Online Master of Arts in Political Psychology
The Master of Arts in political psychology explores the cognitive forces that influence political decision-making. You’ll examine voter behavior and learn how to apply this knowledge to political campaigns and communications.
Quick facts
Next start date: 08/17/2023
Total classes: 10
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 30
Degree questions, answered.
Have questions about the Political Psychology (MA)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!
Dive into the psychology of political thought and behavior
How easy is it for political leaders to manipulate the masses? What causes political violence? Why are people inclined to accept political misinformation? In this political psychology master’s degree, you’ll explore the answers to these and other pressing political questions.
A psychological approach to politics will help you understand the roots of political decision-making, behavior and public opinion. The majority of coursework focuses on how citizens form their political beliefs and what motivates them to take part in politics. You’ll take advanced courses exploring how the media, partisan polarization, social identity and other factors affect citizens’ political decisions and interactions with government. You’ll also analyze the psychological concepts behind elite decision-making, prejudice, political violence and more.
Courses in this political psychology master’s program will also cover how to apply these insights to political campaigns and communications. You'll learn the necessary skills to mobilize voters, market a political candidate, craft campaign strategies and more. You’ll also learn how to design experiments and obtain the information you need to better understand voters’ opinions and motivations.
What is political psychology?
Political psychology is an interdisciplinary field that applies theories of cognition, emotion, biology, personality and intergroup relationships to politics. This field is similar to political science, but there are some key differences. Political scientists focus primarily on examining political institutions and systems of government. Political psychologists focus on understanding the forces shaping individuals’ political beliefs and actions.
Will my political psychology master’s degree say 'online'?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.
Psychology and politics courses
In the political psychology master’s program, you will take courses that will help you understand the minds of voters and citizens. You will explore the forces that impact voters’ political decision-making and learn many of the skills you need to understand and influence these decisions.
Fundamentals of Political Psychology
Attitudes and Persuasion
Experimental Design
Capstone
Advances in Media Effects
Biopolitics
Cognition and Emotions in Political Thinking
Campaigns and Elections
What can I do with a political psychology master’s degree?
A political psychology online graduate program prepares you for a variety of careers in politics. An advanced understanding of how to influence voters is essential for jobs in political campaigns, grassroots organizations and political parties. The communication skills from this degree could also lead to careers in political marketing or advertising. Graduates from this program are also prepared for jobs in local, state or federal government. Career examples include but are not limited to:
Campaign manager
Campaign strategist
Community organizer
Issue advocacy consultant
Political marketing
Legislative aide
Lobbyist
Media strategist
Political analyst
Study the psychology of politics with professionals in the field
From Royal Society and American Academy fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members.
- Fulbright American Scholars.
- Guggenheim Fellows.
- MacArthur Fellows.
- Nobel laureates.
Study the psychology of politics with professionals in the field
From Royal Society and American Academy fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members.
- Fulbright American Scholars.
- Guggenheim Fellows.
- MacArthur Fellows.
- Nobel laureates.
Apply to earn your degree in political psychology
Applicants to the political psychology master’s degree must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Study in the School of Politics and Global Studies
ASU’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. We inspire students to be socially aware, critical thinkers and global citizens.
25,500+
currently enrolled students.
$140 million
in research expenditures in 2018.
23
interdisciplinary schools and departments.
95+
undergraduate degrees.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
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