Advance Your Path in Political Science
Our M.A. in Political Science blends theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing students for impactful careers in government, law, and education.
Students in our online Political Science Master’s Degree Program can complete all coursework 100% remotely—no campus visits required!
Why Choose Our Program?
- Location Advantage: Study in the state capital—Illinois' dynamic political hub.
- Expert Faculty: Learn from published authors, political analysts, and legislative experts.
- Professional Advancement: Get promoted in your current field or pursue a new dream career in public service!
Specializations
Our comprehensive curriculum ensures that students develop both competence and deeper understanding. Students can specialize their individual course of study in several areas including:
- American Politics
- State and Local Government
- Comparative Politics
- International Relations
- Public Policy
- Constitutional Theory
- US Supreme Court and Judicial Politics
- Political Philosophy
100% Online or On-Campus - Your Choice!
- Same Curriculum & Faculty: The online and on-campus programs share the same coursework, faculty, and degree requirements.
- Flexible & Accessible: Designed for working professionals from diverse academic backgrounds, allowing students to tailor their coursework to their research interests and career goals.
What You'll Learn
Graduates of our program will develop:
- Analytical Expertise: Apply theoretical perspectives to examine public institutions, policy-making, and political behavior at state, national, and international levels.
- Research & Methodological Skills: Design, conduct, and present research using valid and reliable analytical techniques to explain political phenomena.
- Real-World Skills: Test political theories in real-world scenarios, integrating academic knowledge into your professional life.
Join a network of successful alumni shaping policy and governance across Illinois—apply to UIS today!
Learning Outcomes
- Ability to apply theoretical perspectives to analyze the purpose and functioning of public institutions, policy-making processes and political behavior in the state, national, or international context.
- Ability to design, conduct and present research employing valid and reliable analytical techniques to explain political phenomena.
- Competency to seek and/or participate in real-world opportunities to test political theories and integrate academic knowledge with practical experience.
Calendar
Don't miss an important date or deadline
Designed for working professionals, UIS programs feature multiple start dates per year, so you can begin at the time that best fits your schedule and complete your degree quickly. View the Academic Calendar
Tuition & Aid
UIS is the most affordable option to earning your University of Illinois degree. Earn a world-class education for less than you’d expect.
Tuition Estimates
On-campus
$7,120/yr*
Online
$7,685/yr*
Based on 40 credit hours over 2 years.
*These numbers represent an estimate of the in-state tuition cost for this program and do not include fees. To get an estimate of the full cost of attendance check out the cost of attendance page and/or use the tuition calculator.
Ways to Save on Tuition
Admissions
Applying to UIS is simple
We've streamlined our admission process to save you time and effort. Just follow the steps below.
Review admission requirements
Students should be sure to check specific program requirements; there may be an additional application for the program you wish to enter.
International students, will you need an F-1 student visa to study on campus at UIS? Please review the International Applicants site for additional information.
Complete your application
An email address is required to create an account. To submit a paper application, visit the Resources & Forms page. Find more information about what type of student you are on the Student Types page. Applying for an online program is the same procedure as applying for an on-campus program.
Send your official transcripts
Email your official or certified academic records/transcripts to incomingtranscripts@uis.edu or through any of the major transcript platforms. Photocopies will not be accepted.
Submit required statements/writing sample
If you are a first-year student, a statement of 250-650 words is required for admission. We want to hear about your professional aspirations, intellectual interests, and personal experiences relevant to your choice of a specific academic program. You can upload the required documents on your application status page.
Pay your application fee
You can submit your non-refundable application fee online, after completing the online application. Alternately, it can also be mailed to the university, payable to University of Illinois Springfield.
Domestic students: Undergraduate - $50, Graduate - $60;
International students: Undergraduate - $60, Graduate - $75.
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2020 - 2024
Courses & Catalog Information
At the University of Illinois Springfield, you'll find a wide range of courses tailored to your interests and career goals. Explore your program details and get all the essential information you need to plan your future.
Career Outlook & Potential Earnings
Graduates of this program may find opportunities in the following careers. Data sourced from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Managers, All Other
All managers not listed separately.
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Bright OutlookPlan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.
Median Annual Wage
$141,900
Wage Range
$74,300 – $238,270
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Some college, no degree
Compliance Managers
Bright OutlookPlan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.
Median Annual Wage
$141,900
Wage Range
$74,300 – $238,270
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent
Loss Prevention Managers
Bright OutlookPlan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.
Median Annual Wage
$141,900
Wage Range
$74,300 – $238,270
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent, Post-secondary certificate
Wind Energy Development Managers
Bright OutlookLead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects.
Median Annual Wage
$141,900
Wage Range
$74,300 – $238,270
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree, Master’s degree
Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
Bright OutlookPlan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.
Median Annual Wage
$141,900
Wage Range
$74,300 – $238,270
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree
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