MA in Political Science: Course Details & Career Scope

Political science aims to understand politics and the exercise of power from a national, international, and comparative perspective. Authoritarianism and democracy, economic growth and inequality, environmental degradation, and conflict and peace are some of the fundamental problems that human society confronts. Groups, socioeconomic classes, governments, diplomacy, legislation, strategy, and political concepts, ideologies, institutions, policies, procedures, and behavior are all analyzed to attain this.

Each of the six sub-disciplines of political science—political theory, Indian political thought, international relations, comparative politics, Indian politics, and public administration—are addressed in the curriculum.

Course Highlights

The objective of the open and distance learning Master of Arts in Political Science program is to provide students with a mature understanding of political systems, institutions, policies, and decision-making procedures and processes at all levels of government. Its subjects are comparative politics, international relations, political theory, Indian social movements and state politics, peace and conflict in world politics, and the political ideas of Indian and Western intellectuals. Therefore, students would develop their critical and analytical abilities as well as acquire political analysis skills. 

Why earn a master's degree in political science?

A political science degree can be the initial step to a credible job. An MA in Political Science has various benefits. Among them are:

1. Furthermore, it also deals with general thinking, management of public reactions, communication, public relations, and research in response analysis.
2. Aside from learning about the service areas of selected politicians, the degree offers possibilities for a career as a public campaign manager.
3. Apart from possessing a very valuable liberal arts education, a political science degree hones your writing, data analysis, communication, and critical thinking skills.
4. It prepares you to make independent decisions by employing your knowledge of the times and history as your guide.
5. Political science graduates can become pollsters, communications professionals, teachers, consultants, media practitioners, and lawyers, among others.
6. The course provides valuable knowledge for electoral politics, public policy, and community engagement.
7. If utilized effectively, an MA in political science can help raise an individual to a high level in the country's political scene.

Eligibility for an MA in Political Science

The following are the eligibility criteria for an MA in Political Science:

• A bachelor's degree in a discipline related to it, preferably arts and humanities, is mandatory for candidates.
• They should have graduated with at least 45% to 55% of the maximum points.
• To be eligible for admission to world-class universities for an MA in Political Science, candidates need to be eligible.

Entrance Examinations:

1. Common University Entrance Test for Postgraduation (CUET PG), 
2. University of Rajasthan Admission Test for Postgraduate Courses (URATPG), and 
3. Jamia Millia Islamia Entrance Exam (JMI Entrance Exam)

Course Curriculum

Career Options

You can work in politics, research, media, or administration with an MA in Political Science. Students holding this degree have also shown interest in appearing for the competitive examinations for public service jobs with the government.

• These experts can earn between INR 4 and 8 LPA and have a good chance of being renowned in the country.
• The mean salary scale and a list of the most sought-after MA political science careers are shown in the table below.
• Political science graduates with an interest in public policy debate are in higher demand. Graduates can try to join the public or private sector shortly after the completion of the course.

Scope of the Course

1. Students can further study courses such as an M.Phil. or a Ph.D. in Political Science in addition to researching jobs in any of the fields mentioned above. After completing an MA in Political Science, these two courses are considered the most suitable options for further studies.
2. Ph.D. in Political Science: This is a three-year course where one studies political practice and theory. Political ideology, public strategy, international relations, and other specializations make this a great option for postsecondary education.

FAQs

Can one pursue a career in political science with an MA?

There is more to obtaining an MA in Political Science than academic acknowledgment. The degree makes high-paying jobs in the public sector, corporate world, or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) possible. You can apply your knowledge and skills to guide business strategies by formulating effective policies.

May I pursue a PhD in Political Science after an MA? 

Applicants are required to have a first or second class lower division in both the master's and postgraduate degrees from recognized universities. To be eligible for admission into the PhD program, applicants must hold a minimum cumulative grade of 55% for a master's degree in the specified discipline from an accredited university.

Am I entitled to be a lawyer after completing an MA in Political Science? 

Yes, after taking an M.A. in political science, you can practice law. Most law schools have an open-door policy in terms of faculty for entering students. You may need to take extra classes or fulfill certain requirements to complete prerequisite studies for law school.

Is an MA superior to an MBA? 

If management or leadership in any company interests you, then an MBA would probably serve better. An MA might be of more importance otherwise if you want to get advanced knowledge through it in some specific field such as social sciences, education, or the arts.