The Two-Year Thesis track is unique among masters programs in political science in offering a course of study especially designed to prepare students to succeed as doctoral students in the discipline’s most competitive Ph.D. programs. For students less interested in academic careers, the program offers flexibility to design a course of study well suited to professions in such fields as law, public policy, legislative affairs, and the foreign service.

Learning outcomes include:

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of political science theories and methodological approaches across multiple subfields, with the ability to critically analyze and apply these concepts to contemporary political issues and research questions.
• Develop and execute original research projects, including the ability to formulate research questions, design appropriate studies, collect and analyze data, and communicate findings effectively to both academic and professional audiences.
• Apply theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to real-world political scenarios, demonstrating the capacity to evaluate complex political situations, formulate evidence-based policy recommendations, and contribute meaningfully to professional or academic discourse in political science.

Students can compare both tracks to see which is the best fit for their needs and interests. 

Degree Requirements

Core Courses (required for both tracks)

Students are required to take 17 credits of core coursework:

• PS 590 Introduction to Graduate School: Skills for Scholarly Success (1 credit)
• PS 511 Advanced Overview of Political Science (4 credits)
• PS 591 Testing Theories in Political Science (4 credits)

Two of the following field seminars:

• PS 520 Seminar on American Political Institutions (4 credits)
• PS 530 Proseminar in International Relations (4 credits)
• PS 569 Comparative Political Institutions (4 credits)
• PS 585 Political Theory and Governance (4 credits)

What can I do with a Master's Degree in Political Science?

Our faculty are enthusiastic and committed to helping students discover if a career as a political scientist will bring them fulfillment. Our faculty have graduated from the best political science Ph.D. programs in the country, such as Yale, University of Michigan, UC San Diego, and Cornell University, and are experts in their discipline. Best of all, our faculty understand what it takes to be admitted and successful in a Ph.D. program, as well as how to guide students who have chosen political careers outside of academia.

Several of our alumni have been admitted to Ph.D. programs with full-funding due to the quality of their scholarship and applications. With our training and guidance, partnered with their hard work and commitment, our alumni were highly-qualified applicants that are not paying ANY tuition for the Ph.D. Program and are earning money as teaching and research assistants.

We are proud to have alumni of our MS in Political Science accepted with full-funding at: Northwestern University, University of Michigan, Emory, Cornell, and University of Washington, to name a few. In addition, we proud to have alumni with successful full-time jobs at Mercy Corps, the Portland City Council, the U.S. State Department, and Senator Jeff Merkley's office, to name a few.

Obtaining a Master of Science in Political Science from Portland State University will give you the skills, connections, and knowledge to find and thrive in a career that makes you happy and successful.

PSU's Political Science Graduate Program is part of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) and Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP), which means students from select Western states pay tuition at the same rate as Oregon residents. 

Students who are in the PS Pathways program (BS+MS) are not eligible for the one-year track.