The Political Science at Northeastern University is a Full Time Master program offered on the Boston campus in United States of America. The program is delivered on campus in English and can be completed in 2 years. Students develop academic knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for future careers in this field. The next available intake starts on January 1, 2027.

About Master of Political Science

Beyond the foundational courses of the MA degree, Master of Arts in Political Science students are offered a range of options including theoretical or practitioner-oriented courses, the pursuit of internships, the writing and submission of a research thesis, or the individualized exploration of a research topic through a directed study. Additionally students are allowed to explore the field with a more focused emphasis, working within one of our five core areas of research and practitioner expertise: American government and politics, comparative government and politics, international relations, public policy, and security studies.

With decades of outstanding scholarship, our MA students have gone on to pursue a wide range of opportunities. Many have used the degree as a foundation for doctoral work, taking advantage of the opportunity offered by our master’s program to take higher-level research courses with doctorate-level students. Others have utilized the degree as an academic foundation to a career in government, including work at the federal, state, and local level, as well as work in international development or relations.

Learn more about the Master of Arts in Political Science program from the College of Social Sciences and Humanities.

More Details

Unique Features

Five concentrations: American government and politics, comparative government and politics, international relations, public policy, and security studies
Students may pursue internships, a research thesis, experiential learning opportunities, or directed study
Select courses offered online

Our Master of Arts in Political Science provides training in the core scholarly areas of political science, such as American government, international relations, comparative politics, and public policy, plus signature concentrations in security studies, European studies, and Middle East studies. Courses in the MA program serve as a foundation for work in a doctoral program or as preparation for a career in government, a nonprofit organization, or the private sector.

Five concentrations: American government and politics, comparative government and politics, international relations, public policy, and security studies
Students may pursue internships, a research thesis, experiential learning opportunities, or directed study
Select courses offered online

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

Entry Requirements

Admissions Dates

Fall Term

Spring Term


Final deadline for international applicants:	June 15
Final deadline for domestic applicants (non-international):	August 15
Final deadline for special student applicants (non-international only):	August 15


Final deadline for international applicants:	October 1
Final deadline for domestic applicants (non-international):	December 15
Final deadline for special student applicants (non-international only):	December 15

English Requirements

PTEMin 76
IELTSMin 8
TOEFLMin 108

English Program Requirements

Northeastern students will be exposed to not only a rigorous academic environment but also a fast-paced experiential one. In order to be successful in both, all first-year and transfer applicants, regardless of citizenship, must demonstrate proficiency in English to be considered for admission to Northeastern.

Once your application is submitted, received, and processed, you will be able to access your Application Status Check. If you are required to provide further information regarding your proficiency in English, you will be able to complete the requirement in several ways, depending on your familiarity with English, and the frequency with which you use English each and every day:

Non-native English-speaking applicants will be required to submit official and valid results from one of the following English Language Tests:
- C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (Cambridge English)
- Duolingo English Test (DET)
- IELTS Academic
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL Internt-based Test (CEEB Code: 3667) Northeastern will accept either the in-person version completed in a test center, or the TOEFL iBT Home Edition
However, based on your academic environment and the primary instructional language in either your high school or university, you may be eligible for a waiver. All waivers must be submitted through your Application Status Check. For additional information and to determine whether or not you are eligible for a waiver, please read the section below on waiving the English proficiency requirement.

Please note: Northeastern’s Admissions Committee reserves the right to request proof of English language proficiency from any applicant, regardless of citizenship or first language, at any time during the evaluation process.

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

Application Fee 75

How to Apply for Master of Political Science at Northeastern University

1.Create your application
Submit your application through The Common Application or the Coalition Application (both are accepted). Once you have created your application, please select Northeastern University to directly submit your application to us. Application fee of $75 or need-based fee waiver* *Northeastern accepts need-based fee waivers from the Common Application, the Coalition Application, as well as organizations such as the College Board and ACT, or in a written request from a school official.
2.Submit all required materials
Double check to make sure that you have submitted all required materials. Even if your application has been submitted, we cannot begin reviewing your file until all of your required materials have been received. For applicants applying for the 2022-2023 academic year, Northeastern University is test-optional and does not require standardized testing to complete an application for admission.
3.Check your application status
Within seven days of applying, you should receive a confirmation email containing your Northeastern University ID number and instructions for setting up your Application Status Check account. To ensure all of the necessary documents have been submitted, and for updates or information about your application, visit your application status check.