CUNY(The City University of New York)

What you'll study

This master's combines core courses in political theory, American politics, comparative politics and international relations with advanced training in research design and quantitative methods. Students typically follow a mix of required core modules and electives to build specialised pathways in areas such as public policy, urban politics, political economy, migration and ethnic politics, political behaviour, or conflict and governance.

• Core topics: political theory, constitutional and institutional analysis, public administration and urban governance, political behaviour.
• Methods and skills: statistics for social science, multivariate analysis, survey design, qualitative methods, research design and causal inference.
• Electives and seminars: comparative public policy, international political economy, immigration and ethnic politics, ethnicity and race in American politics, environmental politics, campaigns and elections, law and politics.
• Capstone options: many students complete a master's thesis or a substantial practicum/capstone project; some programmes also offer practicum placements or policy-oriented internships with city agencies, NGOs or advocacy organisations.

Coursework emphasises applied research and urban-focused case studies, and students are encouraged to take advantage of internships and collaborative research with faculty. Flexible part-time and full-time enrolment options are frequently available to accommodate working professionals.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requires a recognised bachelor's degree or equivalent with a solid academic record. Admissions committees look for evidence of academic readiness for graduate study in the social sciences, which can include undergraduate coursework in political science, history, economics or statistics but is not always mandatory.

• Academic transcripts: official transcripts showing undergraduate degree completion.
• Letters of recommendation: usually two or three references from academic or professional referees who can speak to scholarly potential or relevant experience.
• Statement of purpose: a clear statement outlining research interests, career goals and reasons for choosing CUNY.
• CV or résumé: detailing academic background, work experience and relevant extracurricular activity.
• Evidence of quantitative readiness: prior coursework in statistics or evidence of quantitative aptitude may be requested, especially for students planning a research-intensive track.
• English language proficiency: required for applicants whose first language is not English; accepted evidence typically includes recognised test scores or institutional waivers where applicable.

Some CUNY campuses or programmes may accept GRE scores optionally or as an additional data point; requirements can vary across the university's colleges, so applicants should check the specific programme's guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a broad range of careers in public, private and non-profit sectors. Typical roles include policy analyst, legislative assistant, research associate, public affairs or communications officer, programme manager in NGOs, and positions in local or national government. The degree also prepares students for doctoral study in political science or related fields.

• Public sector: city, state or federal agencies; legislative offices; public administration and urban planning departments.
• Think tanks and research organisations: policy research, program evaluation and data analysis roles.
• Civil society and advocacy: NGOs, community organisations, labor unions and advocacy groups focused on policy implementation and public engagement.
• Private sector: consulting, political risk analysis, corporate public affairs and communications.
• Academia and doctoral study: for students seeking a research or teaching career, the MA provides foundational training for PhD programmes.

Why study at CUNY (The City University of New York)

CUNY offers distinct advantages for studying political science in an urban context: faculty expertise spans urban politics, immigration, labour, public policy and comparative politics, and many faculty engage in applied research with direct links to New York City's governance challenges. The university's location provides unmatched access to municipal agencies, advocacy organisations, think tanks and international institutions for internships and networking.

Students benefit from a diverse student body and extensive research resources across CUNY's colleges and the Graduate Center, including specialized libraries and research centres. The programme's connections to the city create opportunities for practicum placements, collaborative research projects and professional development that bridge academic study and public-facing careers.