Brandeis University

What you'll study

The programme provides a balance of substantive and methodological training. Core topics typically include American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory, together with courses in research design, statistics, and qualitative methods. Students choose seminars across these subfields to develop specialised knowledge and methodological competence.

Coursework often follows a mix of required methods classes and elective seminars. Typical modules and course types include:

• Research Methods and Statistics: introductory and advanced courses in research design, causal inference, and quantitative analysis using statistical software.
• American Politics: institutions and behaviour, public policy, political development and campaigns.
• Comparative Politics: comparative institutions, political economy, democratisation and state-society relations.
• International Relations: security studies, international political economy, global governance and diplomacy.
• Political Theory: normative theory, contemporary political thought and seminars on justice, rights and democracy.
• Capstone or Thesis: many students complete a significant research project or MA thesis under faculty supervision, allowing hands-on experience in research design, data collection and analysis.

Seminars emphasise original research, critical reading, and written and oral presentation skills. Students are encouraged to take cross-listed courses and to collaborate with research centres at the university for applied projects.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or an international equivalent, with a strong academic record in political science or related disciplines such as economics, history, sociology, or public policy. Admissions typically consider the entire application package:

• Transcripts: official academic transcripts demonstrating coursework and grades.
• Letters of recommendation: usually two or three references from academic or professional referees who can assess research potential.
• Statement of purpose: a clear account of academic interests, research goals and reasons for choosing the programme.
• Writing sample: an example of scholarly or policy-related writing; this is especially important for assessing analytical and writing skills.
• CV or résumé: summarising academic background, research experience and relevant work or internships.
• English language proficiency: for applicants whose first language is not English, proof of proficiency via recognised tests is required unless exempted by the university.

Some applicants may present GRE scores if they wish, but requirements can vary; prospective students should check current departmental guidance. Relevant professional experience can strengthen an application, particularly for those shifting into policy or NGO careers.

Career prospects

Graduates from this master’s programme pursue a range of career paths, reflecting the programme’s blend of substantive knowledge and methodological training. Common destinations include:

• Public sector and government: policy analyst roles, legislative staff, public administration and diplomatic service.
• Research and think tanks: research assistant or analyst positions conducting policy research, program evaluation and data analysis.
• International organisations and NGOs: programme management, advocacy, monitoring and evaluation, and field research roles.
• Private sector: consulting, political risk analysis, data analytics and public affairs.
• Further study: a significant portion of students continue to PhD programmes in political science or law school, using the MA as preparation for academic careers or advanced professional qualifications.

The programme’s emphasis on methods and supervised research prepares graduates to produce policy-relevant work and to transition into roles that require rigorous data analysis and substantive policy knowledge.

Why study at Brandeis University

Brandeis offers a departmental environment characterised by small seminar classes, close faculty mentorship and interdisciplinary opportunities. The department is known for strengths across several subfields, enabling students to tailor their studies according to interests in theory, empirical methods, or international affairs.

Students benefit from access to university research centres and specialised institutes, as well as opportunities to collaborate with scholars in related schools such as public policy and international studies. Brandeis’ location near a major metropolitan area provides additional professional and internship connections with government agencies, NGOs and research organisations. The programme’s focus on rigorous training and supervised research makes it a strong choice for students aiming for policy, analytic or academic careers.