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The MA program is offered and designed for current SGPP PhD students to impart the skills and knowledge needed to teach and conduct research at academic institutions. In keeping with the broad spectrum of research within SGPP, the PhD program offers the MA concentrations in the four major subfields of American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Public Administration and Policy, and courses in Political Philosophy, and Methodology.
The SGPP faculty welcomes talented candidates from a variety of academic backgrounds. While a prior degree in political science or public administration is not necessary, it is strongly recommended that applicants have completed at least some course work in related fields and subjects.
The School of Government and Public Policy considers graduate training and mentorship to be one of its primary objectives. We invite you to learn more about our program by viewing the information provided on this website or by contacting us directly.
School of Government and Public Policy
The School of Government and Public Policy was formed in 2009 by combining two highly ranked programs – Political Science and Public Administration and Policy - and bringing them under a single roof. Located in the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, SGPP is one of the largest schools at the University of Arizona and is uniquely situated to serve as a new model for public affairs education by promoting high-caliber research, teaching, community outreach, and civic leadership.
By offering leading programs in political science, international relations, public policy, and public management, SGPP prepares students for leadership positions in the public and nonprofit sectors.
College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
University of Arizona - Main - Tucson
Applications to the MA program in Government and Public Policy are submitted online through the University of Arizona Graduate College
The statement of purpose should be a concise statement about the applicant's academic and research background, career goals, and how the School of Government and Public Policy will help him/her to meet their career and educational objectives. Applicants should speak specifically to how their research interests align with those of the faculty in the School. Applicants are encouraged to list specific faculty with whom they share research interests.
The statement should not exceed three pages in length.
Applicants should use the personal statement to address how their background and life experiences (including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges) motivated their decision to pursue a MA in Government and Public Policy.
The personal statement is not the same as the academic statement of purpose.
The School of Government and Public Policy requires a bachelor's degree for admission. Applicants must submit transcripts from all institutions for which they received college credit. Transcripts can be scanned and uploaded with the application. Scans of official transcripts are preferred; if unofficial transcripts are used, they must include the name of the institution and the name of the student. Transcripts are submitted through the online application process.
All applicants must take and submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Scores should be submitted through ETS using institution code 4832.
All applicants whose native language is not English or who have not received an undergraduate degree from an institution where English is the exclusive medium of instruction are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Scores should be submitted through ETS using institution code 4832.
Applicants should request three letters from individuals who can speak to their academic potential, including knowledge and creativity, communication skills, and ability to complete projects. Letters of recommendation are submitted by the letter writers through the online application process.
The writing sample should be a good representation of original research/work by the applicant. The writing sample should not exceed 25 pages in length.
The General GRE test is required. Scores should be submitted through ETS using institution code 4832.
All applicants whose native language is not English or who have not received an undergraduate degree from an institution where English is the exclusive medium of instruction are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language, TOEFL (minimum of 79) or IELTS (minimum of 7, no score below 6).
Scores should be submitted through ETS using institution code 4832.
Domestic Applicants:
Contact Department for MA Application Deadline
International Applicants:
Contact Department for MA Application Deadline
International applicants may be considered for conditional admission to this program at the department's discretion.
4832
30
A combination of the following core classes:
POL600: Theories of Policy Making, 3 units
POL620: Intro. to American Politics, 3 units
POL640: Intro to Comparative Politics, 3 units
POL660: Intro to International Relations, 3 units
POL680: Research Design, 3 units
POL681: Quant Methods I, 3 units
POL682: Quant Methods II, 3 units
POL683: Quant Methods III, 3 units
POL601: Organization Theory, 3 units
POL602: History of Thought in Public Management, 3 units
POL606: Federalism in Comparative Perspective, 3 units
POL608: Theory & Research on the Non-profit Sector, 3 units
POL610: Political Networks, 3 units
POL612: Energy Policy & Politics, 3 units
POL614: Technology Policy, 3 units
POL622: Political Institutions, 3 units
POL625: Political Psychology PPM, 3 units
POL626: Political Decision-Making, 3 units
POL627: Political Ideology, 3 units
POL627: Latino Politics, 3 units
POL630: Gender and Politics, 3 units
POL631: Race & Ethnicity, 3 units
POL650: Comparative Political Institutions, 3 units
POL651: Authoritarian Regimes, 3 units
POL652: Democratization IR, 3 units
POL653: Comparative Political Economy, 3 units
POL663: Scientific Study of Conflict, 3 units
POL664: Scientific Study of Civil War, 3 units
POL665: Nonviolent Civil Resistance, 3 units
POL666: Terrorism & Counterterrorism, 3 units
POL667: Human Rights & Repression, 3 units
POL668: Conflict Management, 3 units
POL669: Micro-dynamics of Political and Organized Criminal Violence, 3 units
POL670: Global and Regional Governance, 3 units
POL671: Global Political Economy, 3 units
POL673: Regional Analysis in World Politics, 3 units
POL684: Causal Inference PPM, 3 units
POL685: Panel Data Analysis, 3 units
POL686: Qualitative & Multi-Methods, 3 units
POL687: Experimental Methods, 3 units
POL688: Digital Traces, 3 units
Final Paper
Please refer to the Graduate Student Handbook for students who are pursuing this program of study.