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Political Management

Degree Requirements

Political Management At-A-Glance │ Advocacy Politics │ Electoral Politics │ Advanced Political Skills │ Course Listings


In order to qualify for admission to the Master of Professional Studies in Political Management, students must first be admitted by the College of Professional Studies (CPS). Applicants are required to have:
  • A Bachelor's degree with at least a B average (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or equivalent from an accredited college or university
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official results of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) general test; candidates with at least three years of relevant, professional, full-time work experience, or with a J.D., M.D., or Ph.D., may apply to waive the GRE.
  • Official results of the Test of English as a foreign Language (TOEFL) for students who are from countries where English is not an official language and those who do not hold a degree from an accredited American institution of higher learning. The Test of Written English (TWE) is also recommended.

Program Curriculum*

There are two options available for the Political Management Master's Degree:
  • 12 Courses (36 credit hours)
    • OR
  • 10 Courses (30 credit hours) plus a Master's Thesis (6 credits)

Required Core Courses (6 courses, 18 credit hours)
Complete four before proceeding to advanced courses. Complete all six within your first eight courses.
Electives/Focus Area (6 courses, 18 credit hours)
Choose to focus in one of the following areas, or meet your individual aspirations by selecting electives from several different areas.

Capstone Sequence Options
Students complete the final three classes (nine credits) by taking either two electives plus the capstone course (PMGT 295), or one elective plus the two-course thesis. The two thesis classes are usually taken during two semesters. As has always been the case at the GSPM, with your advisor's approval you may also take electives outside the program. Many classes in the Legislative Affairs or the Strategic Public Relations degree programs would make excellent electives for Political Management students. Some students also take courses at the Elliott School of International Affairs, Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration, or School of Business.


Field Work Requirement
Students who have not had substantial professional experience in politics must complete a term of fieldwork in political management. The 400-hour fieldwork requirement does not carry academic credit. Students who have had one or more years of professional experience in politics may apply to waive this requirement.


*Curriculum was revised in March 2008 and affects students enrolling in fall 2008 or later.