Political Psychology, MA
Program Description
Degree Awarded: MA Political Psychology
Developed as an interdisciplinary program crossing political science and psychology, the MA in political psychology was created to aid in the professional advancement of electoral and issue advocacy campaign professionals, government and private sector careers, and careers in nonprofit organizations. Students learn the skills they need to mobilize voters and social movements; advance governmental programs; design successful political communication strategies; and effectively market political candidates for local, state and federal offices.
The program's mission is to educate students in the most recent insights from evidence-based research, prepare students with innovative tools and with knowledge that gives them an advantage over their peers, and to encourage hands-on training that ensures they can apply their classroom learning. Students have regular interactions with world-class teachers and researchers who help students learn how to shape the world in a meaningful and positive way.
The School of Politics and Global Studies is host to the Future Security Initiative, the Center for Latina/os and American Politics Research, and the SPGS Experimental Laboratory. The Department of Psychology hosts 10 doctoral, master's degree and graduate certificate programs that investigate issues such as social influence and persuasion, prejudices and discrimination, and neuroscience and clinical pathology. Faculty members are active in collaborative interdisciplinary research at ASU and with scholars at other universities, and have won many major grants and awards.
Degree Requirements
30 credit hours including the required capstone course (PPS 550)
Required Core (3 credit hours)
PPS 501 Fundamentals of Political Psychology (3)
Other Requirement (6 credit hours)
PPS 504 Attitudes and Persuasion (3)
PPS 506 Experimental Design (3)
Electives (18 credit hours)
Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
PPS 550 Capstone (3)
Additional Curriculum Information
Students should see the academic unit for a list of approved elective courses.
Other requirement coursework may be substituted with approval from the program director. Substitutions are based on student interest in narrowing their specialization with guidance. This program does not seek to replicate existing communications or marketing degrees, but rather harness the political psychology perspective as applied to a variety of potential student interests and careers.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
Applicants are required to submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- letter of intent or written statement
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
A letter of recommendation is strongly encouraged but not required. The preferred type of letter of recommendation is an academic recommendation, but a letter from an employer or other supervisor is also permitted. The letter should address topics such as the applicant's analytical skills, ability to integrate information, level of motivation, ability to meet deadlines and work ethic. Once the application has been submitted, the listed recommender will receive an email with instructions for providing their recommendation.
Flexible Degree Options
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:
BS - Political Science
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BA - Political Science
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Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.
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Career Opportunities
The Master of Arts program in political psychology prepares students for a variety of careers in politics and related fields. An understanding of how voters make decisions and behave is crucial for jobs in political campaigns, grassroots organizations and political party organizations. The communication skills developed in this program could lead to careers in political marketing or political advertising. Graduates are also prepared for a variety of jobs in local, state or federal government.
Career examples include:
- campaign manager
- campaign strategist
- community organizer
- fundraising consultant
- issue advocacy consultant
- legislative aide
- lobbyist
- media strategist
- political analyst
- political marketing manager
Attend Online
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
- spgs@asu.edu
- 480/965-8563