| College | City | State |
|---|---|---|
| Claremont Graduate University | Claremont | California |
| Georgetown University | Washington | DC |
| Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore | Maryland |
| Marquette University | Milwaukee | Wisconsin |
| Stony Brook University | Stony Brook | New York |
| University of Colorado-Denver | Denver | Colorado |
Did you know that it's possible to earn two degrees without paying full price for both? Colleges and universities across the country and around the world continue to multiply their degree options by developing unique programs that allow students to combine two areas of study and graduate in less time than it would take to complete two separate degrees. Besides saving time (typically a year or more) and money (at least one less year of tuition costs), these “dual” degree programs set jobseekers apart from the rest.
Employer’s recognize that these innovative programs are “often on the cutting edge of research,” thanks to the “vast amounts of knowledge gained in programs that pool expertise from multiple programs,” says Julia Kent, Director of Global Communications and Best Practices for the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS). They also understand the tremendous amount of work that goes into completing two degrees in a shorter amount of time, and what a formally trained candidate with multiple areas of expertise can bring to the table.
Graduate Dual Degrees: The MBA/MA in Political Science
While dual degrees are offered at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, students at the graduate level tend to choose this option more often. This is especially true of those pursuing MFAs, doctorates, and MBAs. In the world of MBAs, students have a variety of unique combinations at their disposal. Many schools offer dual MBA/MA degrees that combine business administration with areas such as engineering, international and public affairs, medicine, social work, public health, architecture, law and even political science.
An up-and-comer, the MBA/MA in Political Science is designed to “maximize the student’s time and energy, while providing thorough coverage in each area.” Programs accomplish this “by building efficiencies in both areas into the curriculum,” according to Marquette University. However, program curriculums will vary by school, often greatly. Let’s compare the Online MBA/MA programs at University of Colorado-Denver’s CU Denver Business School and Marquette University’s Graduate School of Managament:
University of Colorado-Denver, Denver, Colorado
Political Science Core (18-21 Hours)
State of the Discipline
Research Methods in Political Science
Graduate Seminar in American Politics subfield
Graduate Seminar in Comparative or International Politics subfield
Graduate Seminar in Political Theory subfield
Master's Thesis (6 credits) OR Master's Project (3 credits)
Political Science Electives (6-9 Hours)
Graduate seminars (6 hours if thesis, 9 hours if project from Political Science Core)
Free Electives (6 Hours)
MBA Core (30 Hours)
Managing Individuals and Teams
Data Analysis for Managers
Legal and Ethical Environment of Business
Analyzing and Interpreting Accounting Information
Marketing Management
Information Systems Management and Strategy
Applied Economics for Managers
Management of Operations
Financial Management
Strategic Management
International Elective
Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
In addition to business foundation, business core, business elective core courses, and the business capstone course, Marquette University’s MBA/MA in political science program covers:
Quantitative Methods
Sample: Applied Econometrics, Financial Derivatives, Fixed Income Markets and Securities, Marketing Research, Business Analytics Using Spreadsheets
Information Technology/e-Business
Sample: Current Issues in Intellectual Property and Technology Law (Computer Law), Enterprise Architecture, Information Representation, Human Resources Information Systems, e-business and Supply Chain Management
Social, Ethical, Political Environment
Sample: Auditing: Ethical, Legal, Professional, and Reporting Responsibilities; Investment Management, Ethics and Society; Ethical Issues, Regulatory, Environment and Human Resource Management; Global Environment of Business; Marketing Ethics & Social Responsibility
Regardless of the curriculum, MBA/MA in Political Science programs will show both degrees on the student's diploma.
Other Schools That Offer an Online MBA/MA in Political Science
- Claremont Graduate University, Peter F. Drucker and Masatoshi Ito Graduate School of Management, MBA/PhD in Political Science
- Georgetown University, MPP/MBA in Government, Politics, and Policy (some classes are available online)
- Johns Hopkins University, Carey School of Business, MBA/MA in Government
- Stony Brook University, College of Business, MA in Public Policy/MBA (Hybrid)
Salary Outlook for Political Science MBA/MA Graduates
So what is this dual degree worth? U.S. News & World Report says, “among the 130 ranked full-time MBA programs that reported” data “to U.S. News in an annual survey, the overall average salary and bonus paid to 2018 graduates was $102,495. The numbers are even higher at selective business schools.”
At Stanford University, “the average salary and bonus among MBA graduates in 2018 exceeded $175,000.” And “at the 10 MBA programs where grads received the most generous compensation, which were all among the top 12 highest-ranked programs in the 2020 U.S. News Best Business Schools rankings, the average salary and bonus was a whopping $166,999.”
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that political scientists average $117,570 annually. High performers average $148,950 to $164,200. Those in the two highest paying industries for political scientists earn $126,700 annually (federal executive branch) and $117,070 (scientific research and development services).
Considering an Online MBA? Use our interactive map to find information on schools and colleges offering Online MBA programs in your state and across the U.S.
Sources
CU Denver Business School. University of Colorado-Denver. 2017. Web. 24 Jun. 2019.
Gobel, Reyna. "Maximize Graduate School With a Dual Degree." U.S. News & World Report Education. U.S. News & World Report, 13 Mar. 2013. Web. 13 Jan. 2016.
Marquette University. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Jan. 2016.
Kowarski, Ilana. "Find MBAs That Lead to Employment, High Salaries." U.S. News & World Report Education. U.S. News & World Report L.P., 13 Mar. 2019. Web. 24 Jun. 2019.
“MBA/MA Political Science.” Graduate School of Management. Marquette University, 2019. Web. 24 Jun. 2019.
"19-3094 Political Scientists." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 29 Mar. 2019. Web. 24 Jun. 2019.
"Political Scientists." Occupational Outlook Handbook. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 12 Apr. 2019. Web. 24 Jun. 2019.
Zillman, Claire. "Congrats, MBA Grads! You're Getting a $45,000 Raise." Fortune - Leadership - Business School. Time Inc., 19 May 2015. Web. 13 Jan. 2016.
