MA Political Psychology


Learn to understand how voters think about politics and the response to political information, and how to effectively organize local, state and federal political campaigns.


Program Description

Degree Awarded: MA Political Psychology

Developed as an interdisciplinary program crossing political science and psychology, the MA in political psychology was created to aid in the professional advancement of electoral and issue advocacy campaigns, government and private sector careers, and careers in non-profit organizations. Students learn skills necessary to mobilize voters and social movements, advance governmental programs, design successful political communication strategies, and effectively market political candidates for local, state and federal offices.

The program's mission is to educate students in the most recent insights from evidence-based research, prepare students with innovative tools and knowledge that gives them an advantage over their peers, and encourage hands-on training that ensures what they learn inside of the classroom applies outside of the classroom.

Students have regular interactions with world-class teachers and researchers who help students learn how to shape the world in a meaningful and positive way.




At a Glance: program details

  • Location: online
  • Second Language Requirement: No




Degree Requirements

Required Core (3 credit hours)
PPS 501 Fundamentals of Political Psychology (3)

Other Requirement (6 credit hours)
PPS 504 Attitudes and Persuasion (3)
PPS 506 Experimental Design (3)

Electives (18 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
PPS 550 Capstone (3)

Additional Curriculum Information

Any PPS course that is not a required course may be used as an elective. Students should see the academic unit for a list of other approved elective courses.

Other requirement coursework may be substituted with approval from the program director. Substitutions are based on student interest in narrowing their specialization with guidance. This program does not seek to replicate existing communications or marketing degrees, but rather harness the political psychology perspective as applied to a variety of potential student interests and careers.




Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

Applicants are required to submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. letter of intent or written statement
  4. proof of English proficiency

A letter of recommendation is also strongly encouraged but not required to be submitted. An academic recommendation is preferred, but a letter from an employer or other supervisor is also permitted. The letter should address topics such as the applicant’s analytical skills, ability to integrate information, level of motivation, ability to meet deadlines, and/or work ethic. Once you have submitted your application, your recommender will receive an email with instructions for providing their recommendation.

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency.

Priority Application Deadlines:

Fall Admission - July 23*

Spring Admission - December 14*

*A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.



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Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:


Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.



Global Opportunities

Global Experience

With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu



Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.



Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly.