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Political Science

The Master of Arts in Political Science at EIU offers a traditional degree focused on advanced political analysis and research. Designed for maximum flexibility, the program is available 100% online, entirely in-person, or as a hybrid mix to perfectly match your schedule.

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Political Science

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Degree Level
Master of Arts
Delivery
In Person / Hybrid
Time to Degree
4 Semesters
Credit Hours
33 Total, 33 in Major
Careers
Managers
Political Science students at EIU

Why Study Political Science at EIU?

  • Prepare for competitive Ph.D. or J.D. (Law) programs
"I chose to attend EIU because of the community and affordability. From my first on campus visit I could tell this was the right school for me. Everyone was incredibly welcoming and the campus community is what really drew me in."
Claire Weber
Political Science | Class of 2028
Claire Weber, Political Science at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Project-based coursework
  • Collaborative learning experiences
  • Opportunities for internships and applied work
Hands-On Experience, Political Science students at EIU

What You'll Learn

EIU's M.A. in Political Science gives you graduate-level knowledge of governments and political systems and prepares you for a wide variety of careers or career advancement. This is a fit if you enjoy research and analysis and want a stepping stone to a Ph.D. or J.D. program.

View in Catalog
$63,359
Median Salary 4 Years After Graduation

Career Outcomes

  • Regulatory Affairs Managers
  • Compliance Managers
  • Loss Prevention Managers
  • Wind Energy Development Managers
  • Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists…
  • Political Scientists
  • Social Science Research Assistants
  • Political Science Teachers,…
  • Secondary School Teachers

Career Insights

Job Outlook ★ Bright Outlook Grow Rapidly · Openings
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)
Personality Fit Conventional

Financing Your Degree Under the 2026 Rules

Federal graduate lending changed on July 1, 2026 - Grad PLUS loans ended for new borrowers and new federal borrowing caps now apply to graduate students. Here's why the math still works at EIU:

Estimated total for this degree: ~$16,665 (tuition and fees)

  • ✓ That's only about 17% of the new $100,000 lifetime graduate borrowing limit - leaving room for whatever comes next in your career.
  • ✓ A typical full-time year here runs about $9,090 - well under the new $20,500 annual federal loan limit. Annual limits are reduced in proportion for part-time enrollment.
  • ✓ Working? If your employer offers it, they can provide up to $5,250 per year tax-free toward your education.

Estimates use 2026-2027 Illinois-resident tuition and fees and typical full-time enrollment. Your actual costs and aid depend on your program, enrollment, FAFSA, and prior borrowing. Students who borrowed for the same program before July 1, 2026 may have different limits.

Talk to EIU Financial Aid → Read about the 2026 federal aid changes
17% of lifetime limit

$16,665 total, just 17% of your $100,000 federal graduate borrowing limit

Connect With Us

Jin Hong Kim
Assistant Professor, Grad Coordinator, Interdisciplinary Civic & Nonprofit Leaderhip Minor Coordinator
jhkim2@eiu.edu
2325 Coleman Hall
Jin Hong Kim Message Jin

Message Jin

or email jhkim2@eiu.edu directly
Karen Swenson
Department Chair, Professor, and Pre-Law Coordinator, Political Science
kbswenson@eiu.edu
2321 Coleman Hall
Karen Swenson Message Karen

Message Karen

or email kbswenson@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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