Applied Politics, MAP
The Master of Applied Politics, in cooperation with the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, is one of the few programs in the United States focusing on practical politics. It is designed for students interested in working in the world of politics including activities to capture elective public office in partisan contests, influencing legislation, political organization, and public policy. Our modern curriculum produces graduates with real, tangible skills, who will be ready to make a mark in politics immediately. All courses are delivered live online (with an in-person component for those located in Northeast Ohio) and asynchronously online, thus allowing students to take classes and complete the program from anywhere in the world.
Admission Requirements
Admission is open to students who have completed a four-year undergraduate degree and who fulfill the admission requirements of the Graduate School. Three letters of recommendation (at least one from a faculty member) and a personal statement outlining the expected fit between the student’s skills and objectives and the department’s programs and resources are required. No specific field of undergraduate major is required for admission. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required. The program is designed to accommodate students taking course work on a full or part-time basis.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Degree Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits of graduate work composed of core and elective courses, at least one internship, and a capstone presentation.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Required Core Courses - 24 credits | ||
POLIT:570 | Fundamentals of Political Strategy | 3 |
POLIT:571 | Fundamentals of Electoral Messaging | 3 |
POLIT:572 | Campaign Finance, Fundraising, and Budgeting | 3 |
POLIT:573 | Voter Contact & Elections | 3 |
POLIT:578 | Fundamentals of the Digital Campaign | 3 |
POLIT:600 | Scope & Theories of Political Science | 3 |
POLIT:601 | Research Methods in Political Science | 3 |
POLIT:695 | Internship in Government & Politics | 3-6 |
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Elective Courses - Minimum of six credits selected from the following: | ||
POLIT:502 | Politics and the Media | 3 |
POLIT:527 | Campaign Battleground | 3 |
POLIT:528 | Ohio Politics | 3 |
POLIT:540 | Survey Research Methods | 3 |
POLIT:563 | Human Rights in World Politics | 3 |
POLIT:574 | Political Opinion, Behavior & Electorial Politics | 3 |
POLIT:575 | American Interest Groups | 3 |
POLIT:576 | American Political Parties | 3 |
POLIT:577 | Government Relations and Lobbying | 3 |
POLIT:630 | Seminar in National Politics | 3 |
POLIT:655 | Campaign and Election Law | 3 |
POLIT:672 | Seminar: Political Influence & Organizations | 3 |
POLIT:695 | Internship in Government & Politics (If students complete more than 3 credits of this course in fulfillment of their core requirements, the additional credit may be applied toward this elective category.) | 3-6 |
MAP Capstone Project
All students are required to construct a PowerPoint (or other visual presentation) and defend a capstone project which demonstrates knowledge and skills earned while in the MAP program. The capstone presentation can be completed using distance learning/remote technology if the student cannot be present on the UA campus.