Political Science - MA

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is a thriving center of intellectual excellence that encompasses 14 academic departments and 80 degree programs. Its more than 2,500 students are engaged in a wide variety of challenging courses and hands-on learning experiences that extend across all areas of the humanities and sciences – from the great philosophers and classic literature to the world economy and environmental sustainability.

At the core of each department are faculty members who have garnered national acclaim for their best-selling books, ground-breaking research and creative endeavors. Together, students and their professors explore globally significant subjects and work towards the goal of improving every aspect of the way in which human beings live. To learn more about a specific area of study, click on the left-hand navigation bar for a full listing of academic departments.

The department
As a political science or international studies major, you will examine worldwide political systems, economic systems, and social organizations from a variety of perspectives. You will engage in lively intellectual debates, learn how to develop persuasive arguments, and articulate your convictions with confidence and poise. You also will gain skills in research, analysis and critical thinking, which will ensure your marketability and success.

The Department of Political Science is very active in placing students in internships, including full-time, paid positions in the New York State Assembly and Senate in Albany in the spring of the students’ junior and senior years. Other internships are available to selected students in law offices, with judges, and at the United Nations.

Students are engaged in many extra-curricular activities, including the Political Science Association, the International Studies Association, the Pre-law Association, the Young Republican Club and Young Democrat Club. International Studies majors are active in the Model UN conferences held in New York City at which they have won several awards. Graduating seniors with excellent grade point averages may be eligible to be inducted into two national honor societies: Pi Gamma Mu and Pi Sigma Alpha.

M.A. in Political Science
The American system of self-government and political participation is one of the great stories of world history. From town and city councils to the Congress and the presidency, the institutions, political factions and social forces that drive our collective decision-making impact all of society and every individual. The 36-credit Master of Arts degree in Political Science at LIU Post examines domestic and foreign governments, the legislative process, the Constitution, government functions, and the role of governments and their impacts on people.

The graduate program offers a choice of four concentrations: American Government, Comparative Government, International Relations and Political Theory. Each concentration affords the student an in-depth examination of the fundamental forces, institutions and functions of public policy and governance. This program is ideal preparation for a wide range of careers or for doctoral study.