Political Science

The MIT Political Science master's program prepares students to uncover essential insights into the workings of societies and governments in the 21st century. Master's students develop the skills and knowledge to evaluate and promote effective public policies.

The MIT Political Science master's program emphasizes intensive preparation in a single field of study:

• American Politics
• Comparative Politics
• International Relations
• Models and Methods
• Political Economy
• Security Studies

1.  Six subjects(You must satisfactorily complete a minimum of six graduate subjects. At least four of those subjects must be completed here at MIT Political Science. You may take the remaining two subjects at MIT or through cross-registration at Harvard University.)
2. Sixty-six units(You must satisfactorily complete a program of study of at least 66 units—42 of those units must be H-level (higher level) subjects acceptable to the department.)
3.  Three semesters(The master's program requires a minimum of three semesters—typically fall, spring, and summer (summer tuition is subsidized by MIT). As a rule, students are not permitted to enroll for more than seven semesters to complete the degree.)
4.  Master's thesis(As a candidate for a master's degree, you must complete a thesis that is approved by two members of the faculty.)
5.  3.5 GPA(You must maintain a grade point average of 3.5 in all subjects applied toward fulfillment of the requirements for your master's degree.)

1. All applicants must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
2. If your language of instruction from primary school through college/university was not English, you must take either the TOEFL or the IELTS. We require a minimum TOEFL score of 600 on the paper-based test, or 100 on the internet-based test. On the IELTS you must score a minimum of 7
3. Academic Transcripts
4. Letters of Recommendation

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Financial aid awards to Master's degree students are in the form of a partial tuition award. Master's degree students are also eligible to compete for work opportunities in the form of Teaching or Research Assistantships, or hourly positions available in the department.

Students are eligible for financial support from the Department, both tuition and/or Departmental employment, for the period of the standard residency requirement of the degree program.Students in all degree programs must be registered as a full-time resident graduate student for the period of the award, and be in good academic standing in order to be eligible for continued financial aid.