M.A.P. Applied Politics

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 75% or above in their bachelor's degree.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of  6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 115.

The University of Akron (UA) offers a variety of scholarships to support international students financially. These scholarships are designed to help alleviate the cost of tuition and support academic excellence. 

Merit Scholarships: Merit scholarships at UA are automatically considered for all incoming first-year students. These awards are based on a comprehensive review of the applicant’s academic transcripts, curriculum, and cumulative GPA. 

Williams Honors College Scholarships|: First-year, transfer, and continuing students who meet specific academic qualifications can apply for the Williams Honors College Scholarships. These scholarships range from $1,500 to $2,000 and require an application to the Williams Honors College, including an interview. 

Provost’s Scholarships for Transfer Students: These scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, are available to students transferring from another regionally accredited college or university. Transfer students are automatically considered for these awards upon applying for admission​.

International Student Scholarship Opportunities: International students can also benefit from various specific scholarships offered by different departments and programs within the university. For instance, the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences offers numerous scholarships for students pursuing majors within their disciplines. These range from awards for academic merit to those supporting specific fields of study​​.

Graduate Assistantships: For graduate international students, UA offers numerous assistantships that provide stipends and tuition remission. These positions allow students to gain valuable work experience while funding their education. 

Graduates of The University of Akron's M.A.P. in Applied Politics program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in government, public policy, advocacy, and political consulting. The program's comprehensive curriculum and practical experiences equip students with the skills needed to navigate and influence political landscapes effectively.

Policy Analyst: Policy analysts work in government agencies, think tanks, and advocacy organizations, analyzing policy issues, conducting research, and making recommendations to inform decision-making processes. They focus on areas such as healthcare, education, environmental policy, and social welfare.

Legislative Aide: Legislative aides support elected officials at various levels of government by researching legislative issues, drafting proposals, analyzing constituent concerns, and managing communications. They play a crucial role in the legislative process and policy development.

Campaign Manager: Campaign managers coordinate political campaigns for candidates running for office. They oversee campaign strategy, fundraising efforts, voter outreach, advertising, and volunteer coordination to maximize electoral success and effectively communicate candidates' platforms.

Political Consultant: Political consultants provide strategic advice and services to political candidates, parties, or advocacy groups. They specialize in areas such as polling, media relations, public opinion research, and campaign finance management to help clients achieve their political goals.

Government Relations Specialist: Government relations specialists, also known as lobbyists, advocate on behalf of organizations, corporations, or interest groups to influence legislative and regulatory decisions. They build relationships with policymakers, monitor legislation, and advocate for policies that align with their clients' interests.

Public Affairs Specialist: Public affairs specialists work in public relations firms, nonprofits, or government agencies to manage communications and public relations strategies. They handle media relations, crisis communications, community outreach, and strategic messaging to shape public perception and support organizational goals.

Political Scientist: Political scientists research political systems, policies, and trends to analyze and predict political behavior and outcomes. They may work in academia, government, or research organizations, conducting studies and publishing findings that inform public policy debates.

International Relations Specialist: International relations specialists focus on global political dynamics, diplomacy, and foreign policy. They work for government agencies, international organizations, or multinational corporations, analyzing international relations, negotiating treaties, and promoting global cooperation.

Nonprofit Advocate/Manager: Nonprofit advocates and managers work for advocacy organizations, foundations, or nonprofit agencies that focus on social justice, environmental issues, healthcare, or education. They coordinate advocacy campaigns, manage programs, and advocate for policy changes to support their organization's mission.

Political Journalist/Writer: Political journalists and writers cover political events, analyze policy developments, and report on government activities for media outlets, newspapers, or online publications. They provide insights into political processes and inform the public about current political issues.