Studying political science in the USA will give you a comprehensive understanding of the American political system and global political dynamics. Additionally, you can learn law, government systems and political analysis. You can also explore multiple course modules such as government structures, international relations, and public policy. Generally, studying political science in the USA will equip you with a deep understanding of political theory, government structures, international relations, and public policy.

In this piece, I will walk you through the requirements needed to study political science in the USA. .

Requirements for Studying Political Science in the USA

  1. Complete your Secondary Education

    You must have completed your secondary education before you can study political science in the USA. Additionally, you must have a minimum of credits in subjects such as Mathematics, Government, Statistics, Economics, English Language and other subjects required from the university you are applying to.

  2. English Proficiency Test

    You will be required to write an English Language proficiency test if English is not your first language. Additionally, you must show proof of your English proficiency test. It can be tests such as IELTS, TOEFL. This test can vary based on the university you apply to. Additionally, each school will have the minimum score that you should have in the English test. The minimum score for IELTS is 6.5.

  3. Have Academic Transcripts

    You must submit an academic transcript of your previous education. This transcript must contain all your courses and grades that you have studied. Additionally, this transcript must be an official one and it must be written in English.

  4. Have Reference Letters

    You must submit at least two reference letters during your application. This reference letter should be from a teacher or an employer. Therefore, reference letters from friends or family will be rejected.

  5. Write the Standardized Tests

    Some Universities in the United States might require you to write tests such as the SAT(Scholastic Assessment Test) or ACT(American College Testing). Each university has a particular score that an applicant is supposed to meet. Therefore, you should verify from your university of choice. You need to know the university’s required test and score before applying.

  6. Personal Statement

    Some schools in the USA may require you to write a personal statement. This is an essay that explains why you want to study political science in the USA and your career plans. Additionally, you should check the school’s website to know the amount of words that you are required to write in your personal statement.

Requirements to Obtain a Masters Degree in Political Science in the USA

  1. Have a Bachelor’s Degree

    You should have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Additionally, you must have a strong academic record. You must have at least 3.0 out of 4.0 GPA from a recognized university.

  2. Have Academic Transcripts

    You must submit an academic transcript of your previous education. This transcript must contain all your courses and grades that you have studied. Additionally, this transcript must be an official one and it must be written in English.

  3. Professional Experience

    It is important that you have experience in this field. This may not be a compulsory requirement for all schools. However, it can make you stand out amongst other applicants.

  4. English Language Entry Requirement

    You need to write an English Language proficiency test if English is not your first language. Additionally, you must show proof of your English proficiency test. The minimum score for the IELTS is 7.0 with no sub-band lower than 6.5. Additionally, the minimum score for TOEFL is 80 to 100.

  5. Take the Graduate Recommendation Test(GRE)

    Some Universities in the USA will require you to write a GRE. This may not be a compulsory requirement. However, it will give you an added advantage. Therefore, You need to write the GRE tests to gain admission. Additionally, each university has a minimum GRE score. Therefore, you must verify the university’s GRE score before submitting your application.

  6. Recommendation Letters

    You need to have at least three recommendation letters. It should consist of 2 academic and 1 professional letters. Furthermore, these letters must be gotten from an employer or a previous lecturer. Therefore, recommendation letters from a friend or family will be rejected.

  7. Statement of Purpose

    You must write a statement of purpose explaining your qualifications, your future plans as well as the reason why you are choosing to study political science in the USA. Additionally, this essay must be 500-750 words or 1-2 pages long. This can vary depending on the university’s requirements.

  8. Resume/CV

    You need to submit an updated resume or curriculum vitae showcasing your work experience. Additionally, you can add your professional certifications if you have any.

How to Apply

You can apply to the school of your choice through the school’s website. Most schools in the US will require you to pay for an application fee before submitting your application. The application fee varies between 50 -100USD. You can apply for an undergraduate program as well as a postgraduate program. Additionally, you need to verify each school’s requirement before filling the application form.

Duration

The duration for studying political science in the USA varies based on the type of program and the University. A bachelor’s degree in political science lasts for four years. However, a masters degree lasts for 1-2 years.

Tuition Fee

The tuition fee for studying political science varies for international students as well as the particular university. The average amount for an undergraduate degree ranges from $9,000 to $35,000 annually. Additionally, the average amount for a postgraduate degree ranges from $15,000 to $42,000.

Universities in the USA that offer Political Science

  1. Harvard University, Massachusetts
  2. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, Michigan
  3. Stanford University, California
  4. University of California – Berkeley, California
  5. Columbia University, New York State
  6. University of Washington – Seattle, Washington
  7. University of Chicago, Illinois
  8. Yale University, Connecticut
  9. Cornell University, New York State
  10. University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania
  11. University of California – Los Angeles, California
  12. New York University, New York State
  13. Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania
  14. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Massachusetts
  15. Johns Hopkins University, Maryland
  16. University of Wisconsin – Madison, Wisconsin
  17. University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign, Illinois
  18. University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, Minnesota
  19. Ohio State University, Ohio
  20. University of Texas at Austin, Texas
  21. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina
  22. University of Southern California, California
  23. Princeton University, New Jersey
  24. Michigan State University, Michigan
  25. Arizona State University – Tempe, Arizona
  26. University of Maryland – College Park, Maryland
  27. Duke University, North Carolina
  28. Carnegie Mellon University, Pennsylvania
  29. University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  30. University of Virginia, Virginia
  31. Rutgers University – New Brunswick, New Jersey
  32. University of California-San Diego, California
  33. University of Arizona, Arizona
  34. University of Florida, Florida
  35. University of California – San Francisco, California
  36. Northwestern University, Illinois
  37. University of California – Davis, California
  38. Boston University, Massachusetts
  39. Texas A&M University – College Station, Texas
  40. University of California – Irvine, California

In Conclusion, studying political science in the USA can come with effective screening procedures for most universities. As a result, you must make your plans ahead and prepare every necessary document that is required. Additionally, you must confirm via the school’s website before applying. Finally, if you have any further questions or need assistance, please contact us.

Good luck!

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