Master’s Degree with a major in Applied American Politics and Policy

This Master’s program is designed for students interested in training for careers in political and governmental organizations that relate to public policy and active politics; such fields as lobbying, campaign management, grassroots organization, and the like. This is a 37-hour, non-thesis program, which includes 24 hours of course work, a 12-hour internship/practicum, and a 1-hour program planning credit. Twelve of the 24 hours are electives and 12 are in the following required courses:

• Fundamental of Political Management (POS5203 - Summer)
• The Campaign Process (POS5274 - Fall)
• Political Communication and Message Development (POS5276 - Fall)
• Political Research (POS5335 - Spring)

Admissions to the Masters in Applied American Politics and Policy (MAAPP) program:

Decisions about admission are based on Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores and undergraduate and graduate work already completed; as well as the applicant’s own statement of interests and goals. This statement should be as specific as possible about the topics within political science you would like to study, and your career goals upon receiving your degree. Feel free to add other information you would like the faculty to know about you, either in this statement or in a separate cover letter.

It is necessary to submit a formal application for admission to the University and you can apply on-line at https://admissions.fsu.edu/gradapp. Transcripts and GRE and TOEFL score reports must be sent directly to the University’s Office of Admissions, as well as the required form and application fee.The department application form and the personal statement must be uploaded as supporting documents to the University application. Letters of recommendation should not be submitted for applications to the MAAPP program, and will not be reviewed as part of the admissions evaluation.

Students are admitted to the MAAPP program in the fall, spring, and summer terms. The University's deadlines are: July 1 for fall term; November 1 for spring; and March 1 for summer. The admission committee will conduct an initial review of applications for the Fall semester for applications submitted prior to April 15. Applicants are encouraged to submit all materials as early as possible, since the total number of spots in the program and in any given semester are limited. Applicants should have a minimum  upper-level (work taken as a junior or senior) undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must also take the GRE and official scores submitted PRIOR to an applicant being accepted into the program. Target scores for the GRE are a 149 on both the Verbal and Quantitative sections. Scores for examinations taken under the older GRE scoring format will be considered using comparable standards. LSAT scores of 151 or above may be accepted in lieu of GRE scores with permission of the department. While these examination scores are not firm minimums for admission into the program, and a comprehensive review of the applicant’s file will be completed by the admissions committee, test scores well below these may be grounds for denial of admission to the program. The applicant’s personal statement of goals and interests, along with the departmental admission form, are also required. No letters of recommendation should be submitted for applicants to this program.

Steps in the application process
1. Fill out a University application form online, which can be found here. You will be provided links to the department materials you need to submit along with the University application. Please note that the application for entry into the MAAPP program is listed under the major name "Applied American Politics and Policy" and the program name of "Political Science."

2. An OFFICIAL copy of transcripts from all previous universities/colleges attended must be submitted, one set to each to the following addresses:

1) Department of Political Science
Attn: MAAPP Admissions Committee
Florida State University
P.O. Box 3062230
Tallahassee, FL 32306-2230

2) Office of Graduate Admissions
Florida State University
P.O. Box 3062400
Tallahassee, FL 32306-2400

Students having earned a bachelor's degree from FSU are not required to submit paper copies of transcripts.

3. Arrange for your GRE scores to be sent to the University’s Graduate Admissions Office. (The University's code is 5219).

4. International students must also submit TOEFL scores to the University’s Graduate Admissions office.

During the application process, feel free to contact the Department’s Academic Coordinator, Jerry Fisher, (jfisher@fsu.edu) to check on the status of your file, or to pose any questions or concerns you may have.

You will receive notification of the admissions decision after all materials have been received and reviewed.