Ready to take your career to the next level? Our graduate programs are designed to train the scholars, leaders, and policymakers of tomorrow. Our Master of Arts (MA) degree will give you advanced training in reserch methods in your chosen subfield, along with a rigorous academic and professional skillset.

The program is built around small seminars that allow students to dive deeply into a pressing issue or problem and critically engage with their professors.  Admitted M.A. students have the option of completing a two-year thesis program, a one-year course-based program, or a one-year internship-based program. We also offer the option of a graduate diploma for those wishing to enhance their professional credentials without committing to a full degree.

What are the advantages of a MA degree?

A MA in Political Science offers an excellent opportunity to expand your research, writing, and analytical abilities as well as your career opportunities. Graduates from our programs have graduated to successful careers in, among others:

• business
• law
• journalism and media
• public service and adminstration (federal, provincial, and muncipal)
• political consulting and campaigning
• international development 
• international organizations
• non-profit and social work
• academia 

In Canada, the federal and provincial governments face looming shortages of people with research and administrative training in public policy. Evidence also suggests that an MA can have an immediate impact on your career prospects. According to the Government of Canada’s JobFutures research:

• Two years after graduating with a MA in Political Science, graduates earn 49% more than those who graduate with a BA in Political Science.
• 66% of Political Science MA graduates with previous work experience find a job within one month of graduation.

Why complete your MA at Memorial?

Memorial is one of the top ranked departments in Canada. We offer competitive fellowship support to graduate students combined with very low tuition. We are a growing and dynamic department committed to our graduate students. We offer several different program streams and place a strong emphasis on applied learning and internships. The majority of students finish the Master of Arts program within the length of their program, whether 12 or 24 months.

Our faculty members are internationally renowned experts in their fields, winning awards and prestigious fellowships for research, teaching, service, and mentorship. Faculty members’ research interests cover all major subfields of Political Science. You can learn more about individual faculty members’ areas of expertise in the Department’s people page.

What do our graduate alumni have to say?

"The Master's program provided strong financial support and an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience through the internship option. The program made concrete what I learned in the undergraduate program and truly prepared me to work in the policy field." (Christine, federal government employee)

"My experiences as an undergraduate and graduate student within the Political Science Department at Memorial University were very rewarding. Academically, the Department provided me with the foundation required to pursue an academic career in the discipline of Political Science. As an undergraduate student I was encouraged by faculty to pursue my interests and I received guidance and encouragement when it was needed. As a graduate student I received generous financial support that helped fund my field research. Overall, the environment within the department is cordial and provides students with the skills required to succeed both in the workplace and within the Academy." (Jeff, Ph.D. student)

“My experience as a graduate student with the Political Science department at Memorial has been very enjoyable and rewarding . . . . All of the professors in the department were always available regardless of whether they were teaching you a course or not. On any given day you could walk down the hallway and knock on their doors and ask them for their advice or help with school work or future academic or professional endeavors and they were always willing to assist you in any way possible.” (Alexandria, law student)

Looking for more information?

Browse our website to learn more about our programs, events, partnerships and centres, oppurtunties for supervision and research collaboration, and faculty research specialties. 

For more information about how to apply, tuition fees, and the process of becoming a graduate student, you should contact the School of Graduate Studies. More information can be found here: http://www.mun.ca/become/graduate/apply/

After reading our website and checking out the website of the School of Graduate Studies, if you have any inquiries about the program, please do not hesitate to contact our Graduate Coordinator.