Starting this fall, a small cohort of students will inaugurate a brand-new degree program built to equip Aggies with the skills needed to contribute to the study, development, and administration of policy in a data-rich world.

The Department of Political Science at the Bush School at Texas A&M proudly announces the launch of its Master of Science in Political Science program, offering an innovative graduate pathway that emphasizes rigorous analytical and quantitative training for students. Designed to bridge academic theory with professional practice, the curriculum equips graduates for diverse careers in government, consulting, data science, and public service. The degree is also built to position them for further doctoral study in political science or related social sciences. The program reflects the School’s commitment to developing versatile leaders with exceptional research and methodological skills: serving President Bush’s commitment to public service as a noble calling.

The degree is starting against the backdrop of a burgeoning demand for social-scientific expertise and broad expectation that top-level policy analysts and administrators need quantitative skills in addition to substantive expertise. The program debuts with an inaugural cohort of two students, marking a pivotal step in expanding the Bush School’s academic offerings. From its very outset, the initiative has sought to cultivate a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment, combining rigorous coursework with mentoring by accomplished faculty. Through this launch, the Department of Political Science reinforced its mission to train students who can adeptly navigate and shape an increasingly quantitative policy landscape.

“There’s clearly a demand for analysts and practitioners who can use data to make informed decisions,” according to Dr. Paul Kellstedt, Director of Graduate Studies. “This degree gives them those skills and positions them for further graduate study or immediate contribution to the workforce.” This statement underscores the School’s forward-looking approach—one that embraces methodological rigor, real-world applicability, and a mission-driven focus on public service and analytical distinction.

Students interested in applying for future semesters should visit the Political Science Department and contact kellstedt@tamu.edu with any questions.