Political psychology is an interdisciplinary field that applies theories of cognition, emotion, biology, personality and intergroup relationships to politics. While this field is similar to political science, there are some key differences. Political scientists focus primarily on examining political institutions and systems of government, whereas political psychologists focus on understanding the forces shaping individuals’ political beliefs and actions.
A political psychology master’s degree teaches you how to interpret the science behind political decision-making. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills needed to understand voter behavior, public opinion, campaign strategy and more. These insights can help explain why elections and other important political events unfold as they do.
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 helps 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.
Your courses break down 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 discover how to design experiments and obtain the information you need to better understand voters’ opinions and motivations.
The Master of Arts in political psychology explores the cognitive forces that influence political decision-making. In this program, you’ll examine voter behavior and learn how to apply this knowledge to political campaigns and communications.
In this political psychology master’s program, you’ll take courses that’ll help you understand the minds of voters and citizens. You’ll explore the forces that impact voters’ political decision-making and learn many of the skills you need to understand and influence these decisions.
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 who include:
- Fulbright American Scholars.
- Guggenheim Fellows.
- MacArthur Fellows.
- Nobel laureates.
The 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 become socially aware critical thinkers and global citizens.
students enrolled as of fall 2024
in research expenditures in FY23
interdisciplinary schools and departments
undergraduate degrees
graduate degrees
for humanities research, according to the National Science Foundation
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.
Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.00 = “A”) in the last 60 hours of a first bachelor’s degree or in an applicable master’s degree.
All applicants must submit:
- Graduate admission application.
- Official transcripts.
- Personal statement.
An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency.
There are no required admission examinations for this program.
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.”