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Political Science

Also offered as: Major , Minor , Political Science: Public Administration & Public Policy Option (Graduate Option) , Public Planning Certificate (Graduate Certificate)

The Master of Arts in Political Science at EIU offers a traditional degree focused on advanced political analysis and research. Designed for maximum flexibility, the program is available 100% online, entirely in-person, or as a hybrid mix to perfectly match your schedule.

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Political Science

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Degree Level
Master of Arts
Delivery
In Person / Hybrid
Time to Degree
4 Semesters
Credit Hours
33 Total, 33 in Major
Careers
Managers
Political Science students at EIU

Why Study Political Science at EIU?

  • Prepare for competitive Ph.D. or J.D. (Law) programs
See it for yourself Schedule a Visit
"I chose to attend EIU because it simply seemed like the best fit for me. Back during my college search, I struggled to figure out where I wanted to go. ... When I started looking into EIU, it seemed to fit what I was looking for - ideal campus size and student population, good opportunities - it felt right, and I didn't even question where I wanted to go any further, I had decided on EIU."
Lawrence Thomas
Class of 2027, Political Science major
Lawrence Thomas, Political Science at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Project-based coursework
  • Collaborative learning experiences
  • Opportunities for internships and applied work
Hands-On Experience, Political Science students at EIU

What You'll Learn

The M.A. in Political Science provides you with graduate level knowledge of governments and political systems, preparing you for a wide variety of career opportunities or career advancement. This M.A. is a traditional face-to-face program, but students can choose to take some electives online, offering flexibility.  Why consider an M.A. in Political Science at EIU? We have small class sizes with close faculty interaction.

View in Catalog
$63,359
Median Salary 4 Years After Graduation

Career Outcomes

  • Regulatory Affairs Managers
  • Compliance Managers
  • Loss Prevention Managers
  • Wind Energy Development Managers
  • Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists…
  • Political Scientists
  • Social Science Research Assistants
  • Political Science Teachers,…
  • Secondary School Teachers

Career Insights

Job Outlook ★ Bright Outlook Grow Rapidly · Openings
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)
Personality Fit Conventional

Financing Your Degree Under the 2026 Rules

Federal graduate lending changed on July 1, 2026 - Grad PLUS loans ended for new borrowers and new federal borrowing caps now apply to graduate students. Here's why the math still works at EIU:

Estimated total for this degree: ~$16,665 (tuition and fees)

  • ✓ That's only about 17% of the new $100,000 lifetime graduate borrowing limit - leaving room for whatever comes next in your career.
  • ✓ A typical full-time year here runs about $9,090 - well under the new $20,500 annual federal loan limit, so federal loans alone can cover tuition and fees.
  • ✓ Working? If your employer offers it, they can provide up to $5,250 per year tax-free toward your education - at EIU's rates, that can cover a good share of a part-time master's.

Estimates use 2026-2027 Illinois-resident tuition and fees and typical full-time enrollment. Your actual costs and aid depend on your program, enrollment, FAFSA, and prior borrowing.

Talk to EIU Financial Aid →
17% of lifetime limit

$16,665 total, just 17% of your $100,000 federal graduate borrowing limit

Connect With Us

Dr. Jin Hong Kim
Assistant Professor, Grad Coordinator, Interdisciplinary Civic & Nonprofit Leaderhip Minor Coordinator
jhkim2@eiu.edu
2325 Coleman Hall
Dr. Jin Hong Kim Message Dr. Kim

Message Dr. Kim

or email jhkim2@eiu.edu directly
Dr. Karen Swenson
Department Chair, Professor, and Pre-Law Coordinator, Political Science
kbswenson@eiu.edu
2321 Coleman Hall
Dr. Karen Swenson Message Dr. Swenson

Message Dr. Swenson

or email kbswenson@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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