |
| $150 Technology Fee |
| International Student Services Fee**: $802 fall semester, $898 spring semester **Applies to all international students (F-1 visa only) who are registered in coursework, doctoral study, or continuous registration. The fee is assessed each fall and spring semester for annual ISO accident and sickness plans and administrative fees. Subject to changes. |
For estimates of room & board, books, etc., please download CGU’s Cost of Attendance 2025-2026.
| Program | 36 units |