University of Virginia

What you'll study

This master’s combines core theoretical and empirical work with flexible elective study. Typical core themes include:

• Political theory: contemporary and classical debates in democratic theory, justice, rights and political obligation.
• American politics: institutions, federalism, political behaviour, parties and elections.
• Comparative politics: regime types, political development, comparative political economy and institutional design.
• International relations: security studies, international political economy and global governance.
• Research methods and quantitative analysis: research design, statistics, causal inference and computational methods for political data.
• Public policy and administration: policy process, implementation and evaluation (elective or cross-listed courses).

Students typically choose between a thesis or a substantial research paper/capstone, supervised by a faculty member. The programme balances seminar-style discussion courses with methodological training and opportunities for archival or field research. Electives can be taken across the university, allowing interdisciplinary study with public policy, law, history or data science.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a strong bachelor’s degree in political science or a related discipline (such as economics, history, sociology or public policy) from an accredited institution. Typical application requirements include:

• Official transcripts demonstrating academic preparation and achievement;
• A personal statement describing academic interests, research experience and reasons for pursuing the master’s;
• Letters of recommendation (usually two or three) from academic or professional referees;
• A curriculum vitae outlining relevant academic, research and professional experience;
• Evidence of quantitative preparation sufficient to undertake methods courses (for example, undergraduate coursework in statistics or research methods);
• Proof of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English (accepted tests and score expectations are listed by the university).

The department’s admissions guidance should be consulted for information on whether standardised tests are required or considered and for details about part‑time, residential or transfer options.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of careers that value analytical skills, quantitative literacy and policy knowledge. Typical pathways include:

• Policy analyst or researcher in government departments, think tanks and international organisations;
• Positions in non-governmental and advocacy organisations focusing on human rights, development, environment or governance;
• Political consultancy, campaign management and communications roles;
• Data‑driven roles such as polling, public opinion research and applied social research;
• Legal careers (with further professional qualification) and roles in regulatory bodies;
• Academic research and preparation for PhD programmes in political science or related fields.

The programme’s emphasis on research methods and supervised projects helps graduates demonstrate readiness for demanding analytical and research roles, and students benefit from the university’s career services and alumni networks when seeking placements and internships.

Why study at University of Virginia

The University of Virginia offers a scholarly environment with faculty active across the major subfields of political science and close intellectual connections to complementary schools and research centres. Students benefit from access to well-established research institutes, public lectures, and seminar series that connect academic research to real-world policy debates. Smaller seminar classes foster close supervision for research projects, while opportunities to cross-register or collaborate with public policy, law and data analytics units broaden training and professional networks. The historic campus and proximity to regional and national policy hubs also provide practical internship and networking possibilities for students seeking applied experience.