Masters in Political Science in USA: Top Universities, Fees, Requirements, Eligibility & Scholarships

A masters in political science in USA offers advanced training in political theory, comparative politics, and international relations, preparing graduates for impactful roles in research and policy. 

Leading programs are available at Harvard University (Rank 1), Princeton University (Rank 3), Stanford University (Rank 5), and Yale University (Rank 10). 

These best universities and colleges in the USA offer advanced study and research opportunities, with Harvard scoring 94.5/100 and Princeton 90.2/100 in the QS World University Ranking by Subject for Politics 2025.

This blog provides a complete guide on the top universities for Masters in Political Science in USA, admission tips, and benefits of studying in the USA. 

Masters in Political Science in USA: Overview

A Masters in Political Science in USA is offered by over 170 universities, including top-ranked institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, Yale, and UC Berkeley, all featured in the QS World University Rankings for Politics 2025. 

Most programs require a bachelor’s degree, a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0, three letters of recommendation, a detailed statement of purpose for masters (up to 1,000 words), and a writing sample. 

Here’s a quick overview of the  Masters in Political Science in USA: 

Here are some unique advantages of pursuing a Masters in Political Science in USA in 2025. 

Why Study Masters in Political Science in USA in 2025?

A Masters in Political Science from a top US university offers access to top faculty, research opportunities, and a job market with strong demand for political analysts, policy specialists, and consultants. 

In 2025, the USA remains at the center of political science education, with employment for political scientists projected to grow 3% from 2023 to 2033, and a median annual wage of $139,380 (INR 1.19Cr).

Some more reasons to study Masters in Political Science in USA in 2025 are:

• Top Career Outcomes: Over 50 distinct career paths are available, including policy analyst, legislative assistant, political consultant, and public affairs specialist, with entry-level salaries ranging from $49,547 to $94,000 per year (INR 41 L to 77.7 L).
• High Graduate Employability: 77% of political science graduates are employed within six months of graduation, and those with internships earn 20% higher wages than peers.
• Academic Excellence: US universities dominate QS subject rankings for political science, with Harvard, Stanford, and Princeton consistently in the global top 5, ensuring access to cutting-edge research and policy networks.
• Diverse and Flexible Programs: Over 170 accredited universities offer specialized tracks in American politics, international relations, public policy, and more, with interdisciplinary options linked to business management and law.
• Scholarship and Funding Opportunities: Prestigious awards such as Fulbright, Truman, and university-specific scholarships are available for international students, reducing the financial burden of study.
• Strong Job Market Growth: The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about 500 annual job openings for political scientists through 2033, with the field’s median pay among the highest in social sciences.

If you’re aiming for a top-class education and strong career outcomes, choosing a top-ranked university for your master’s in political science is crucial.

Top Universities Offering Masters in Political Science in USA

The USA dominates the global field in political science, with seven of the world's top ten universities in this field. Many universities offer interdisciplinary options, dual degrees, and direct pathways to Doctorate degrees, with annual tuition fees ranging from $34,000 to $65,000 (INR 29–56 L) and competitive admission deadlines between December and January.

Below is a table highlighting the top universities for Masters in Political Science in USA: 

Note: Currency conversions are approximate and based on the current exchange rate.

Apart from these top universities, many other US universities also deliver outstanding education in masters in Political Science. 

Popular Universities for Masters in Political Science in USA

Many US universities outside the top 10 in QS rankings offer outstanding master’s programs in political science, combining solid academics with practical training, modern research facilities, and strong placement support.

The table below outlines some other popular options for finance courses in USA: 

Note: Tuition fees are approximate and rounded. Deadlines are for upcoming intakes and sourced from official university pages as of June 2025.

Next, let’s understand the eligibility criteria to enroll in masters in political science in USA. 

Eligibility Criteria for Masters in Political Science in USA

Admission to a Masters in Political Science in USA is highly competitive; most top universities mandate a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA, competitive English language proficiency test scores (TOEFL/IELTS), and academic transcripts. 

Some programs, like International Relations at the University of Chicago, recommend but do not require GRE scores. Others may require them for quantitative fields, while many have made them optional or irrelevant.

Here's a table with detailed eligibility requirements for applying to masters in political science in USA:

Note: Check individual university pages for program-specific language score requirements.

Before you begin your application, it’s crucial to know the exact deadlines and application requirements for each university.

Application Process for Masters in Political Science in USA

For Fall 2026 admissions, top US universities have already announced their upcoming and ongoing application timelines for the MA in Political Science. 

The University of Illinois at Chicago has set its application deadline for December 15, 2025, while the University of Chicago’s deadline is December 5, 2025. 

Applications for both universities open in July 2025, and all required materials, including academic transcripts and English proficiency scores, must be submitted by the respective deadlines. 

Here's a step-by-step application process to apply for the masters in political science in USA: 

Step 1. Choose Target Universities and Check Deadlines

• Choose target universities that offer your preferred specialization and carefully note their Fall 2026 deadlines.
• For example, the University of Chicago’s deadline is December 5, 2025, and the University of Illinois at Chicago’s is December 15, 2025.

Step 2. Complete Online Application Form

• Fill out the official online application through each university's graduate admissions portal
• Application fees typically range from $75 (INR 6k)to $120 (INR 10K) per university.

Step 3. Prepare Academic and Personal Statements

• Submit an academic statement of purpose (up to 1,000 words) detailing your research interests, academic background, and professional goals. 
• Some universities also require a personal statement (2–4 prompts, 250 words each).

Step 4. Upload Academic Transcripts

• Provide official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, with certified English translations if applicable.

Step 5. Submit Standardized Test Scores

• Upload English proficiency scores (TOEFL/IELTS/PTE) as required for international students.
• GRE requirements vary: universities, like the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, do not require or consider GRE scores for Dec 2025 intake.

Step 6. Provide Additional Documents

• Submit three letters of recommendation, a resume/CV, and a writing sample (e.g., a research paper from a political science course).
• Make sure all documents are in English and tailored to the requirements of each program.

Step 7. Pay Application Fee

• Pay the non-refundable application fee online (e.g., Columbia University: $120/INR 10K).

Step 8. Monitor Application Status

• Track your application status and respond promptly to any requests for additional documents or interviews
• Some programs conduct interviews by invitation in January or February.

Step 9. Visa Preparation for International Students

• Upon receiving an admission offer, request the I-20 form and prepare supporting documents for the F-1 student visa application process.

If you’re considering a Masters in USA, understanding the breadth of specialization options and program structures is essential for making an informed choice.

Masters in Political Science in USA: Course Details & Specialization

International students can choose from over 150 English-taught master’s degrees in Political Science across the USA, with more than 60 distinct specializations available at the graduate level. 

Top universities, such as Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, and Yale, offer specialization in American Politics, International Relations, Comparative Politics, and Political Analysis. 

The table below lists specific specializations for masters in political science in USA: 

Knowing the full cost of Masters of Political Science in the USA will help you plan your finances in advance. Let's have a look at the cost of studying in the USA. 

Cost of Pursuing Masters in Political Science in USA

The total annual cost for a masters in political science at top US universities ranges from $44,000 to $71,000 (INR 37.7–60.8 L), depending on the institution and location. 

Tuition fees alone can vary from $21,000 (INR 18 L) at best public universities to over $57,000 (INR 35.1 L) at elite private schools like Harvard or Columbia. 

On top of tuition, students should budget for accommodation, living expenses, pre-arrival costs such as a visa and flight, and miscellaneous needs.

The table below lists the costs of living in the USA while doing masters in political science: 

Note: 

• Cost estimates are annual and may vary by city and university.
• INR conversion is based on the latest exchange rate and may fluctuate; please check current rates for precise budgeting.

Securing funding is crucial for international students pursuing a master’s in political science in the USA. Both internal university aid and external scholarships are available specifically for this field.

Scholarships for pursuing Masters in Political Science in USA

Major universities like Harvard, Stanford, and Columbia each offer dozens of internal fellowships and assistantships, with awards ranging from $10,000 (INR 8.6L) to full tuition plus stipends of up to $43,700 per year for top recipients. 

Externally, programs like the Fulbright fund more than 4,000 international students annually, covering full tuition, living expenses, and travel.

To help you understand what universities provide directly, look at the internal scholarships available for political science students.

Internal Scholarships

Internal scholarships for master’s in political science include full tuition remission and annual stipends ranging from $9,250 (INR 7.9L) to $43,700 (INR 37.5L) per year at top public and private universities. 

These awards are primarily merit-based and are typically awarded to students with outstanding academic records, strong research proposals, or relevant teaching experience.

Below is the list of scholarships to study in USA along with the requirements: 

Next, explore external scholarships awarded to masters in political science in USA.

External Scholarships

External scholarships for master’s in political science in the USA are highly competitive, with more than 560 active awards available to both US and international students. 

Major scholarships to study in the USA for Indian students include government agencies (like the Fulbright Program), private foundations, and professional associations, with some awards, such as the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, covering full tuition, living expenses, and travel for over 4,000 international students annually.

Below is the list of fully-funded scholarships in the USA for international students: 

Next, see your job options after completing your masters in political science in USA. 

Job Opportunities After Masters in Political Science in USA

A masters in political science from a US university opens doors to high-impact roles across government, NGOs, research, policy, and academia. 

The field offers a promising job outlook, with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 3% growth for political scientists through 2033 and a median annual salary of $139,380 (INR 1.19 Cr). 

Graduates are in demand for their analytical, research, and improved communication skills, with 77% employed within six months of graduation, and those with internships earning up to 20% more.

Here's a detailed look at some of the highest-paying jobs in the USA after earning masters in political science: 

Source: Indeed, BLS

Note: Salaries and roles may vary based on experience, location, and employer.

From government agencies to global NGOs and top consulting firms, political science graduates are recruited by some of the most influential organizations in the USA.

Top Recruiters for Masters in Political Science Degree Holders in the USA

Graduates with a master’s in political science from the USA secure roles with top employers such as the CIA, United Nations, Deloitte, and leading universities, often in positions that shape public policy, conduct high-level research, and influence social change.

Below are some of the most prominent recruiters and the roles they offer for political science graduates:

Source: Glassdoor, Indeed

Note: INR conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

Whether you’re aiming for a top US political science program or seeking scholarships, expert guidance can make all the difference in your study abroad journey.

How Can upGrad Help You Study Masters in Political Science in the USA?

Getting through the complex admissions process for a master’s in political science in the USA can be challenging, especially with so many universities and specializations. upGrad simplifies the entire journey by offering expert support, making your journey more manageable.

upGrad expert counselors provide personalized guidance on university selection, application strategy, and document preparation, ensuring you meet every deadline and maximize your chances for scholarships.

Ready to take the next step? Book a free one-on-one counseling session with upGrad's study abroad experts today and get personalized guidance for your master’s in political science journey.