Students interested in advancing their academic and professional careers in political science now have an excellent opportunity to apply for graduate studies at Northern Illinois University (NIU). Through its Department of Political Science within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, NIU offers Master of Arts (M.A.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs designed to prepare students for leadership roles in academia, government, public policy, international affairs, law, research, and many other professional fields.
The university provides a supportive academic environment, distinguished faculty mentorship, and competitive funding opportunities for qualified graduate students. Applicants can pursue specialized studies across several major fields of political science while benefiting from assistantships, fellowships, tuition waivers, and stipends.
Application Deadline
January 15
While applications may sometimes be considered after the deadline, prospective students are strongly encouraged to apply before January 15. Applicants wishing to submit materials after the deadline should contact the department directly before applying.
Why Study Political Science at Northern Illinois University?
Northern Illinois University’s Department of Political Science offers an advanced educational experience that equips students with the analytical, research, and professional skills needed to excel in a wide range of careers.
The department consists of:
- Approximately 12 distinguished faculty members.
- Around 45 graduate students.
- A collaborative and supportive academic community.
- Opportunities for research, teaching, and professional development.
Graduate students work closely with faculty mentors and fellow scholars while pursuing their academic and professional goals.
Areas of Specialization
Students can tailor their graduate studies based on their interests by selecting one of the department’s major areas of study.
1. American Government and Public Law
This concentration focuses on:
- American political institutions.
- Constitutional law.
- Public policy.
- Judicial processes.
- Political behavior.
- Governance and administration.
2. Comparative Politics
Students explore:
- Political systems around the world.
- Democratization and political development.
- Comparative institutions.
- Political transitions.
- Governance across different countries and regions.
3. International Relations
This specialization examines:
- Global politics.
- International security.
- Foreign policy.
- International organizations.
- Diplomacy.
- Global governance.
4. Political Theory
Students engage with:
- Classical political thought.
- Contemporary political philosophy.
- Democratic theory.
- Ethics and governance.
- Normative approaches to political analysis.
Graduate Degree Options
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Political Science
The M.A. program is designed for students seeking advanced political science training and can serve as preparation for:
- Doctoral studies.
- Public service careers.
- Policy analysis.
- Government positions.
- Research roles.
- Nonprofit and international organizations.
Expected Completion Time
Students can typically complete the Master of Arts degree within:
- Two years.
- Four semesters of full-time study.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Political Science
The Ph.D. program provides advanced scholarly training for students interested in academic, research, and leadership careers.
Completion Timeline for Students with a Master’s Degree
Students entering with an existing M.A. can typically complete the Ph.D. within:
- Five to six semesters.
Completion Timeline for Students without a Master’s Degree
Students entering directly into the doctoral pathway can generally complete the program within:
- Five years.
- Ten semesters.
Students may complete Master’s degree requirements while progressing toward the Ph.D.
Graduate Funding Opportunities
One of the most attractive features of the Northern Illinois University Political Science graduate program is the availability of funding support for qualified students.
Funding is awarded competitively and is available to applicants who maintain strong academic standing.
The department also collaborates with other university units, including specialized centers and programs, to help secure additional funding opportunities.
Available funding may include:
- Graduate assistantships.
- Fellowships.
- Tuition waivers.
- Research support opportunities.
Graduate Assistantship Expectations
Students who receive assistantships and tuition waivers are generally expected to:
- Enroll full time.
- Work with graduate faculty members.
- Perform assigned academic duties.
- Work no more than 20 hours per week.
These assistantships provide valuable professional experience while helping students finance their education.
Funding for Master’s Degree Students
Students pursuing the Master of Arts degree can typically expect:
- Up to two years of graduate assistantship support.
- Financial assistance during fall and spring semesters.
- A graduate stipend.
- A tuition waiver covering most tuition-related expenses.
This funding significantly reduces educational costs while allowing students to focus on their academic goals.
Funding for Doctoral Students
Doctoral students may receive:
- Up to five years of funding support.
- Graduate assistantships.
- Tuition-related support.
- Professional development opportunities.
The department indicates that the minimum Ph.D. assistantship award is approximately:
$14,000 per academic year
Applicants may contact the department for the most current stipend information.
Career Opportunities After Graduation
Graduates of Northern Illinois University’s Political Science programs have successfully established careers across numerous disciplines and sectors.
Potential career paths include:
- University teaching and research.
- Government administration.
- Public policy analysis.
- International affairs.
- Diplomacy.
- Public law and legal professions.
- Political consulting.
- Nonprofit leadership.
- Public service organizations.
- Think tanks and research institutions.
The program’s broad academic training enables graduates to pursue diverse professional opportunities both within and beyond academia.
Supportive Academic Community
Graduate students benefit from:
- Close faculty mentorship.
- Research collaboration opportunities.
- Professional networking.
- Interdisciplinary engagement.
- Academic conferences and scholarly activities.
- A welcoming graduate student community.
The department’s relatively small size allows students to receive personalized attention and guidance throughout their studies.
How to Apply
Prospective students should submit an application for admission to the Northern Illinois University Political Science graduate program.
Applicants are encouraged to:
- Review graduate admission requirements.
- Prepare application materials early.
- Submit applications before January 15.
- Explore available funding opportunities.
- Contact the department with questions regarding admissions or assistantships.
Early application is highly recommended due to the competitive nature of funding awards.
Final Thoughts
Northern Illinois University’s Political Science graduate programs offer an excellent opportunity for students seeking advanced education, specialized training, and financial support in the field of political science. With strong faculty mentorship, multiple areas of specialization, generous funding opportunities, and pathways to diverse career outcomes, the program provides a solid foundation for future scholars, policymakers, researchers, and public service professionals.
Students interested in pursuing a fully funded graduate education in the United States should strongly consider applying before the January 15 deadline to maximize their chances of admission and funding consideration.
For more information about this opportunity, visit here.
Discover more Global Scholarship Opportunities on OFY here.
