Admissions
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Thank you for your interest in graduate programs in the Department of Political Science at Northeastern University. We want to take this opportunity to point out some main highlights about our graduate programs that may assist you as you consider whether or not to apply.
- Our classes are in a seminar style, encouraging student participation, and are scheduled during early evening hours or online to fit the needs of our full and part-time students.
- Our faculty members are accomplished scholars in their fields with decades of professional and academic experience.
- We offer financial awards, including teaching assistantships and scholarships to a number of our students.
Upcoming Graduate Open Houses and Information Sessions
We welcome you to come to campus and visit us for more information on ours and other graduate programs offered by Northeastern University. If possible, we recommend you come to one of our information sessions or open houses.
- Graduate Information Session- Wed. Nov. 4, 2009; 6-7:30 PM; Curry Student Center
- Graduate Information Session- Tues. Jan. 12, 2010; 6-7:30 PM; Curry Student Center
- Graduate Information Session- Thurs. March 11, 2010; 6-7:30 PM; Curry Student Center
If you cannot make it to any of these also feel free to contact us and we will set-up a time when you can come and meet with us.
The Department of Political Science's Three Graduate Programs
Our Master of Arts in Political Science Program focuses on the core scholarly areas of political science. Students specialize in one of four concentrations:
- U.S. politics and public policy
- comparative politics
- international relations
- political theory
Our Master of Public Administration Program is accredited by the National Association for Schools of Public Affairs and Administration. The program combines theoretical foundations with practical skills to prepare students to be effective in a dynamic and increasingly diverse professional environment. Students complete core courses and design a sequence of electives relevant to their individual academic and professional goals.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science is grounded in the core fields of the discipline -international relations, comparative politics, and American Government and Politics - and also includes public policy as a major field. The curriculum introduces students to all four fields and also develops their research skills through a series of methods courses.
Admission Deadlines
Fall Term
- PhD Application Deadline- February 1
- If interested in scholarship or assistantship award consideration all admission application materials should be submitted by February 15. No other application is required for Departmental award consideration.
- MA and MPA International Student Applications Deadline- May 1
- MA and MPA Domestic Student Application Deadline- August 1
- Nondegree Special Student Application Deadline- August 25This is for non-degree part time study only.
Spring Term
- MA and MPA International Student Applications Deadline- October 1
- MA and MPA Domestic Student Application Deadline- December 1
- Nondegree Special Student Application Deadline- December 15This is for non-degree part time study only.
- Note: We do not accept applications for the PhD program in the spring semester.
- Students interested in scholarship or sssistantship awards should apply for the fall term.
How to Apply
If ready to apply, you can do so by completing the online Apply Yourself Application. Once you have completed the on-line application all supplemental materials should be submitted directly to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences by following the instructions here.
Contact Information
- For more information on the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and admission requirements and deadlines please visit here.
- If you have any further questions, please contact us at gradpolisci@neu.edu or 617.373.4404.
Thanks again for your interest in one of our three graduate programs.