Advance Your Path in Political Science
Our M.A. in Political Science blends theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing students for impactful careers in government, law, and education.
Students in our online Political Science Master’s Degree Program can complete all coursework 100% remotely—no campus visits required!
Why Choose Our Program?
- Location Advantage: Study in the state capital—Illinois' dynamic political hub.
- Expert Faculty: Learn from published authors, political analysts, and legislative experts.
- Professional Advancement: Get promoted in your current field or pursue a new dream career in public service!
Specializations
Our comprehensive curriculum ensures that students develop both competence and deeper understanding. Students can specialize their individual course of study in several areas including:
- American Politics
- State and Local Government
- Comparative Politics
- International Relations
- Public Policy
- Constitutional Theory
- US Supreme Court and Judicial Politics
- Political Philosophy
100% Online or On-Campus - Your Choice!
- Same Curriculum & Faculty: The online and on-campus programs share the same coursework, faculty, and degree requirements.
- Flexible & Accessible: Designed for working professionals from diverse academic backgrounds, allowing students to tailor their coursework to their research interests and career goals.
What You'll Learn
Graduates of our program will develop:
- Analytical Expertise: Apply theoretical perspectives to examine public institutions, policy-making, and political behavior at state, national, and international levels.
- Research & Methodological Skills: Design, conduct, and present research using valid and reliable analytical techniques to explain political phenomena.
- Real-World Skills: Test political theories in real-world scenarios, integrating academic knowledge into your professional life.
Join a network of successful alumni shaping policy and governance across Illinois—apply to UIS today!
Calendar
Don't miss an important date or deadline
Designed for working professionals, UIS programs feature multiple start dates per year, so you can begin at the time that best fits your schedule and complete your degree quickly. View the Academic Calendar
Tuition & Aid
UIS is the most affordable option to earning your University of Illinois degree. Earn a world-class education for less than you’d expect.
Value of a UIS Degree
UIS is No. 5 for students graduating with the least amount of debt, Midwest Region (2021).
Top 25 best value school, Midwest Region, and the only public university in Illinois on the list (2022, 2023, 2024).
98% of students receive aid
The average graduate from UIS will see an increase in earnings of $31,700 - $69,000 each year compared to someone with a high school diploma working in Illinois.
Admissions
Applying to UIS is simple
We've streamlined our admission process to save you time and effort. Just follow the steps below.
Review admission requirements
Students should be sure to check specific program requirements; there may be an additional application for the program you wish to enter.
International students, will you need an F-1 student visa to study on campus at UIS? Please review the International Applicants site for additional information.
Complete your application
An email address is required to create an account. To submit a paper application, visit the Resources & Forms page. Find more information about what type of student you are on the Student Types page. Applying for an online program is the same procedure as applying for an on-campus program.
Send your official transcripts
Email your official or certified academic records/transcripts to incomingtranscripts@uis.edu or through any of the major transcript platforms. Photocopies will not be accepted.
Submit required statements/writing sample
If you are a first-year student, a statement of 250-650 words is required for admission. We want to hear about your professional aspirations, intellectual interests, and personal experiences relevant to your choice of a specific academic program. You can upload the required documents on you're application status page.
Pay your application fee
You can submit your non-refundable application fee online, after completing the online application. Alternately, it can also be mailed to the university, payable to University of Illinois Springfield.
Domestic students: Undergraduate - $50, Graduate - $60;
International students: Undergraduate - $60, Graduate - $75.
Courses & Catalog Information
At the University of Illinois Springfield, you'll find a wide range of courses tailored to your interests and career goals. Explore your program details and get all the essential information you need to plan your future.
Career Opportunities
Exploring the following career paths can help you see how your degree opens up a wide range of exciting and rewarding opportunities in various fields.
- Administrative Assistant
- Anti-Discrimination Worker
- Auditor
- Campaign Staffer/Volunteer
- Community Development Associate
- Congressional Page
- Consumer Activist
- Emergency Response Manager
- Ethics Investigator
- Foreign Service Officer
- Government Worker
- Legislative Aide
- Lobbyist
- Management Analyst
- Municipal Clerk
- Peace Worker
- Personnel Coordinator
- Political Action Committee Professional
- Poliltical Party Staffer
- Pollster
- Press Assistant
- Research Assistant
- Victim Advocate
- Women’s Rights Activist
