MA in Political Science in New York United States | Columbia University

The MA program offers comprehensive advanced education in political science and its research methodologies. Participants complete a minimum of five political science courses while mastering a key research technique relevant to the field. Students can tailor their studies to concentrate on particular interests or specialized areas within the discipline. The department structures its curriculum around four primary concentrations: American government, comparative government, global relations, and political philosophy. The American government concentration examines U.S. political systems, including electoral processes, governmental structures, policy formation, and civic movements. Comparative government analyzes political systems worldwide, exploring how cultural, economic, and institutional differences shape governance across nations. Global relations investigates interactions between states, international organizations, and the role of legal frameworks in world affairs. Political philosophy addresses fundamental questions about justice and political authority, drawing from historical thinkers while contributing new perspectives to enduring debates.