James Madison University's M.A. in Political Science is a 10-month program with a concentration in European Union Policy Studies (EUPS). The program is based in Florence, Italy, though all coursework is held in English. While Florence is a global cultural destination, accessible to English speakers, students receive Italian language instruction in the fall at a level corresponding to their proficiency.

While in the program, students conduct applied assignments within their coursework and refine their cross-cultural competencies by working with a dynamic international faculty, by living abroad, and by talking with policy and political practitioners based in Europe and in the United States. These conversations take place in our facilities in Italy and via video conferencing. In addition, students participate in academic trips to Brussels (in the fall) and Rome (in the spring) in which they meet with various political & policy practitioners in and out of government.

In the summer session, professional development is a key focus as our students hold mock job interviews; create a professional portfolio of policy and political analyses; and conduct either an internship or an applied research project. The EUPS program prepares students for careers in politics and policy, government agencies, policy research & advocacy, government relations, consulting for the private sector, and nonprofit organizations.

To learn more about this program, we welcome you to explore this website's content -- including the embedded 60-second video tied to the banner photo on the top of this page.

To speak with the program director, current students, and our alumni, click on the link below to register for the next virtual information session held on Zoom.

Connect with JMU EUPS