< < Online Programs
Woman in classroom in front of children, smiling and holding a tablet.

What does it cost?

Learn more about the cost of an online master’s degree, or use Georgia State’s Cost Calculator to get an idea of the investment required for your path of study. For information on how to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and to determine eligibility, visit the FAFSA tips page.

Georgia State is dedicated to providing affordable and accessible programs for all prospective students because we value the investment each student makes in their education. We understand that the path to a student’s future shouldn’t be blocked due to finances and we pride ourselves on offering financial assistance and scholarships that can support students through their education.

How long will it take?

The M.A. in Political Science, Educator concentration, requires 30 course hours and can generally be completed in 3 to 4 semesters.

All required classes to earn a degree can be completed online.

Application Deadlines View Admissions Requirements

  • Fall: Rolling Admissions.
    Final Deadline is July 1.
  • Spring: Does Not Normally Admit.
    Contact Program Director to see if exceptions are available.
  • Summer: Does Not Normally Admit.
    Contact Program Director to see if exceptions are available.

Online Political Science, M.A. - Concentration in Political Science for Educators

Political Science

Talk to enrollment coach
404-413-4393
[email protected]

Talk to a faculty member
Dr. Charles Hankla
Associate Professor and M.A. Program Director
404-413-6169
[email protected]

For elementary, middle and high school social studies teachers who want a deeper dive into political science, the Georgia State online master of arts degree in political science provides insights to put to use in your classroom right away and the flexibility of graduate work that fits into your schedule. Our schedule offers most classes in a seven-week minimester format, allowing you to finish in 15 months, with a majority of the work taking place over two summers.

This online political science for educators M.A. concentration features courses designed and taught by faculty in the Department of Political Science and are intended for teachers who want to dive into the most recent leading-edge research in political science. All courses are taught by full-time faculty and emphasize interaction among students and professors.

A unique perspective:

  • Our program gives educators the tools to engage their students in evidence-based conversations about democracy, citizenship and public policy.
  • This program is geared towards current teachers who want to advance in their profession rather than to pursue a doctorate.
  • After completing the degree, current Georgia teachers working in districts using the traditional pay scale may be eligible to upgrade their certification status and receive a raise (see the Georgia Professional Standards Commission for more details).
  • The degree also may help lead to an Advanced Professional Certificate. Teachers from other states also may be eligible for an upgrade after completing the degree and should check the professional standards in their home state.
Program Highlights

Why should you join us at Georgia State?

  • Mentorship and professional socialization. Our faculty members are active scholars and researchers who frequently coauthor with students on papers and participate in numerous events and colloquia.
  • Strong placement record. Our graduates go on to work at places like the Georgia Legislature and the Carter Center while our new Ph.D.s routinely secure tenure-track or high-level analyst positions.
  • Diversity. Our 29 full-time faculty members cover every region of the globe and every subfield in political science.
  • Methodological diversity. Students are trained in a broad mix of methods, from qualitative interviewing to experimental survey designs to hierarchical modeling.
  • Geographically diverse student population. Our students hail from across the U.S. and the globe.
  • Location in the heart of Atlanta. Numerous opportunities are available nearby to enrich your studies. Georgia State's downtown campus is within blocks of the Georgia Legislature, every level of state and federal courts in addition to the U.S. Supreme Court, numerous state and federal agencies, and the city is home to the headquarters of international organizations including CARE, Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center.

The Political Science Department In The News:

  • Dr. Chipo Dendere, a 2016 Political Science PhD graduate of GSU, has been appointed as an Assistant Professor at Wellesley College. Chipo was also elected… more »
  • Dr. Andrew Wedeman offered his testimony to the United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) on Xi Jinping’s battle with corruption… more »
  • Georgia State Political Science 4+1 alumna, Martha Revelo, was among the team that led to a presidential electoral victory ending almost three decades of two-party rule… more »
  • Georgia State PhD Candidate in Political Science, Claudio Sandoval, has been appointed as the Ambassador of the Venezuelan Government in exile to Honduras. The appointment was… more »
  • Dr. Jennifer McCoy has been making several recent media appearances on national and international media outlets to analyze the Venezuelan ongoing crisis.… more »
  • Dr. Lakeyta M. Bonnette-Bailey finds a significant positive impact for the exposure to political rap on the agreement with Black feminist attitudes in a… more »
  • Amelia Hawkins, a former Political Science intern and ’16 alum at Georgia State University, has been named as Gov.-elect Brian Kemp’s Director of Executive Operations.… more »
Program Details

Applicants need to have received a B.A. or B.S. degree. The Department of Political Science asks applicants to submit the following:

  • Complete Online Graduate Application
  • Acceptable GRE scores (students who have completed degrees in political science or a closely related field with a GPA of 3.5 or better can receive a waiver.)
  • Two letters of recommendation from persons who can authoritatively comment on your academic abilities
  • Transcripts from all graduate and/or undergraduate institutions attended
  • Statement of your research interests and how Georgia State University’s Political Science Department will help you meet your career and educational goals
  • Writing sample

The department seeks applicants with a history of strong academic achievement, clear interests and potential for excellence at the graduate level.

The degree program requires 30 credit hours.  To fulfill these, most students will take six 3-credit-hour courses in the substance of political science, one course in research methods, two courses in political science pedagogy (taught by faculty from Georgia State's College of Education), and will complete a capstone project.

Generally, the degree can be completed in three semesters, including summer, and it can be done either fully online or as a mix of online, hybrid, and in-person courses.  View more details.

For up-to-date curriculum requirements, please visit the catalog.

Affording Your Online Political Science, M.A. - Concentration in Political Science for Educators Degree
Georgia State is dedicated to providing affordable and accessible programs for all prospective students because we value the investment each student makes in their education. We understand that the path to a student’s future shouldn’t be blocked due to finances, and we pride ourselves on offering financial assistance and scholarships that can support students through their education.

Learn more about the cost of an online master’s degree, or use Georgia State’s Cost Calculator to get an idea of the investment required for your path of study.

Contact Student Financial Services
We are here to help you understand the cost of your program, the payment schedule and financing opportunities.

Use the Student Financial Services Guided Paths to walk you through the Financial Aid Process and learn about all our options for financing your education.

Corporate Assistance
Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.

Military Assistance
Active duty military, veterans and military families should visit Veterans Educational Benefits to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits. Download our guide to How to Start Your VA Benefits.

University System of Georgia Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
The purpose of TAP is to foster the professional growth and development of eligible employees. For more information, see TAP Tuition Assistance.

The goal of the program is to prepare students for careers in education. To that end, the program provides advanced training in American, Comparative, and International Politics, as well as opportunities to build skills in cutting-edge pedagogy.

Description

Careers

The educator concentration is designed for current or future social studies teachers at the high school or middle school levels.  After completing the degree, current Georgia teachers working in districts using the traditional pay scale may be eligible to upgrade their certification status and receive a raise (see the Georgia Professional Standards Commission for more details). The degree also may help lead to an Advanced Professional Certificate. Teachers from other states also may be eligible for an upgrade after completing the degree and should check the professional standards in your home state.

View a list of some of our recent M.A. graduates.
View profiles of some of our B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. graduates. 

Contacts

Online Programs

LaToya & Moisés
Enrollment Coach
404-413-4393
[email protected]

VISIT GEORGIA STATE ONLINE

Admissions and Curriculum Inquiries

Dr. Charles Hankla
Associate Professor and M.A. Program Director
404-413-6169
[email protected]

Dr. Ryan Carlin
Associate Professor and Graduate Director
404-413-6190
[email protected]

College of Arts & Sciences Logo140 Decatur Street SE
Atlanta, GA 30303

The information shared here provides an overview of Georgia State’s offerings. For official details on admissions requirements, tuition, courses and more, refer to the university catalogs.