Applied Politics, MAP
The Master of Applied Politics is one of just a few programs in the United States focusing on practical politics and experiential learning. It is designed for students interested in working in election campaigns, digital strategy and messaging, fundraising, managing organizations, government relations, civic engagement, and other political activities. Our modern curriculum produces graduates with real, tangible skills, who will be ready to make their mark in their chosen field immediately. All courses are delivered either live online (with an in-person component for those located in Northeast Ohio) or 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. Two 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 full or part-time. 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 555 | Civic Engagement and Political Behavior | 3 |
POLIT 556 | Deliberation and Political Disagreement | 3 |
POLIT 570 | Fundamentals of Political Strategy | 3 |
POLIT 571 | Fundamentals of Electoral Messaging | 3 |
POLIT 572 | Campaign Finance, Fundraising, and Budgeting | 3 |
POLIT 578 | Fundamentals of the Digital Campaign | 3 |
POLIT 600 | Scope & Theories of 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 500 | Political Extremism & Violence | 3 |
POLIT 522 | Understanding Racial & Gender Conflicts | 3 |
POLIT 523 | Women, Gender, and Politics | 3 |
POLIT 502 | Politics and the Media | 3 |
POLIT 527 | Campaign Battleground | 3 |
POLIT 528 | Ohio Politics | 3 |
POLIT 540 | Survey Research Methods | 3 |
POLIT 541 | The Policy Process | 3 |
POLIT 542 | Methods of Policy Analysis | 3 |
POLIT 563 | Human Rights in World Politics | 3 |
POLIT 573 | Voter Contact & Elections | 3 |
POLIT 580 | Policy Problems in Political Science | 3 |
POLIT 590 | Workshop in Political Science | 1-3 |
POLIT 592 | Selected Topics in Political Science | 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 601 | Research Methods in Political Science | 3 |
POLIT 630 | Seminar in National Politics | 3 |
POLIT 655 | Campaign and Election Law | 3 |
POLIT 672 | Seminar: Political Influence & Organizations | 3 |
POLIT 690 | Special Topics in Political Science | 1-3 |
POLIT 697 | Independent Research & Readings | 1-4 |
POLIT 699 | Master's Thesis | 2-6 |
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.