Interdepartmental Program
No
Dive into the study of governance, politics, and policy with Iowa State University's Political Science graduate program. Rooted in rigorous academic inquiry and practical application, our program offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for careers in government, academia, and public service.
Politics shapes all of our lives in significant ways, and the study of political science helps the world see beyond simplistic talking points and understand the impact of policy and its players. As a political science major or minor, you can pursue a track that matches your career goals – whether they center around law, campaigns, international policy, private enterprise, or even environmental policy.
Degrees Offered:
Area(s) of Specialization:
- American Politics
- Global Politics
- Public Policy
How long does it take to earn a degree?
- Median time to earn the master’s: 1.8 years (Methods)
Learning Goals
- Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of scholarly literature in political science or public policy. (Thesis Students) OR Demonstrate the ability to apply the scholarly literature in political science and public policy to practical issues in the public sector. (Creative Component Students)
- Form testable hypotheses and articulate research objectives that, when met, will lead to significant contributions to the field of study. (Thesis Students) OR Demonstrate understanding of the difficulties and complexities of implementing public policy in practice.
- Conduct qualitative and/or quantitative research via appropriate acquisition, analysis, and reporting of data. (Thesis Students)
- Interpret research results appropriately, integrating them into the existing knowledge in the discipline of political science or public policy.
- Clearly and accurately communicate research findings orally and in writing, and often through the use images (tables, figures, and other forms of imagery) and electronic or other forms of media.
- Articulate how the graduate program, including coursework and creative scholarship, fits into life and career goals.
- Conduct scholarship, in teams or with independence, in ways that consistently demonstrate ethical practice and professionalism.
515-294-7256
Mack Shelley, University Professor and Graduate Director
mshelley@iastate.edu
Political Science Graduate Program
503 Ross Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1204
Program Homepage
Program Handbook
Application Requirements
Application Deadlines:
Fall semester/financial aid: March 1; Fall semester/no aid: May 1; Summer semester: March 1; Spring semester: October 1
Application Details:
This program is open to domestic and international students.
Application Instructions
Admission Requirements
Graduate College Requirements:
- 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
- Academic Records/Transcripts
- Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
- Proof of English Proficiency.
Program Specific Requirements:
- Program Requires GRE: No
- Program Requires GMAT: No
- Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS: No
International Requirements:
- Financial Statement: Application
- English Proficiency Minimum:
| TOEFL Paper (PBT) |
563 |
| TOEFL Internet (iBT) |
85 |
| IELTS |
6.5 |
| PTE |
57 |
| Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) |
115 |
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
No
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
mshelley@iastate.edu
