M.A. in Politics

Program Overview

The M.A. in Politics at The Catholic University of America is a graduate program designed to provide students with a deep and nuanced understanding of political constructs, institutions, and behaviors. Situated in Washington, D.C., the program leverages its unique location to offer an immersive learning experience that combines rigorous academic theory with practical insights into contemporary governance and international affairs. It aims to develop critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and effective communication skills, preparing graduates for careers in public service, education, law, or for further doctoral studies.

Curriculum: The M.A. in Politics requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of coursework. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA or better. The program offers concentrations in three core areas: Political Theory, World Politics (comprising International Relations and Comparative Politics), and American Government. Students focusing on Political Theory or American Government are required to take specific foundational courses within their concentration (e.g., POL 651 and 652 for Political Theory, POL 625 for American Government). World Politics students must take POL 606 (Introduction to International Affairs) and 607 (Graduate Introduction to Comparative Politics). Regardless of concentration, students are also required to take at least six hours in the other fields offered by the department. All M.A. students must demonstrate basic competence in a research skill, which can be either a foreign language or a methodology (such as statistics or qualitative methods), with specific requirements varying by concentration. Students can choose to write a master's thesis (earning six credits) or demonstrate research competence through two approved seminar papers. The program culminates in a written comprehensive examination in the student's chosen field of concentration. The program is designed for completion in two years of full-time study, with evening classes often scheduled to accommodate working professionals. A joint J.D./M.A. program is also available in cooperation with the Columbus School of Law.

Research Focus: The Department of Politics at Catholic University emphasizes a rigorous approach to political inquiry, blending classical traditions with contemporary issues. Research focuses span several key areas: Political Theory (including the history of Western political thought, American political thought, Christian political thought, and constitutionalism), American Government and Politics (covering the presidency, Congress, the Supreme Court, constitutional law, political development, parties, elections, and intelligence policy), and World Politics (with expertise in international security, comparative politics, American foreign policy, religion and international affairs, peace studies, national security, anti-terrorism, and Latin American Politics). Faculty often bring expertise from working in the field, grounding research in real-world application. Students are expected to engage in in-depth research, culminating in a thesis or substantial research papers, demonstrating their ability to critically analyze political phenomena and contribute to scholarly discourse.

Industry Engagement: The M.A. in Politics program benefits significantly from its location in Washington, D.C., offering unparalleled opportunities for industry and governmental engagement. Graduates frequently pursue careers in public service, politics, and education, or advance in existing roles within these areas. The department's proximity to national and international policymaking bodies provides direct access to numerous internships, networking events, and professional development opportunities within federal agencies, Congress, think tanks, non-profit organizations, and political campaigns. While not a direct "industry" program in a commercial sense, its close ties to government and public policy sectors ensure that the curriculum remains relevant to the practical demands of political careers, preparing students to be active participants in the political landscape.

Global Perspective: The M.A. in Politics program offers a robust global perspective, particularly through its "World Politics" concentration, which includes International Relations and Comparative Politics. This focus allows students to explore global security issues, comparative political systems, American foreign policy, and the intersection of religion and international affairs. The curriculum delves into political dynamics across various regions, including Latin America, fostering a comprehensive understanding of international political structures and global challenges. By examining political theories and systems beyond the U.S. context, the program prepares graduates to engage with complex global issues and contribute to international relations, diplomacy, or global governance.