The Master of Arts in Political Science (MA-POLSCI) is a two-year graduate program that builds upon and enhances the skills and knowledge gained from an undergraduate political science program. The program prepares students for an eventual career in teaching or researching political science by giving them the analytical and research skills needed in the study of the discipline.

Recommended Undergraduate Program

Students who wish to pursue a graduate degree in MA in Political Science should have an undergraduate degree in the social sciences field. However, students who do not hold an undergraduate program in those fields but still wish to pursue the program are encouraged to take at least 18 units of courses in the relevant fields.

Subjects and Curriculum

• Contemporary Problems in Philippine Government and Politics

• Advanced Course on the Philippine Executive System

• The Philippine Legislature and Its Development Roles

• Contemporary Issues in International Relations

• Social Movements in the Philippines

• Theories of International Relations

• Philosophy of the Social Sciences

• Political Parties in the Philippines

• Theories of Comparative Politics

• International Political Economy

• Participation and Development

• Economy, Culture and Society

• Development Administration

• Sustainable Development

• Theories of Development

Admission Requirements

Qualifications

• The student must have an undergraduate degree relevant to the program

• An applicant with a degree not in line with the social sciences field may still be admitted to the program as long as they take the pre-requisite courses. However, some colleges and universities admit any bachelor’s degree holders. 

• The student must pass the Graduate Admissions Test of the university

Basic Requirements

• Undergraduate Transcript of records (Original and Photocopy)

• Recommendation letters from former professors, deans, or colleagues

• Letter of intent

• Most recent medical and dental health record

• Copy of NSO Certified birth certificate

• Copy of undergraduate diploma

• (1) Latest 2”x2”ID Picture

Areas of Specialization

• Comparative Politics

• International Relations

• Political Theory

• Public Administration

• Public Law

Program Outcome

Graduates of MA in Political Science are expected to be able to:

• Discuss major concepts in the discipline

• Conduct research initiatives through quantitative and qualitative methods

• Apply theories and principles of the discipline on specific issues and problems

• Critique current issues and problems on a historical and contemporary understanding of the national and global context

Board Exam

The MA in Political Science does not have a board examination. However, graduates may opt to take the Civil Service Examination (CSE) conducted by the Philippine Civil Service Commission (PCSC) to qualify in working in government offices. Some graduates opt to take a Doctorate degree to further gain expertise in the industry. 

Career Opportunities

Graduates of MA in Political Science may pursue a career path in government offices, non-government organizations, or private businesses. They may apply as a political science teacher, legislative assistant, legal consultant, government consultant, political advisor, academician, or a researcher.