About Master’s Program,
An advanced degree in political science will help create a foundation for success in a wide range of fields. Our current students have a variety of political interests, and our recent graduates have established careers in numerous fields and disciplines. You can focus your M.A. or Ph.D. degree on your interests by choosing one of our areas of study:
We’re a supportive community of 12 distinguished faculty members and approximately 45 graduate students. For more information about our program, please contact Michael Clark, director of graduate studies, at 815-753-7054 or mclark12@niu.edu.
Master’s Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
- Explore Programs: Browse our diverse range of graduate programs to find the one that aligns with your career goals and interests.
- Review Admission Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the specific admission requirements for your chosen program. This may include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores.
- Submit Your Application: Complete and submit your application through our user-friendly online portal. Be sure to adhere to the application deadlines for the term you wish to enroll.
- Financial Support: Discover various financial aid options, scholarships, and assistantships available to support your academic journey.
- Connect with Us: Have questions or need guidance? Our dedicated admissions team is here to assist you. Reach out for personalized support throughout the application process.
Master’s Funding Coverage,
Funding is available to all applicants and is awarded on a competitive basis. To receive funding, you must be in good academic standing with the department. We review funding requests in the spring semester. We also work with other university units, such as the Center for Southeast Asian Studies, to secure assistantships or fellowships (with tuition waivers) for our graduate students.
If you receive an assistantship/tuition waiver, you’re expected to enroll full time and work a maximum of 20 hours a week for a graduate faculty member.
Visit the Graduate School for information on other funding options.
Master’s Degree Students
You can expect to receive two years of support from a graduate assistantship, which provides:
- A stipend for fall and spring semesters.
- A tuition waiver that covers most, but not all, tuition-related costs.
Application Requirement,
Transcripts
Letters of Recommendation
Statement of Purpose
Entrance Exam Scores
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Proof of English Proficiency
Application Deadline,
Jan 15, 2026
Application Fee,
- $60 for degree-seeking students