Political Psychology, MA

Program Overview

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The MA in Political Psychology at Arizona State University equips students with the knowledge and skills to understand and influence political attitudes, behaviors, and decision-making processes. The program emphasizes evidence-based research and practical application, preparing graduates for careers in political campaigns, issue advocacy, government, and other fields where understanding political psychology is crucial. Students benefit from hands-on learning experiences, including research opportunities, internships, and applied projects, and are supported by a team of renowned faculty and career services.

Program Outline

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Political Psychology, MA at Arizona State University

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Degree Overview:

The MA in Political Psychology at Arizona State University (ASU) is an interdisciplinary program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to understand and influence political attitudes, behaviors, and decision-making processes. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in political campaigns, issue advocacy, government, non-profit organizations, and other fields where understanding the dynamics of political psychology is crucial.

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Objectives:

• Equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the psychological factors influencing political behavior.
• Develop critical thinking and analytical skills for analyzing political psychology research.
• Provide hands-on training in applying political psychology principles to real-world scenarios.
• Foster ethical and responsible engagement with political psychology knowledge.

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Program Description:

The program emphasizes evidence-based research and practical application. Students gain exposure to cutting-edge research on topics such as voter persuasion, political communication, social movements, and political decision-making. The curriculum includes a range of courses covering various aspects of political psychology, including:

• Attitudes and Persuasion: Explores the psychological factors shaping political attitudes and the processes of persuasion in political contexts.
• Experimental Design: Provides students with the skills to design and conduct rigorous research on political psychology topics.
• Mobilization: Examines the psychological factors influencing political participation and mobilization strategies for activating voters and social movements.
• Political Cognition: Explores how individuals process political information, form political judgments, and make political decisions.

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Other Highlights:

• The program collaborates with the Future Security Initiative, the Center for Latina/os and American Politics Research, and the SPGS Experimental Laboratory, providing students with access to cutting-edge research and resources.
• The program benefits from the expertise of faculty members actively engaged in collaborative research and recognized for their contributions to the field of political psychology.
• Students have the opportunity to work directly with faculty on research projects, gaining valuable experience and building their research skills.

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Outline:

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Program Structure:

The MA in Political Psychology requires the completion of 30 credit hours, including:

• Required Core (3 credit hours): Fundamentals of Political Psychology
• Other Requirements (6 credit hours):
• Attitudes and Persuasion
• Experimental Design
• Electives (18 credit hours): Students choose from a range of courses aligned with their interests and career goals.
• Culminating Experience (3 credit hours): Capstone course involving a research project or internship.

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Course Schedule:

The program offers courses in both online and on-campus formats, providing students with flexibility in their learning schedules.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:

• Examinations: Midterm and final exams assess students' understanding of key concepts and theories.
• Assignments: Students complete written assignments, research projects, and presentations to demonstrate their analytical and research skills and apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
• Critical Thinking: Students' ability to analyze information, evaluate arguments, and form independent judgments.
• Writing and Communication Skills: Students' ability to express their ideas clearly and effectively in written and oral formats.
• Research Skills: Students' ability to conduct research, analyze data, and draw meaningful conclusions.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

The program utilizes various teaching methods to engage students and promote active learning, including:

• Lectures: Instructors deliver lectures to introduce key concepts and theories.
• Discussions: Class discussions encourage students to engage with the material, share their perspectives, and debate different viewpoints.
• Case Studies: Analyzing real-world case studies allows students to apply their knowledge to practical situations.
• Guest Speakers: Experts in the field of political psychology are invited to share their insights and experiences with students.
• Technology: The program utilizes online learning platforms and other technologies to facilitate student learning and collaboration.

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Faculty:

The program boasts a team of renowned faculty members actively involved in research and recognized for their expertise in political psychology. Their research interests and publications can be found on the program website.

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Unique Approaches:

The program emphasizes hands-on learning experiences, including research opportunities, internships, and applied projects. Students have the opportunity to work with faculty on real-world projects and gain valuable experience in applying their knowledge to practical settings.

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Careers:

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Career Paths:

The MA in Political Psychology prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in various sectors, including:

• Political Campaigns: Campaign managers, strategists, fundraising consultants, and communication specialists.
• Issue Advocacy: Advocacy organizations, non-profit organizations, and public interest groups.
• Government: Legislative aides, policy analysts, and communication specialists.
• Marketing and Advertising: Political marketing and advertising agencies, market research firms, and public relations firms.
• Academia: Research positions and teaching roles in higher education institutions.

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Career Opportunities:

The program provides career services and resources to assist graduates in their job search. These services include:

• Career counseling: Individualized guidance and support in identifying career goals and developing job search strategies.
• Resume and cover letter workshops: Assistance in crafting compelling application materials that effectively showcase skills and experience.
• Job postings: Access to a database of relevant job opportunities in the field of political psychology.

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Other:

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Online Option:

The program offers an online format, allowing students to pursue their studies remotely with flexibility.

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Accelerated Option:

The program offers an accelerated option for students to complete their degree in less time.

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Admission Requirements:

The program requires applicants to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants must also submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The program may offer scholarships and financial aid options to eligible students.