The Department of Political Science at Stony Brook is known for our internationally recognized faculty who specialize in political psychology. Our MA in Political Psychology builds on this excellence.
In our MA program, you will train closely with researchers devoted to politics and psychology. Your professors have a mix of doctoral degrees, some from political science and some from psychology. They have published research articles in the top journals of political science and psychology. They have written books and edited handbooks on political psychology. And they give talks throughout the world on these topics.
Who is Our Program For?
Our program is for anyone who is intellectually curious about politics and psychology and who wants to expand their research skills.
Alumni from our program usually pursue one of two tracks after graduation.
- Working at political campaigns, government agencies, media outlets, polling firms, non-profits, and similar organizations. Many of these jobs require understanding data collection and analysis. The combination of content classes and methods training we provide will serve you well for these. Our program equips you to go out and make a difference.
- Going on to get a PhD. Our MA helps students prepare for doctoral programs in political science, psychology, and related fields. Students from our MA have gone on to PhD programs at Columbia University, the University of Maryland, the University of Pittsburgh, Florida State University, as well as our own PhD program here at Stony Brook.
What Are The Benefits of Our Program?
- Our program is in-person, enabling close collaboration between students and faculty mentors.
- You will learn about theories at the crossroads of psychology and political science and how these can help us understand politics and public opinion.
- Most courses are taught by our full-time research faculty – learn about our faculty and courses!
- Our class sizes are small, allowing you to get to know your professors.
- We offer a diverse line-up of classes, including courses on emotions and politics, moral politics, public opinion, and the intersection of politics with behavioral economics.
- You will be trained in state-of-the-art statistics programs and research methods.