The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Politics at the University of Virginia’s College of Arts and Sciences provides rigorous graduate-level training in four major political science subfields: American Politics, Political Theory, Comparative Politics, and International Relations. The program emphasizes critical understanding of political processes and institutions, both national and international, and equips students with methodological skills for research and analysis. Students may prepare for careers in academia, government, the non-profit sector, political consultancy, or further study at the doctoral level. The department offers active interdisciplinary collaboration, especially through initiatives such as the Quantitative Collaborative and the Center for Politics.