Study Political Science at Binghamton University, a Master degree offered at its main campus in Binghamton, United States of America. This Full Time program is delivered on campus in English and takes approximately 1 year to complete. Students benefit from a structured learning experience designed to build both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The next intake is scheduled for August 22, 2027.

About Master of Political Science

Binghamton University's Political Science Department ranks 19th in the world. Offering both Master of Arts (MA) and doctoral programs, our department has developed curricula to help individual students meet their particular goals within the field. The primary goal of the PhD program is to educate scholars who plan to continue their professional and scholarly development by contributing to the field of political science through teaching and research. The MA has two tracks: in one, students are required to write a master's thesis; in the second, students must complete a comprehensive exam. Despite differing requirements, each track provides graduates with exemplary advanced training suitable for policy analysis, journalism or other professional careers. Graduates of Binghamton University's political science programs go on to work in academia, research institutes, government and private industry.

The organization of the program is based on two convictions:

that political science is a unique subject matter that requires specialization;
that in the next generation all social sciences, including political science, will rely increasingly on systematic evidence and quantitative analysis.

Our program seeks to shape and encourage young professionals who will be ready and able to assess and contribute to this fast-changing field in a fast-changing world. We emphasize a broadly-based theoretical understanding of political behavior and institutions, coupled with the ability to carry out systematic empirical analysis. PhD students choose a primary and secondary substantive focus on American politics, comparative politics or world politics; MA students need only develop a specialization in one substantive area.

Graduate students work closely with faculty members to select their specializations. Faculty research areas in the Department of Political Science include:

international relations and foreign policy
human rights
political parties
campaigns and campaign finance

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Political Science at Binghamton University

Entry Requirements

Provide a complete set of your undergraduate (and, if applicable, graduate) transcripts showing one of the following:
- You have earned a bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
- You are within one academic year of earning a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
- You are eligible to apply as part of a memorandum of understanding between your current institution and Binghamton University
Have earned, at minimum, one of the following:
- A 3.0 GPA over your entire undergraduate career
- A 3.0 GPA during the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits of your undergraduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
- A 3.0 GPA in a graduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
- In consideration of the different grading scales used around the world, each academic department evaluates international transcripts to determine on a case-by-case basis whether they demonstrate one of the above requirements.

English Requirements

PTEMin 53
IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 80

Career Opportunities after Completing Master of Political Science

PhD students of our program have excellent placement rates for teaching positions at colleges and universities both nationally and internationally.

Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Political Science at Binghamton University

Application Fee 70

How to Apply for Master of Political Science at Binghamton University

Submit the online application and all required application materials.

You will need a valid email address to create an online application.
- For best performance, we recommend using Google Chrome to apply.
Upload all required application materials for your program to the online application.

Scan and upload the files with care, making sure they are clear, legible and complete. The graduate admissions committee will receive the files you scan and upload.
Preferred file format is PDF. Other accepted file formats include .doc, .docx, .rtf, .jpg and .tif.
Do not mail hard (paper) copies of any application materials unless specifically requested by the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Pay the $75 (USD) non-refundable graduate degree program application fee.
- You can use a Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express credit card. Your credit card bill serves as your receipt.
- We are happy to be able to grant application fee waivers to CSTEP, EOP, HEOP, LSAMP Program, Project 1000, SEEK Program or TRIO Program (McNair Scholars Program, Student Support Services, Upward Bound, etc.) students. Please provide a certified letter from your program official attesting to your participation. Documents can be uploaded directly on the application or by emailing [email protected].
- We are happy to be able to grant application fee waivers to GEM Fellowship applicants. Please submit a copy of your GEM interface homepage indicating that your overall application status is complete. Documents can be uploaded directly on the application or by emailing [email protected].
- United States Armed Forces veterans and active duty service members are also eligible for an application fee waiver. Please submit a copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214) or your Status Report Pursuant to Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (as downloaded from https://scra.dmdc.osd.mil). Documents can be uploaded directly on the application or by emailing them to [email protected].
- Please note that a request for an application fee waiver may take 2 to 3 business days to process. Please wait for an email stating that your request has been approved before submitting your application. If you have any questions about this process, please contact us at [email protected].
Submit the online application and all required application materials by your program's application deadline.

Review these reminders before you apply:

We recommend you begin the application process at least one month before your program's application deadline.
You may apply to more than one program at a time. If you receive an admission decision for more than one program, you can only confirm your intent to enroll for one program at a time. Any remaining applications will be automatically withdrawn once you have confirmed your intent to enroll by paying your admission deposit. Exceptions will be made for individuals applying to approved dual- and double-degree programs.
Take care when selecting your program. The Office of Graduate Admissions cannot make any changes to your program once we receive and begin review of your application.

If you are a former Binghamton University student (undergraduate, graduate or non-degree/non-matriculated) and have changed your name, file an official name change form with the Office of Financial Aid and Student Records before submitting an application.
If you are an international student, review the additional admission requirements for international students before submitting an application.
If you are interested in transferring graduate credits from another institution to Binghamton University, review the policies regarding the transfer of graduate credits before submitting an application. The application process is the same for students who are planning to transfer graduate credits as it is for those who are not.