Why Earn Your Master's Degree from Lehigh?
When you join Lehigh’s political science program, you join a dynamic community of independent researchers, innovators, and change-makers who are committed to developing innovative solutions to intricate policy problems. Here, you can unleash your political prowess, shape policy agendas, and start transforming the world.
Choose the program that fits your goals. Both the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Political Science and Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.) are streamlined 30-credit-hour tracks typically completed in 2 years, with accelerated options available through careful academic planning. Students in either track can participate in the Community Fellows program, a distinctive Lehigh opportunity that includes scholarship funding and hands-on work experience with local government and non-profit agencies.
On this page:
M.A. in Political Science
Built on a robust theoretical framework, this degree deepens your understanding of institutional power, global relations, and political behavior.
Ideal for students who plan to continue their academic careers in top-tier doctoral programs or enroll in law school.
Curriculum
Students have 3 required courses and 7 elective courses, which allow them to focus on research, an internship, or a thesis.
Featured courses:
- The Politics of Data
- Political Philosophy
- Politics of Authenticity
Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.)
A distinctive, skills-based program focused on advanced analytical methods. You will gain hands-on mastery in:
- Qualitative and quantitative data analysis
- Professional grant writing and fundraising strategy
- Navigating and managing complex, multi-layered policy environments
Designed for immediate, high-impact insertion into leadership roles within government agencies, think tanks, and NGOs.
Curriculum
Students have 5 required courses and 5 elective courses, which allow them to focus on research, an internship, or a thesis.
Featured courses:
- Research in Politics and Public Policy
- Mapping Data for Policy Making
- Public Administration
Careers
Our graduates are shaping public policy jobs in non-profit organizations, in federal, state and local government agencies, and in private companies. Others have gone on to law school and Ph.D. programs.
Where our graduates work:
- City of Allentown
- City of Bethlehem
- City of Easton
- Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani
- Lehigh Valley Planning Commission
- Pennsylvania Farm Bureau
- Pocono Counties Workforce Development Area
Financial Support
We are committed to helping you finance your graduate education. Our funding includes:
- Community Fellows Program
- Teaching Assistantships
- Research Assistantships
- Merit Scholarships
How to Apply
Applicants to the M.A. in Political Science and M.P.P. programs must:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Submit an online application
- Provide official transcripts
- Submit a statement of purpose and current resume
- Provide 2 letters of recommendation
- English language proficiency, if applicable
Application Deadlines
- Admission is on a rolling basis, but you must submit your application by March 1 to receive priority consideration for funding.
Ready for the Next Step?
Apply to the Political Science graduate programs via the online graduate application.
Request Information
Tell us a bit about yourself so our team can help you navigate deadlines, explore program highlights, and guide your next step.
FAQs about the M.A. in Political Science and M.P.P.
A Master of Arts in Political Science focuses on political systems, theory, and research, while a Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.) focuses on data analysis and policy evaluation.
Both programs are designed to be flexible, with options for both full-time and part-time enrollment.
Yes, we encourage our graduate students to be actively involved in internships, research, and thesis development. Students who are selected for the distinguished Community Fellows program engage in professional work with local community-based organizations. The department also operates the Lehigh University Opinion Observatory, a state-of-the-art lab focused on public polling, survey design, and analyzing voter data.
Over 90% of Lehigh graduate students receive robust financial funding, allowing you to focus on your research, training, and professional growth. Students pursuing the M.A. or M.P.P. programs are eligible for these types of funding:
- Community Fellowship - our premier fellowship that funds 21 of the 30 credits required to complete the degree
- Teaching Assistantships/Research Assistantships - the department offers several highly competitive assistantships each year, which includes a stipend and tuition remission.
- Dean's Scholarship - the majority of students qualify for these merit-based awards, which significantly lower the cost of the graduate tuition.
Admissions is on a rolling basis. Students are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible to be considered for funding opportunities and in order to complete the enrollment process at least 60 days before the start of the academic semester. This is particularly important for international students who reside outside of the United States and need to allow for sufficient visa processing times.
